Avitus Francis Haverkamp, 89, of Wetmore, passed away June 17, 2019, at Life Care Center in Seneca, surrounded by his loving family. Avitus was born November 19, 1929, on the family farm in Kelly, Kansas, to George and Evelyn (Winkler) Haverkamp. He graduated from Kelly High School in 1947 and began farming with his father. He was a member of the Army National Guard from 1951-1952 and worked on a road crew in 1955. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church of Wetmore for 67 years.

On September 8, 1951, he married the love of his life, Elda Mae Phillips at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Seneca, Kansas. They made their home on a farm just outside of Wetmore for 65 years, before Avitus entered the nursing home and Elda moved to Seneca to be near her beloved. Avitus and Elda celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2001 and their 65th anniversary in 2016. He had a great passion for farming; raising crops, cattle, hogs and a Holstein dairy. The fall harvest was his favorite part of farming. He was one of the most hard-working men who never knew a stranger. Avitus was particular with everything, and he and his wife took pride in maintaining a well-kept farm. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards and puzzles, and was the happiest when surrounded by his family.

He leaves behind his wife, Elda Mae of Seneca; daughter’s Kathy (Jay) Wheeler, Wetmore; Lori (Bruce) Elliott, Lees Summit, MO; Gail (Jerry) Hermesch, Centralia and a son, Chris (Tracey) Haverkamp of Silver Lake. His legacy continues through 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He also leaves two brothers, Melvin (Carolyn) Haverkamp and George (Jolene) Haverkamp, both of Seneca and one sister, Georgina (Harlan) Holthaus, Baileyville.

He was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Francis Haverkamp in 1981; son-in-law, Jay Orville Wheeler in 2009; granddaughter, Alyssa Marie Elliott in 2010; great-grandson, Peyton Michael Topping in 2014; and granddaughter, Amanda Rae Elliott in 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Robert (Bob) Haverkamp and William (Bill) Haverkamp.

Rosary will be prayed at Lauer Funeral Home, Seneca, Kansas, on Wednesday, June 19th at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore on Thursday, June 20th at 10:30 AM with burial following at the Wetmore Cemetery.

Memorials will be designated at a later date and may be sent in care of the family.

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