Lillis Leo Haverkamp, 81, of Seneca, KS, died Friday evening, March 2, 2012 at Crestview Manor care home in Seneca.

He was born August 30, 1930 in Seneca, to John F. and Theresa J. Olberding Haverkamp. At his birth the family lived north of St. Benedict; then in 1943, they moved a mile east of St. Benedict. He attended St. Mary’s School in St. Benedict. Lillis helped on the family farm, drove a city bus in Topeka and was a substitute driver for the Sabetha Creamery.

On January 21, 1958 he married Arlene H. Gress at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The couple farmed northwest of Seneca until 2008, when they moved to Seneca. Also in 2008, the couple publicly celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Lillis enjoyed being a farmer and a stockman all his life; he also enjoyed helping his brothers on their farms. His hobbies were fishing with his children when they were little, his grandchildren, playing cards, farm shows and everything about life as a farmer. Lillis was a very gentle talking, quiet man who always had time to visit with anyone.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Society and the Knights of Columbus Council 1769 in Seneca. He was a past member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, where he served on the parish council. He also served on the Rural Water District No. 3 Board for six years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth Haverkamp, and an infant brother, John Henry Haverkamp.

Survivors are Arlene, his wife of 54 years, of the home; three sons, Dennis Haverkamp of Bedford Village, NY, Tom Haverkamp and his wife Mary Beth of Seneca, and Paul Haverkamp and his wife Laura of McLouth, KS; two daughters, Janet Heideman and her husband Dennis of Baileyville, and Bonnie Meeks of Paola, KS; a brother, John Haverkamp of Seneca; four sisters, Angela Devillier of St. Marys, KS, Cecilia Kohake of Sabetha, Luella Curti of Seneca and Henrietta Dressman of Baileyville; and nine grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11 AM Monday, March 5, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM on Sunday, March 4, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given in Lillis’ name for Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.