Leon F. Osterhaus, 80, of Seneca, KS, died on Thursday morning, March 21, 2019, at the Crestview Nursing and Residential Living in Seneca.
Leon was born on April 11, 1938, in Seneca to John Francis and Elizabeth Huninghake Osterhaus. While Leon was quite young the family moved to a farm north of Sabetha. He was2 years old before the family moved in 1941 to a farm north of Oneida. He attended school in Oneida, and graduated from the 8th grade and graduated from Oneida High School. Leon helped on the family farm before joining the National Guard in 1959, serving for seven years. He remained active on the family farm where he and his brother Elmer learned the trade of blacksmithing from their father. His father died suddenly on August 6, 1959. Leon continued to farm with his brother, and they built and operated a blacksmith shop in Oneida. He was instrumental in securing access to the rural water system for Oneida.
In 1965, Leon and Elmer sold their blacksmith shop to Roger Allen. They also sold the farm and he, Elmer, and their mother moved to Seneca.
After selling the business in 1965 Leon had a few jobs in Kansas City before returning to the area and went to work for Mac and was a supervisor for 12 years and then opened up his own welding business called Osterhaus welding in 1980. After his health started to decline, he was no longer able to do the welding so he closed his shop and went to work for Sac & Fox Casino for 5 years and the retired. Leon was a tinkerer and making and creating many items for site, like a turning flower, weather vanes, grabbers, and so forth as there was too many to mention. To put it plain and simple he just like to work.
Leon married Barbara L. “Bobbie” Stallbaumer on July 3, 1965 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning. The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage this year.
Leon was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. He was a dedicated husband, son, father, brother, and grandfather.
Leon was very devoted to the church where he was an usher for the Sunday morning mass. He also made all of the seating for the Labor Day church picnic. Leon always lending a helpful hand. Leon took pleasure in camping, hunting, and being outdoors.
Survivors are her sons, John Osterhaus of Seneca, Tim (Sandra) Osterhaus of Jonesborough, Tennessee; her daughters Angela House of Seneca and Stacy (Kirby) Vaughn of Frankfort; a sister Leona Nichols of Dallas, TX and four grandchildren Caitlyn House, Jo Beth Davis, Kyle Vaughn and Kaci Vaughn.
He was preceded in death by his wife Bobbie on August 9, 2015, his daughter Tracy Ann Osterhaus on September 5, 1970, his mother Elizabeth on May 19, 2000, a brother Elmer on November 7, 2008.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Monday, March 25, 2019 at Sts. Peter & Paul in Seneca. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.
Memorials will be designated at a later date for Leon’s and sent in care of the family.
