William H. “Bill” Huerter 91, of Seneca, passed away November 18, 2017, at Life Care Center in Seneca, KS.

Bill was born January 4, 1926 near Goff, KS.  He was the son of Emil and Valeria Johnstone Huerter.  He graduated from Goff High School in 1944.

Bill married Carolyn JoAnn Holthaus on October 16, 1947 at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, KS.  The couple celebrated 70 years of marriage.  They lived their entire lives in Nemaha County.   They were the parents of 2 children: Sharon and William J.

He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the St. Joseph Society, Bill was on the cemetery committee for many years and a church usher.

Bill grew up on a farm near Goff, KS.  He was self-employed as a plumber for 10 years.  He purchased his first backhoe in 1958 and started his own business, Huerter Excavation in Seneca, KS.  He completed many years of services to the community and rural areas before retiring at the age of 88.  Bill and his wife owned and operated Huerter Office Supply on Main Street.  He was grounds keeper at the Seneca Golf Course and Marysville Country Club for multiple years.  He was Mayor of Seneca in the 1960’s – 1970’s.  During this time, he was instrumental in bring CR Industries to Seneca, KS which provided employment to many. He also served as a municipal Judge for the city of Seneca for many years. Bill was also known to play the part of Santa Claus with Glenett Kohake as Mrs. Claus, visiting the nursing homes and where ever they were needed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Emil and Valeria Huerter.

Survivors are his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Sharon (Arthur) Rangel, Topeka; and son, Bill J. (Kathy) Huerter, Marysville.  Three grandchildren, Cynthia Priest, Kansas City, Michael Huerter, Wichita, and Sarah Wann, Hays.  One great grandchild; Joel Priest, Kansas City.  Brothers:  Robert Huerter, Chanute; James Huerter, Seneca; Alfred “Smitty” Huerter, Goff; and Daniel Huerter, Bellevue, NE.

A rosary was prayed at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca on Monday. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Fr. Arul Carasala on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Seneca. Draping of the pall was done by his children. The giftbearers were his children, Sharon Rangel and William J. Huerter;

Memorials in Bill’s memory will be designated at a later date, and may be sent in care of the family.