Donald G. “Donnie” Sperfslage, 81, of Seneca, KS, died early Friday morning, January 18, 2008 at the Hiawatha Community Hospital in Hiawatha.

Donnie was born on February 7, 1926 in Greeley, IA, the son of Henry and Regina Deters Sperfslage. In January 1927 the family moved to a farm north of Seneca and in 1936 to a farm south of Oneida. Donnie attended St. Benedict and Pleasant View School, graduating from the 8th grade. After graduation, he helped on the family farm, tending to and feeding cattle and hogs, and assisting with the family dairy operation.

On November 5, 1953, he married Mary Ann Suther at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Frankfort. The couple enjoyed 54 years of marriage. They raised their family on the farm south of Oneida, where they had a dairy and hog operation. His wife Mary Ann survives of the home.

Donnie was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Besides his wife Mary Ann, he is survived by six sons, Joe of Sabetha, Bill of Goff, and Steve, Frank, Gene and Ben, all of Seneca; six daughters, Louise Tanking of Netawaka, Marie Olberding and Betty Olberding, both of Seneca, Linda Cox of Beloit, Karen Macke of Baileyville, and Susan Dressman of Sabetha; a sister, Helen Gyhra of Steinauer, NE; 45 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Irvin and Emmett, Richard (infant), and Louis (infant); and his sisters Charlotte Deters and Mary Gyhra.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM on Monday, January 21, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 8 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials can be given for Sts. Peter and Paul’s Community Center, and sent in care of the family.