Thomas H. Koelzer, 61, of Seneca, Kansas, president of Koelzer Lumber Company, Inc on Main Street, died Wednesday, January 20, 1988 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. He had been receiving treatment for a heart valve infection and had surgery on December 27, 1987 to replace a valve. His death was due to further heart complications.

Tom was born February 4, 1926 in Seneca, the son of Urban E. and Georgiena Hogue Koelzer. Tom graduated from Sts. Peter & Paul Grade school and from Seneca Public high School in 1943. He attended the University of Kansas and on July 27, 1944 entered the U.S. Army Air Corps for cadet training. When he was discharged in October 26, 1945, he returned to KU and also joined his father as the third generation at Koelzer Lumber Company. His son Jim is now the fourth generation running the family business. In 1948 he began managing the Koelzer Lumber Company in Bern.

On June 23, 1949, he Married Virginia Eis in Seneca. They lived in Bern for a year and moved to Seneca in 1950, where they have been active community members.

Tom was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, St. Joseph Society, the Knights of Columbus Council #1769, member and past commander of the Earle Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion, member and past president of the Seneca Rotary Club, the Seneca Chamber of Commerce and the Mo-Kan Lumberman’s Association. While at KU he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He was also active member of the Seneca Golf Club and the Seneca Squares, a square dancing club. Tom was honored with an award for his long-time support of the Nemaha County 4-H Clubs.

Survivors include his wife Virginia of the home; his two sons James Koelzer of Seneca and Rick Koelzer of Topeka; three daughters, Joyce Akers of Tyro, Kansas, Dr. Anita Shaw of Aurora, Colorado and Nancy Koelzer of Topeka; his mother Georgiena Koelzer of Seneca; four sisters, Geraldine Smith of Lakewood, Colorado, Jane O’Hara of Topeka, Sr. Janice Koelzer OSJ and Joan Richards, both of Manhattan; and six grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Friday, January 22, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. A rosary was prayed on Thursday evening, January 21, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be given for Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.