Joseph (Joe) W. Altenhofen, 90, of Seneca, died on February 17, 2023, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Joseph born on March 20, 1932, at home of William P. & Elizabeth Gudenkauf-Altenhofen in Seneca, KS. Joe was the youngest of 6 children. Joe lived in Seneca, KS and attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School (SPPS). While attending high school, in 1948 his parents moved to Kansas City, KS for work, but Joe was able to stay with his sister Rita and brother-in-law Fritz, to continue school at SPPS and graduate from high school in 1950. During high school Joe worked for Seneca Florist, Mealys Grocery Store, and Hoffman Station. After high school graduation, Joe moved to K.C., KS to live with his parents and took a position in the parts department at Andy Klein- Pontiac, Overland Park, KS.

On August 16, 1952, he married his High School sweetheart, Betty (Elizabeth) Rettele. The two were married in the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, KS. The newlywed couple decided to continue living and working in K.C., MO. after their nuptial until January of 1953, when Joe was called to serve in the Korean War with the United States Army. His first deployment assignment was at Camp Roberts in California, until June 1953 when he was transferred overseas. Joe- overseas military duties was the Company Clerk with rank of Corporal until December 1954. On December 24, 1954, after he was discharged from the military, he arrived back to Seneca, KS. Upon his arrival Joe met his first-born child (a son), for the first time, on that Christmas eve. After his return, Joe and Betty decided to stay to work and raise their family in Seneca, KS, which started with their first born in the fall of 1953 and the last born in the fall of 1967 (four others in between).

Joe became employed by Cooksey Auto Parts, Co. Seneca, KS. While employed at Cooksey, in 1958 on a Saturday afternoon it was discovered the west wall of the store was cracking and it was reported. The following Sunday morning when the paper boy threw the newspaper to the above apartment and before he got across the street the building fell in. It was a shock when Joe received the call. Thank GOD there was no one home in the apartment. The store closed and moved over to the Usher Building. In 1969, Cooksey was sold, and Joe went to work for Gleason Chevrolet Parts Department. After one year with Gleason, Joe became an agent for 15 years for the Skelly Oil Co which later became the Altenhofen Oil Company. Joe delivered bulk gas to numerous farming families in the community until 1985 when he sold the gasoline business and became a licensed insurance agent for Farmers Insurance Group until he retired in 1999, but remain an agent with Fankhauser Ins. Co. for a few more years. Then in February 1998, he and wife Betty decided to start managing the Seneca Peppertree Sugar Apartments in Seneca, KS, and several years later took over managing the Sugartree Apartment in Marysville, KS. The two continued to manage the apartment until retiring in October 2015.

The Joe and Betty Altenhofen family were active members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (SPPS). He was a member of the St. Joseph- Society. He volunteered in different position at SPPS parish, such as, counting the 1st Sunday of each month collections, trained new mass servers, taught High School CCD, taking communion to the homebound and Life Care, assisted with the annual church picnic for years, and volunteered his time with many different parish building projects.

Joe was voted to be a member of the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department in January 1961. Joe served a total of 20 years with the Seneca Fire Department. He served 10 of his 20 years as the Fire Chief and various other leadership roles. He assisted with the restoring the 1922 Stutz Firetruck. After retirement, he continued to be a mentor for new firemen.

Joe was a Life member of American Legion serving as Adjutant, VFW member helping with bingo and volunteered for15 years to attend and read the Military Honors for funeral services. He spent 40 years serving the Boy Scouts and serving on the Eagle Scout Board. He was a member of Rod & Gun, Seneca Square Dance Club, Moose Clubs, Lions Club, and Silver Hair Legislature. He served on the Hospital Medical Service Board for nine years, and NEKCAP Board for 12 years. He was a member of the Seneca Travel, Tourism Advisory Council, and delivered Meals on Wheels to the community.

In 1992 and 1994, the Altenhofen family hosted a high school exchange student, Frank Luzsicza was from Yugoslavia. Frank returned to attend college, become an American citizen, and marry Amanda. Amanda and Frank have a son Chandler. Frank and family continue to be part of the Altenhofen family.

Joe with his wife enjoyed watching their family grow up, host family gatherings, have grandchildren spend time with them, and traveling to see family/friends, and/or for leisure. The leisure travel allowed them to enjoy the experience of visiting 49 of the 50 states of USA, except for Hawaii (because there is no highway to get there), Mexico, and Canada together.

Proceeded in death: by his parents; brothers: Cyril Altenhofen and Donald Altenhofen; sisters: Wilhelmina Masters, Rita Holthaus, and Granddaughter: Angela M Altenhofen

He is survived by his wife Betty of 70 years, five sons, and one daughter: Craig (Bernie)- Seneca, KS, Bill (Marilee)-Kansas City, MO, Boyd (Donna)-Seneca, KS; Dean (Mary)-Westmoreland, KS; Lisbeth (John)-Lenexa, KS; Chris (Renae)-Leawood, KS; 10 grandsons and 1 step grandson, 8 granddaughters, 14 great grandson, 2 step great grandsons,12 great granddaughters and new great grandchildren on the way. A sister: Anita and husband Francis Wichman and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be prayed at 10:30 Friday, February 24, 2023 prior to the Mass of Christian Burial which will be at 11:00 AM Friday, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.

Memorial may be left in s memory to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School (SPPS) and/or Nemaha Valley Community Hospital Building Fund, and/or Seneca Fire Department Stutz Restoration Fund.

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