Vernus E. Haverkamp, 83, of Seneca, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at his home.

Vernus was born November 23, 1932 on a farm north of Baileyville, Kansas to Edward B. and Mary Feldkamp Haverkamp. He attended country school District #10, Baileyville High School and St. Benedict High School.

He worked on the family farm, until he entered the Army on October 5, 1955. He was assigned to Battery B 267th Air Force Army Battalion, being honorably discharged on August 26, 1957. After service to his country, he returned to the Haverkamp homestead, where he lived until his death. He was the fourth generation to live and work the farm; his great-grandfather Henry Haverkamp first homesteaded the property.

On February 11, 1958 he married Mildred Wilhelm at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The couple celebrated 58 years of marriage.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the St. Joseph’s Society and the Knights of Columbus Council 1769. He was not afraid of hard work, and he took great pride in the crops he grew and the livestock he raised. He enjoyed NASCAR races, mechanical projects and Polka music.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred of the home; sons, Lynn (Sandy) Haverkamp of Home, Kansas, Wayne Haverkamp of Lawrence, Kansas, Arlen (Rhonda) Haverkamp of Seneca and Glen (Kandy) Haverkamp of Hanover, Kansas; a brother, Cletus Haverkamp of Corning; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Haverkamp on June 10, 2013; his sister, Elda Stallbaumer on May 26, 2014; and an infant grandson, Jeremiah Joseph Haverkamp on May 3, 1987.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM Monday, March 21, 2016 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Sunday, March 20th at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.