Mark Fangman, 81, of Seneca, Kansas, died at his home on Monday, September 21, 2009, after a long battle with cancer that began in 1991.

He was born in Sabetha, Kansas, on November 7, 1927, the son of George and Irene Stallbaumer Fangman. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in St. Benedict in 1947.

On May 26, 1951, he married Rosalia Boeding at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly. The couple farmed and raised their family northeast of Seneca. They moved to Seneca in 1987; Mark continued to farm until his death. Mark and Rosie recently celebrated 58 years of marriage.

Mark was a farmer, stockman and dairyman; he enjoyed farming and was a very hard worker. Mark was a John Deere toy collector and drove a John Deere tractor for 73 years of his life. He found great enjoyment in playing cards with family and friends.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca and St. Joseph’s Society at the church. He was a former member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict and served on the St. Mary’s church council.

Mark was a very loving husband and father who always enjoyed visiting friends and family.

Besides his wife Rosie of the home he is survived by his five daughters, Judy (Bill) Schmelzle of Salina, Diane (Fred) Strunk of Shenandoah, Iowa, Mary Beth (Gerard) Steinlage of Corning, Alice (Joe) Sperfslage of Sabetha and Jane (Duane) Tanking of Seneca; his four sons, Greg (Judy) and Steve Fangman, both of Seneca, Bob (Lisa) Fangman of Ottawa, and Joe (Laurie) Fangman of Cosby, Missouri; his brothers, Bill Fangman of Newton, Richard Fangman of Silver Lake, and Eugene Fangman of Seneca; his sisters, Grace (Bill) Kohake of Seneca and Theresa Beaty of Kansas City; 34 grandchildren, three great-granddaughters and seven great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George in 1980 and Irene in 1935, his stepmother Aurelia Fangman in 1999, and his brothers Fr. Wilfred Fangman, Leo Fangman, Tom Fangman and an infant brother James.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Wedesday, September 23, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM Thursday, September 24, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be given in Mark’s memory for Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery or the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, and sent in care of the family.