Donald Schurman, 73, of Seneca found his eternal peace on Thursday, December 6, 2018, as a result of health issues that compounded from a 2004 stroke.

Don was born in Seneca on November 15, 1945 to Lawrence and Nora Wichman Schurman.  He attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School; and graduated in 1963.  The early years of parochial school shaped the man he became, and strengthened his ties to his faith.  He was actively involved with marriage prep classes, he taught CCD classes, was an usher and was one of the original members of Sts. Peter & Paul’s Adoration.

On April 24, 1965 he married Shirley Heinen at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly.  The couple celebrated 53 years of marriage based on love, faith and hard work. As a young married couple, they lived and farmed near Kelly. They moved to Emmitt, Kansas, where Don sold Insurance for three years.  They moved back to Seneca, and Don farmed his family farm until he suffered a stroke.  In 1978, Don and Shirley started Sure Crop Fertilizer in Seneca; a business Don’s family continues to own and operate.  Don often lobbied in Washington, DC on behalf of Kansas farmers.  He was also a past Director of NFO.

Don was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Society and the Knights of Columbus Council 1769. He enjoyed collecting antique tractors, toy tractors and visiting with fellow farmers throughout the United States.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Natalie and his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Seneca, children, Cory (Deanna) Schurman of Steamboat Island, Iowa, Monae (Doug) Schmelzle of Seneca and Shanon Schurman of Seneca; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 11th at 10 a.m. at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.  Rosaries will be prayed on Monday, December 10th at 2 & 7 PM at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.  Burial will be in St. Bede’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are for Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church Stained Glass Window Fund, sent in care of the family.