In Memory Of
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Richard J. Vondemkamp
Seneca, Kansas
01/20/1931 - 05/23/2024
Richard J. Vondemkamp, 93, of Seneca, died on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Life Care Center of Seneca.
Richard was born on January 20, 1931, to Charles and Amelia Hutfles Vondemkamp. He grew up in Kelly area and attended Kelly Grade School and St. Bede’s High School, graduating in 1949.
As a young man, he helped his father on the family farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952. He served during the Korean War and was stationed on the U.S.S. Constitution and was discharged at the rank of Hospitalman Third Class USN-1, on December 16, 1954.
On April 17, 1956, Richard married Mary Ann Robke at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. They were married for 65 years, before her death. They lived and farmed southeast of Centralia for 40 years; before he retired to Seneca in 1996.
Rich was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. He was a member of the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21.
Rich was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann on September 11, 2021; his parents, Charles on July 31, 1980, and Amelia on December 18, 1989; his son-in- law, Robert Lada; and brothers, Tom, and Leland.
He is survived by his sons, Mike Vondemkamp of St. Joseph, Missouri and Tim (Bernadette) Vondemkamp of Argyle, Texas and two daughters, Linda Lada of Wamego and Diane (Curt) Carlisle of Joplin, Missouri; a sister, Mary Jo Selph of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Rosaries will be prayed at 7 PM on Monday, May 27, 2024, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Full military honors will be provided by the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21. A flag line will be provided by the American Legion Riders Post #21. The burial will be at St. Bede’s Cemetery in Kelly
Memorials to be given in Richard’s memory are to the Life Care Center of Seneca and/or Seneca Veterans’ Museum and sent in care of the family.
Rosaries will be prayed at 7 PM on Monday, May 27, 2024, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Full military honors will be provided by the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21. A flag line will be provided by the American Legion Riders Post #21.
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We are sorry for your loss. He lived a long life filled with a loving family and a great attitude. All the pictures we saw he was always beaming! You all can be very proud to be Vondemkamp’s. We just wish we could have met Rich and Mary Ann.
So happy he is with the Lord now.
Oh Linda…I am so sorry about your sweet Daddy! I will miss hearing about and seeing your fun travel pictures with him on Facebook and at the Beauty Shop!
May God bring you and your family comfort…until you join him for eternity!! God Bless You All. 🥰
Linda, Mike, Tim & Diane!
Got the news from Tim Wagner and my heart just sank. Never a dull moment with Richie and always lively conversation. Always a fun visit with Mary Ann and Richie together recollecting my time growing up at Charlie’s or on a fence line hunting the Asher Place every Thanksgiving. I always saw the siblings smile come out in both of you and always will. To the guy that taught Mike how to throw that nasty Knuckleball who then tried to teach me, I looked for that grip in the provided picture knowing from your smile that you’re about to toss someone either a Close Shave or dancing Chin Music! Play On Richie, Play On!