• In Memory Of

divider

Click for full sized image

Rose Marie "Gudenkauf" Cleland

Seneca, Kansas

08/19/1935 - 06/11/2020

R. Marie (Gudenkauf) Cleland ,84, passed peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, Kansas.

She was born on August 19, 1935 at home, northeast of Seneca, Kansas to Joe and Rose (Tanking) Gudenkauf. Marie attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Schools in Seneca, Kansas, where she graduated in 1953. After graduation she moved to Topeka, Kansas. She was employed with Southwestern Bell for 32 years. In her early years of employment, she worked her lunch hour at The Snack Bar where she met her future husband, Shirley Cleland. They were united in marriage March 4, 1966 in Miami, Oklahoma. The coupe both worked in Topeka until retirement. In 1990, the couple relocated their home to Seneca; due to Highway 75 being widened.

Marie loved gardening and her chickens. She never met a stranger and all were welcome in her home. Many knew her simply as “Grandma”.

She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Altar Society, and the American Legion Auxiliary all of Seneca.

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 49 years, Shirley on January 3, 2015; her parents, Joe on December 4, 1989 and Rose on November 9, 1993; and her brothers, Danny and Bob on January 13, 1999.

She is survived by her son, Charles Cleland and her daughter, Shirley “Cis” (John) Schraad, both of Seneca. Other survivors include her sisters, Maxine Koehler, JoAnn Mitchell, Vivian (Jim) Martin, Betty (Mark) Hermesch, Janell (Frank) Niehues and brother, Gene (Erica) Gudenkauf. In addition, Marie is survived by her grandsons, Brandon, Brandon Dee, Jeremy, Charlie, Joshua, Lucas, and great- grandchildren Alexis, Paxton, Beau, Aria, Bailey and Wren, who were her greatest joy in life.

A rosary will be prayed at 2 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM on Monday, June 15, 2020 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.

Memorials can be given in Marie’s memory are to be designated at a later date, and sent in care of the family.

A Rosary will be prayed at 2 PM, Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM, Monday, June 15, 2020 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.

the mass link is,

https://youtu.be/9LfegjybGxs

A Rosary will be prayed at 2 PM, Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM, Monday, June 15, 2020 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.

the mass link is,

https://youtu.be/9LfegjybGxs

 

  • Subscribe

divider

  • Share This Obituary

  • Condolences

divider

9 Comments

  1. Tom on June 12, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    Marie was a great woman and you never had to worry about what she was thinking. She will be missed!

    • Ellen Brentine on June 15, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      Our thoughts, condolences and prayers are with Marie’s family at this time of great loss. I first met Marie and Shirley in the 1970’s when “Tiger” and “Cissy” were my students. It was a great experience knowing these four wonderful people. I will always remember Marie for her faith and generosity. May she now Rest In Peace. Tiger and Cissy, I am so sorry for your great loss. Much love from Frank and me, Ellen Brentine. Topeka

  2. Jan Heinz on June 14, 2020 at 11:21 am

    I met Marie at SWBT. She was always so friendly and knew EVERYONE. What a character she was and do much fun. The thing I liked was that you always knew what she thought and where you stood with her. I was so surprised to see that Marie had passed. I had sent her a note several weeks ago and hadn’t heard back from her. Our phone calls could go on for an hour as we had so much to catch up on.
    She was a great lady that will be missed.
    I am so sorry for your loss.

  3. Karen Stith on June 14, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    Sincere sympathy to Marie’s family. I met her at SWBT. She was always so friendly and nice. We lost touch when I left Bell but reconnected years later. She was so proud of her family and loved her big garden and chickens. Will miss our phone calls but know she is at peace with her Shirl.

  4. Mike Simmons on June 14, 2020 at 1:32 pm

    An awesome Lady. We enjoyed the years we were able to spend with her and Shirley with the American Legion. We will miss yearly letters. She will be missed by many, forgotten by done. May bless you, your Family and your Friends.

    Mike & Phyllis Simmons.

  5. Jan Heinz on June 14, 2020 at 1:51 pm

    I met Marie at SWBT. She was always so friendly and knew EVERYONE. What a character she was and so much fun. The thing I liked was that you always knew what she thought and where you stood with her. I was so surprised to see that Marie had passed. I had sent her a note several weeks ago and hadn’t heard back from her. Our phone calls could go on for an hour as we had so much to catch up on.
    She was a great lady that will be missed.
    I am so sorry for your loss.

  6. Lisa Zeller on June 15, 2020 at 6:58 am

    We are so sorry to hear that Marie had passed. I really enjoyed visiting with her, she was a sweet kind Lady. I know she will be deeply missed by anyone who met her.
    Our thoughts are with you all.
    The Short’s

  7. Kayla Hulsing on June 18, 2020 at 9:57 pm

    Sympathy to your family. What a wonderful lady. I am sure the reunion of her and Shirley was so very sweet.

  8. Connie Ronnebaum on June 22, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    My sympathy to the family. What a wonderful person. Caring and always happy when i was around her.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply