Josephine F. Stallbaumer, 94, of Seneca, KS, died Thursday, December 28, 2000, at Crestview Manor care home, where she had been a resident for two years.

She was born June 14, 1906, on a farm northwest of Kelly, the daughter of Bernard and Elizabeth Kampsen Rethman. She grew up there and attended the old Lincoln School. She did domestic work in the local area.

On June 22, 1927 she married Elmer G. Stallbaumer at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. They farmed northeast of Kelly and later northwest of Corning. They moved into Seneca in 1972. Her husband Elmer preceded her in death on April 17, 1972.

She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society at the church in Seneca. She was a member of the Arthur Mills Post #37 of the American Legion Auxiliary and a former member of St. Patrick’s Church in Corning, where she was active in the Altar Society. She liked to crochet, play cards, and took special interest in all of her grandchildren.

Survivors are three sons, Galen and Larry Stallbaumer, both of Corning and Gerald Stallbaumer of Topeka; six daughters, Patricia Lierz of Baileyville, Darlene Roeder of Seneca, Jo Ella Ronnebaum of Centralia, and Mary Beems, Diane McConnaughey, and Linda Feldkamp, all of Topeka; 30 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; three step grandchildren and eight step-great grandchildren.

Beside her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Donald Stallbaumer on September 7, 1980; two granddaughters, Mary Josephine Lierz on August 1, 1957, and Elizabeth Louise Lierz on April 6, 1963; and two great grandchildren, Jason Ronnebaum on August 6, 1981, and Paula Ronnebaum on May 27, 1992.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM Saturday at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Corning. A rosary will be prayed at 2 PM Friday, with a vigil prayer service at 7 PM Friday, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for Sts. Peter & Paul School, and sent in care of the family.