Gerald J Rottinghaus, age 81, of Seneca, KS, went to be with his Heavenly Father on June 4, 2026.
Born on December 7, 1944 in Seneca, KS, Jerry was the beloved child of Frank and Emma Krogman Rottinghaus. He grew up in Seneca and graduated from SPPS high school in 1962 and attended a year at St. Benedict’s College. Jerry developed a successful career as a dairy farmer and was awarded for his many farming achievements. 
On October14, 1967, Jerry married Paula Jo Kohake at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.
Jerry joined the Kansas National Guard in 1965 and served in the Viet Nam War in the 69th Infantry Brigade. He was a co-owner of the Rottinghaus Holstein Farm.  For twenty years he was active with the Northeast Kansas Dairy Association as both a delegate for national Conventions and as chairman of the board. In addition, he was chairman of Rural Water District #3 Board for twenty-five years. He and his wife won Outstanding Young Dairy Couple of the Mid-America Dairymen Association.
He was an active member of the Saints Peter and Paul parish, member of the parish council, church choir, Knights of Columbus Council 1769, and Knights of Columbus choir, taught CCD, and was a Eucharistic minister.  He was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He served as chairman of Nemaha County STEP foundation for ten years.
Jerry enjoyed visiting with family and friends, playing cards, fishing, and anything that involved nature and the farm. Jerry found great joy in spending time with family and friends. Jerry will be remembered for his ornery jokes and his love of children. He was definitely a child at heart.  His extra strong work ethic never went unnoticed! We all came to know and love him for his ability to make everyone understand that life is worth living.
Jerry joined the Kansas National Guard in 1965 and served in the Viet Nam War in the 69th Infantry Brigade. He was a co-owner of the Rottinghaus Holstein Farm.  For twenty years he was active with the Northeast Kansas Dairy Association as both a delegate for national Conventions and as chairman of the board. In addition, he was chairman of Rural Water District #3 Board for twenty-five years. He and his wife won Outstanding Young Dairy Couple of the Mid-America Dairymen Association.
He was an active member of the Sts. Peter and Paul parish, member of the parish council, church choir, Knights of Columbus, and Knights of Columbus choir, taught CCD, and was a Eucharistic minister.  He was also a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He served as chairman of Nemaha County STEP foundation for ten years.
Jerry enjoyed giving farm tours to young children (including FFA and 4-H members and grade school kids). He thoroughly loved spending time playing with and educating his four children and twelve grandchildren as he taught them many valuable life lessons. Jerry loved sports, his flowers, cheating at cards, playing pranks, eating ice cream, and making peanut clusters.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Emma Rottinghaus, a brother Michael and his sister Gladys Stallbaumer.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Paula, of 58 years. Together they had four children: Theresa and (Rob) Pettay of Wamego, Brian and (Diana) of Overland Park, Ted and (Marci) Rottinghaus of Seneca, Valerie and (Tom) Scott of Seneca. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren: Jacey (Brett) Burdiek, Alexis Pettay, Jack (Grace) Rottinghaus, Emma (Mack) McIntosh, Victoria Pettay, Abe Rottinghaus, Jenna (Jake) Hundley, Kinsey Scott, Drew Pettay, Cooper Scott, and Carli Rottinghaus. Jerry was the youngest brother to seven sisters and two brothers: Walt, John, Gladys, Joanie, Sister Pia, Sister Michael Marie, Viola, Frannie, and Eppie.
Jerry will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. He was a wonderful role model and example of God’s unconditional love.
A visitation will begin at 12:00 on Sunday June 7th with a rosary following at 2:00 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital or Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School.