Gerald Francis Holthaus,79 of Seneca, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital on June 1, 2022.

Gerald was born at Vermillion, Kansas, the son of Gregory and Henrietta Hulsing Holthaus on Dec. 10, 1942. He attended St. Mary’s School, St. Benedict, Kansas, thru his sophomore year when his parents moved to Axtell, Kansas, where he graduated in 1960. He attended Benedictine College for two years before enlisting in the Kansas National Guard in 1963. His unit was activated in 1968 due to Vietnam Conflict. He was honorably discharged in August 1969 with rank of Staff Sargent E-6.

On October 10, 1964, Jerry married Iris Stueve at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell.

They made their home in Topeka, Kansas, where Jerry was employed by Good Year Tire and Rubber. He retired in 2004 after 40 years as the Midwest Logistic and Distribution Manager. After retiring he did volunteer work for St. Francis Hospital, Topeka and Red Cross. He also worked at Dillons Grocery, Topeka.

Jerry was a member of St. Peter and Paul Church, St. Joseph Society, and a honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1769. Which he was very proud. He loved to sing in their choir.

Jerry had a passion for sports and loved watching his daughters play and his grandchildren. He really enjoyed seeing his little great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ava L. Steinlage on April 28, 2011; a son-in-law, Frank Hulsing on November 24, 2018; his parents, Gregory Holthaus on January 12, 2001 and Henrietta Holthaus on March 17, 2013; his brother, Victor Holthaus on August 6, 2018; and a nephew, Eric Holthaus on June 16, 2018. Also, his great pal, Buffy.

Gerald is survived by his wife Iris, four daughters, Stephanie Hulsing (Fiancé) Dale Haverkamp of Seneca, Anissa (Corey) Bloom of Wetmore, Chantel (Ron) Heinen of Seneca and Shana (David) Steinlage of Centralia; and two brothers, Duane (Marleen) Holthaus and Richard (Carol) Holthaus both of Axtell; a sister, Mary Beth (Tom) Haverkamp of Seneca; 14 grandchildren; and nine great -grandchildren, with two on the way.

Rosaries were held at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca on Friday, June 3, at 2 and 7 p.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Fr. Arul Carasala and con-celebrated by Fr. Jim Shaughnessy and Fr. Reggie Saldanha on Saturday, June 4  at 10 am at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The pall, that was placed on his casket, was draped by his wife and daughters. The servers were Faith Bloom, Claire Heinen and Carlee Steinlage. Music was provided by the Knights of Columbus.

The lector was is son-in-law David Steinlage. The giftbearers were his granddaughters, Shannon Henry, Brooke Lococo, Cassidy Eisenbarth and Kaitlyn Schuetz.

The pallbearers were his grandsons, Jerald Hulsing, Kenton Bloom, Kyle Bloom, Tyler Heinen, Marcus Heinen, Daegan Steinlage and Will Steinlage. The burial was in the church cemetery.

Full military honors were provided by the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21. A flag line was provided by the American Legion Riders Post #21.

Memorials may be left in Gerald’s name to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and/or the Baileyville Benefit, sent in care of the family.

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