Robert Francis Osterhaus, 90, of Summerfield, KS, died peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Life Care Nursing Home in Seneca, KS, where he had been a resident for the past 2 years.

He was born on September 1, 1934 in rural Seneca, the son of Henry A. and Frances (Holthaus) Osterhaus.  He was one of 13 children, the oldest son.

He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army from January 1955 - January 1957.  He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Summerfield and member of the Wymore American Legion.
 
Robert was married to Zita Hickman on April 10, 1958 at St. Bridget Catholic Church in rural Axtell, KS.

He worked as a carpenter for Love & Osterhaus Construction when he & Zita were first married.  His farming career began when he spotted a tractor for sale on the side of the road.  He was a talented mechanic who could fix almost anything.  Later he worked for Peschel Brothers Equipment / Kan Equip in Marysville, KS, part time.

Robert was a great storyteller who had an amazing memory for all things: people he’d met, communities he’d been a part of, and family history.  He loved to go dancing in the days when his body would allow, and enjoyed whole hog barbecues and softball games with family and friends.  He was always up for playing cards, pinochle or pitch, but playing euchre with the grandsons was his favorite.

Survivors of Robert are his wife of the home, children Rose (Marvin) Bernasek of Beattie, KS; Mike (Lori) Osterhaus of Beattie; Jim Osterhaus of Liberty, NE; Linda (Doug) Heinen of Axtell; Carol (Kent) Kuckelman of Axtell; Kathy (Jeff) Haller of Wamego, KS.  Siblings, Mildred Eisenbarth, Richard (Mary Kay) Osterhaus, Jerry (Judy) Osterhaus, Sharon (Dick) Broxterman, Jeanette (Elmer) Koch, Dennis (Kathleen) Osterhaus, brother-in law Gus Sandmann, 20 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandson Jeremy Bernasek, siblings Delores (Hap) Brucken, JoAnn Sandmann, Marvin (JoAnn) Osterhaus, Sister Immaculata (Mary Alice), Edward Osterhaus, Henry (Hank) Osterhaus, brother-in-law Don Eisenbarth.

A rosary will be prayed on Monday January 20, 2025 at 7 P.M. at the Holy Family Church in Summerfield, Kansas.  Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday January 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church in Summerfield.  Burial will be in St. Bridget Cemetery in rural Axtell.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Brad and Kevin Osterhaus, Jake and Zach Heinen, Kelton, Andrew, & Mitchell Kuckelman, and Nat Haller.

Memorials may be sent to the funeral home, designation to be determined later.
To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .