Kenneth (Kenny) J. Olberding, 92, of St.  Benedict, passed away on September 15, 2019, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born the oldest child of Lawrence L. and Rose Wessel Olberding on March 28, 1927. His father passed away when Kenny was 4 years old. His life as a hard-working farmer began early. He graduated from 8th grade at St. Mary School in St. Benedict .

He met the love of his life, Lorena Steinlage, at a dance and they were married on August 12, 1953, at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, KS. The couple made their home on a farm west of St. Benedict where they were blessed with five children.

The family engaged in farming, dairy, and livestock. Kenny never really did
retire but continued to farm with his son and grandsons, offering advice and
assistance even after stepping back from day-to-day operations.

Lorena and Kenny enjoyed travel, taking journeys throughout the United States and as far away as Rome. When at home, they were enthusiastic members of Seneca Squares.

Kenny enjoyed taking bike rides, swimming, chair-aerobics, crop touring, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was determined to stay active and independent.

He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, KS, where he served on the Finance Council and taught CCD classes. He served as an ombudsman and also volunteered his time at Crestview and Lifecare Nursing Homes.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorena, September 10, 1998 and his granddaughter, Lauren Knieling, August 19, 2006.

He is survived by his children: Jane (Ken) Knieling of Cookeville, TN; Alice (Jim) Schmitz of Frankfort; Larry (Betty) Olberding of Seneca; Susan (Daniel) Rodenbaugh of Rossville; and Mary Jo Mason of Kansas City; his sister, Lucille Fisher of Crete, NE; half-siblings: Ferdinand Deters of Seneca; Mary Ann Haverkamp of Baileyville; and Rita Feldkamp of Seneca; as well as seventeen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, with four on the way in November!

Rosary will be prayed at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on September 18, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, KS. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be designated to the electrical re-wiring fund at St Mary’s
Church.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .