Paul A. Rilinger, 83, of Seneca, Kansas died on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Paul was born on July 3, 1934 on a farm north of Seneca, to George J. and Mary E, Fangman Rilinger. Paul attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in St. Benedict, Kansas. As a young man, he helped his father on the farm, before enlisting in the United States Army. He served his country from August 22, 1956 until July 26, 1963.  He was honorably discharged; receiving the Marksman & the Good Conduct Medals.

On April 3, 1961 Paul married Karen Heinen at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The couple celebrated 56 years of marriage.  They farmed his family homestead until they moved to Seneca in 2014.

Paul was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and St. Joseph Society.  He was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council and the Restoration Committee for the church.  He enjoyed hunting, farming, fishing, raising cattle and hogs.  He adored dancing.   He loved his family—his kids and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Brian G. Rilinger on September 22, 1964; a grandson, Jeremy L Schottel on January 21, 2008; his parents, George on March 4, 1993; his mother, Mary on March 10, 1961; and his brothers, Melvin on February 17, 1969, Albert on February 16, 2007, Aloysius on December 5, 2011, George on February 23, 2013 and Edgar on May 14, 2015.

Paul is survived by his wife Karen, his children, Michael (Lynn) Rilinger of Oskaloosa, Mark Rilinger of Seneca, Lora (Rod) Schottel of Savannah, Missouri and Kristi (Doug) Holthaus of Seneca; his brothers, Raymond Rilinger of Seneca and Emmett Rilinger of Parker, Colorado; his sisters, Sr. Dorothy Marie Rilinger, Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas, Ann Ruefer of Davenport, Iowa and Sr. Jean Marian Rilinger, Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, October 20th at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.  Burial will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in St. Benedict.  

Memorials can be given in Paul’s memory to St. Mary’s Church and or Sts. Peter and Paul Church, and sent in care of the family.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com.