Steven J. Wilhelm, 50, of Seneca, KS, died unexpectedly Saturday evening, February 17, 2007, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

Steven was born on December 20, 1956 at the Horton Hospital, the son of Irvin and Berniece Nolte Wilhelm. He attended grade school in Netawaka and graduated from Jackson Heights High School in 1974. After high school, he went to work for Lueck Grain Company in Netawaka for two years. Then in 1976 he was hired by Goodyear in Topeka, and after 30 years was still employed with the company at the time of his death.

On May 7, 1988, he married Rose Wessel at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly.

Steven was a devoted husband and father. He took pleasure in watching his daughter cheerlead at ball games and helping his son with Boy Scout projects. He loved woodworking and whittled during the winter months. He also enjoyed reading, metal detection, camping and fishing.

Steven was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church and the St. Joseph Society at the church in Seneca.

Survivors are his wife Rose of the home; a son, Alex of the home; and a daughter, Kristy of the home. His is also survived by his mother, Bernice of Netawaka; four brothers, Charles and Kenneth of Mayetta, Gene of Holton, and Kevin of Netawaka; and two sisters, Connie Gerhardt of Netawaka and Cheryl Buchanan of Overland Park.

His father Irvin preceded him in death on May 24, 2006.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 AM Thursday at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 6 PM Wednesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for the Kristy and Alex Education Fund, and sent in care of the family.