Melvin August “Mel” Osterhaus, 82, of Silver Lake, KS, formerly of Wetmore, passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Lexington Park in Topeka with his beloved wife by his side. He was born May 29, 1936 in Beattie, KS the son of Joseph A. and Josephine (Enneking) Osterhaus, Sr.

Melvin graduated from St. Benedict Catholic School in 1954. He joined the United States Army National Guard and proudly served as SSGT for 31 years. He coached St. James Catholic Grade School basketball for almost 5 years and loved to share stories of the kids and their talents. In addition, Melvin was a barber for 12 years in Wetmore and worked for Jackson Farmers CO-OP in Holton for 23 years. He also was a substitute mail carrier, drove the Wetmore school bus for 2 years and maintained and mowed the Wetmore Cemetery for 17years.

He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore for 55 years, a member of Wetmore American Legion Post 282, Charter Member of Wetmore Lion’s Club and Charter Member of Knights of Columbus.

Melvin’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was very proud of his kids, grandkids and especially enjoyed attending their school and sporting events. Melvin enjoyed working with his hands and being outdoors. He was well known for his expansive garden and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his garden with family and friends, during his years in Wetmore, he was well known for his generosity and kindness. He loved to help those who needed assistance and many in the community would be on the receiving end of his desire to “lend a hand”. Melvin knew no strangers and had a smile and conversation ready for everyone he met.

Melvin married Ellen Marie Banks on December 29, 1962 at the Fidelity Catholic Church in Fidelity, KS; they have celebrated over 55 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife Ellen Osterhaus, of the home; 2 sons, Mark Osterhaus of Lenexa, KS and Eric Osterhaus (Kelly) of Topeka, KS; 2 daughters, Greta Osterhaus-Herron (Nate) of Shawnee, KS and Evette Osterhaus of Silver Lake, KS; a sister, Gladys Osterhaus (Ennis) of Rockford, IL; 2 brothers, Clarence Osterhaus and Vince Osterhaus both of Topeka, KS and 6 grandchildren, Ryan, Brett, Andrew, Kate, Oliver and Simon.