In Memory Of
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William J. Osterhaus
Seneca, Kansas
04/26/1961 - 03/15/2026
William Joseph “Billy O” Osterhaus, 64, of Seneca, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Bill was born April 26, 1961, in Seneca, Kansas, to Joseph F. and Margaret A. (Graf) Osterhaus. He grew up in Seneca and attended Seneca Public Schools, graduating from Nemaha Valley High School with the Class of 1981.
Seneca was always home to Bill. In 1987, he began working for the City of Seneca, dedicating nearly 39 years of service to the community he loved. Through his work and daily efforts, he took great pride in helping keep Seneca looking its very best. Bill was looking forward to retiring this April and had plans to give back by helping with the Meals on Wheels program and attending more of the casino bingo games he enjoyed.
Known far and wide as “Billy O,” Bill was a familiar and colorful presence in the Seneca sports scene. If you attended local games, chances are you heard his voice. He served as a spirited commentator and enthusiastic supporter, especially devoted to girls’ sports including volleyball and basketball, as well as American Legion Baseball and Nemaha Central football and basketball. Being part of the school community and supporting its students brought him immense joy. Bill was a follower of the Kelly baseball and softball as he rarely missed a game.
Bill also volunteered his time with SCTV as a camera operator for sporting events, further showing his dedication to local athletics and community involvement.
He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Those who knew him best will remember his kind heart and willingness to help others—whether lending a hand with yard work or stepping in wherever he was needed, often without being asked.
Bill was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph (March 8, 2008); his mother, Margaret (March 7, 2018); his brother, James (February 3, 1999); and his sister, JoAnn (April 27, 1974).
He is survived by several cousins and many dear friends throughout the Seneca community who will miss his voice, kindness, and unwavering support of his hometown.
A rosary will be at 2 P.M. on Sunday March 22, 2026 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Seneca, where he will rest beside his father and siblings.
Memorial contributions may be given, in lieu of flowers, to SCTV or the Nemaha Central Sports Program—organizations that reflect Bill’s love for his community and its young athletes.
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Bill you will be deeply missed in this community. An extremely hard working man. Rest in peace Bill❤️🩹
Oh Billy, even though we divorced we still remained friends and would keep in touch. You meant the world to both of my boys. You visited Andrew when he was in the hospital after his motorcycle accident. Because you were important to him, I told you about it and gave you the information so you could go see him. We always picked on each other when we saw each other at bingo. Im still in shock, and can’t believe you are really gone. You always looked healthy. Guess you never know when God wants you to come home. RIP BILLY O
Bill you were a well respected man by us and many others. You could always see work that needed to be done and you did it without being told to do it. If we personally needed something done we knew we could call on you and you would be there to help. Guess the good Lord needed you to help him as well.
Such A GREAT NEIGHBOR BILL!! WILL NEVER FORGET ALL YOUR STOPS TO VISIT AND HELP US WITH WHATEVER IT MAY BE. THE MANY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES AND PEACH COBBLERS WE SHARED BILL!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK FOR ALL OF US HERE IN SENECA DOING WHATEVER IT TOOK TO BETTER SENECA. YOU WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN BILL. RETIREMENT CAME A LITTLE EARLY BUT KNOW WE WILL BE CELEBRATING WITH YOU BILL AT YOUR FUNERAL. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE BILL!! YOUR WORK IS DONE. MIKE AND BETTY HAUG
Billy, I just lost one of my HEROES! You came to see me when I was a Nurse Practitioner here. It was a long time ago, but I think you had broken your big toe and it was purple & black and swollen almost to the size of my fist 🙂 & of course, it was very painful. I recommended you take several days off work and you nearly jumped off your chair! NO, you said! “There’s no reason for me just sitting around – this ain’t gonna keep me from working”. Most people with that injury, or even a lesser injury would have welcomed time off work. Not you, Billy O! I can still see your grin widen whenever you’d see me. And my grin would be even bigger. We loved each other, didn’t we, Billy? It’s difficult to imagine a world without you!
And, Pam – I loved your sweet note! He did love your boys and from seeing the 2 of you together, I know he loved you, too!
Georgia
Billy O.,
I guess God needed one of the best up there to help him with his sporting events so he came and got you. I have so many good memories of you from Harsh’s and then at my niece’s ballgames. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news last week. You will definitely be missed!
So sorry to hear this. I enjoyed visiting with Billy O at all the Sabetha-NC/NV contests over the years. There was never a more devoted Nemaha fan. We will miss him in the bleachers!
Rock Chalk Billy !!!!! REST IN PEACE !!!!!!!