Richard J. Vondemkamp, 93, of Seneca, died on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Life Care Center of Seneca.

Richard was born on January 20, 1931 to Charles and Amelia Hutfles Vondemkamp. He grew up in Kelly area and attended Kelly Grade School and St. Bede's High School, graduating in 1949.

As a young man, he helped his father on the family farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952. He served during the Korean War and was stationed on the U.S.S. Constitution and was discharged at the rank of Hospitalman Third Class USN-1, on December 16, 1954.

On April 17, 1956, Richard married Mary Ann Robke at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. They were married for 65 years; before her death. They lived and farmed southeast of Centralia for 40 years; before he retired to Seneca in 1996.

Rich was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. He was a member of the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21.

Rich was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann on September 11, 2021; his parents, Charles on July 31, 1980 and Amelia on December 18, 1989; his son-in- law, Robert Lada; and brothers, Tom and Leland.

He is survived by his sons, Mike Vondemkamp of St. Joseph, Missouri and Tim (Bernadett) Vondemkamp of Argyle, Texas and two daughters, Linda Lada of Wamego and Diane (Curt) Carlisle of Joplin, Missouri; a sister, Mary Jo Selph of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at 7 PM on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Full military honors will be provided by the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21. A flag line will be provided by the American Legion Riders Post #21.

Memorials to be given in Richard's memory are to the Seneca Veterans’ Museum and/or Life Care Center of Seneca, and sent in care of the family.

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