Edith Mae (Olberding) Wassenberg, 92, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026 at home peacefully, surrounded by her family.

She was born April 18, 1933. The daughter of George F. and Elizabeth (Wessel) Olberding. She attended Sts. Peter and Paul School in Seneca and graduated in 1950. After graduation Edith moved to Topeka, KS and worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as a Comptometer Operator until 1954.

She married Leonard G. Wassenberg on July 27, 1954 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. The couple enjoyed 58 years of marriage until Leonard’s passing on March 2, 2013. Together they farmed in Vliets, KS until they moved to the Wassenberg home place in St. Benedict, KS. They built and operated the Starlight Motel in Seneca. After the sale of the motel, they lived in Mazatlán, Mexico. Following their time in Mexico, they spent time living in Chandler, AZ and Denver, CO. They also owned and operated the Gamble/Ace Hardware store in Seneca.

Edith and Leonard loved to travel. They visited many places around the globe throughout Europe, Central America, Mexico, and Russia. Every summer the entire family would travel around the United States, a favorite destination being Jackson Hole, WY. After retirement, Edith and Leonard enjoyed 15 years wintering in Texas, and another 15 years in Yuma, AZ where they kept a second home.
Edith was very active in the Altar Societies at St. Mary’s and Sts. Peter and Paul churches. She also spent time as a volunteer for her children’s different activities, including Cub Scout Leader. She enjoyed quilting, baking, playing with her card ladies, and was an avid Gunsmoke fan. But Edith’s true passion was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Edith was the strength at the center of the family, and the touchstone for all of her loved ones.
She is survived by her sister, Irene Heinen, of Kelly, KS, as well as 7 children, Michael (Maryanne) Wassenberg of Holly Hill, FL, Lynette (Greg) Stymfal of Tucson, AZ, Richard (Jean) Wassenberg of Seneca, Mary (Clint) Tegtmeier of Bern, Karen (Frank) Weingartner of Locust Grove, VA, James (Deena) Wassenberg of Falcon Heights, MN, Michelle (Rob) Browning of Paducah, KY; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Edith was preceded in death by her husband Leonard Wassenberg, two brothers Raymond and Robert Olberding, and sister Mildred Meyer.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday, January 21st at Lauer Funeral Home Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial at 11am on Thursday, January 22nd at Sts. Peter and Paul Church Seneca. Burial at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery to follow.

Memorial contributions can be given to the Sts. Peter and Paul Altar Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.