Robert E. Olberding, 76, of Falls City, NE, formerly of Seneca, KS, died Wednesday December 22, 2004, at the Community Medical Center in Falls City.

He was born January 11, 1928, on a farm southwest of Seneca, the son of George F. and Elizabeth Wessel Olberding. Robert attended Diamond School and Sts. Peter & Paul High School. He was a farmer and a stockman on the family farm where he lived and worked with his brother Raymond. For several years they cared for their aging parents.

On August 5, 2000, he married Arlene Henke at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. They lived in Falls City, and Robert returned often to help on the family farm. After he was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago, he was no longer able to farm.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Falls City and a former member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus #1769 in Seneca. In 1999 Robert was the winner of the Grassland Conservation Award given by the Nemaha County Conservation District and Sharps Brothers Seed Company. The award is given to land owners who do an exceptional job of managing their grasslands.

He enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing cards, and attending dances. Robert was a quiet, gentle person who amost always had a smile on his face. He had a very good relationship with his nieces and nephews.

Survivors are his wife Arlene Henke Olberding of Falls City; a stepson Harlan Henke of St. Joseph, MO; a stepdaughter, Trudy Wilgers of Overland Park, KS; a brother, Raymond F. Olberding of Seneca; three sisters, Mildred Meyer, Edith Wassenberg, and Irene Heinen, all of Seneca; five step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday, December 27, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Falls City, where he will lie in state one hour before the service. Burial will be at 2:30 PM Monday in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Seneca. Rosaries will be prayed at 3 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Seneca or Sacred Heart Endowment Fund in Falls City, and sent in care of the family.