Virginia M. Runnebaum, 97, of Seneca, died on July 3, 2020 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Virginia was born on a farm south of Baileyville on October 28, 1923 to Henry F. and Catherine C. Henry Heideman. She grew up in the Baileyville community and attended Sacred Heart Grade School; graduating from Baileyville High School in 1941. As a young woman she helped out at the home and worked for several families doing domestic work. For a short time, she worked for the Nemaha County Treasures Office.

On September 17, 1946, Virginia married Vernice L. Runnebaum at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly. The couple made their home on a farm near St. Benedict, Kansas. In 1976, Virginia began working as a Teacher’s Aide for B&B and at the School Library in St. Benedict. The couple raised ten children and they celebrated 36 years of marriage prior to Vernice passing away on May 3, 1983.  Virginia stayed on the farm until 2002 when she moved to Seneca.

Her family and her church were very important to her; as was being a 4-H leader in the Hustler’s 4-H Club for many years. She enjoyed crocheting and belonged to different card clubs. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the St. Ann’s Altar Society, former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict, prior to moving to Seneca.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by his parents; and her siblings, Sister Karen Heideman O.S.B. in 2002, Ray Heideman on May 24, 2013 and Gerald Heideman on January 6, 2019.

Virginia is survived by her sons, Dan (Carol) Runnebaum of Carbondale, Jim (Mrya) Runnebaum of Seneca, Vic (Thea) of Lindale, Texas, Greg (Mary) Runnebaum of Ft. Worth, Texas, Dave (Connie) Runnebaum of Seneca and Brad (Teri) Runnebaum of Leawood; her daughters,  Joan (Wayne) Kaff of Overbrook, Elaine (Lyle) Wikler of Colorado Springs, Colorado, LaVerne (Joe) Strathman of Axtell and Teresa (Pat) Henderson of Atchison;  siblings Bob Heideman, Ann Gress and Carolyn Osterhaus all of Seneca, Charlie Heideman of Topeka, Gene Heideman of Topeka, Rita Reed of Topeka, Tony Heideman and Ben Heideman both of Corning; 32 grandchildren; and 53 great-grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at Lauer Funeral Home on Sunday, July 5th at 2:00 PM. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, July 6, 2020 at 10:30 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.
Memorials contributions may be left in Virginia’s memory to the Seneca Knights of Columbus Parish House and/or St. Mary’s Cemetery.

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