Avitus Haverkamp 1929-2019
Avitus Francis Haverkamp, 89, of Wetmore, passed away Monday, June 17, 2019, at Life Care Center in Seneca, surrounded by his loving family.
Avitus was born Nov. 19, 1929, on the family farm in Kelly to George and Evelyn (Winkler) Haverkamp. He graduated from Kelly High School in 1947 and began farming with his father. He was a member of the Army National Guard from 1951-1952 and worked on a road crew in 1955. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church of Wetmore for 67 years.
On Sept. 8, 1951, he married the love of his life, Elda Mae Phillips at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca. They made their home on a farm just outside of Wetmore for 65 years before Avitus entered the nursing home and Elda moved to Seneca to be near her beloved. Avitus and Elda celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2001 and their 65th anniversary in 2016.
He had a great passion for farming: raising crops, cattle, hogs and a Holstein dairy. The fall harvest was his favorite part of farming. He was one of the most hard-working men who never knew a stranger. Avitus was particular with everything, and he and his wife took pride in maintaining a well-kept farm. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards and puzzles, and was the happiest when surrounded by his family.
He leaves behind his wife, Elda Mae of Seneca; daughters Kathy (Jay) Wheeler, Wetmore, Lori (Bruce) Elliott, Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Gail (Jerry) Hermesch, Centralia; and a son, Chris (Tracey) Haverkamp, Silver Lake. His legacy continues through 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He also leaves two brothers, Melvin (Carolyn) Haverkamp and George (Jolene) Haverkamp, both of Seneca, and a sister, Georgina (Harlan) Holthaus, Baileyville.
He was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Francis Haverkamp, in 1981; son-in-law, Jay Orville Wheeler, in 2009; granddaughter, Alyssa Marie Elliott, in 2010; great-grandson, Peyton Michael Topping, in 2014; and granddaughter, Amanda Rae Elliott, in 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Robert (Bob) Haverkamp and William (Bill) Haverkamp.
The Mass of Christian burial was held Thursday, June 20 at St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore, with burial in Wetmore Cemetery. A rosary was prayed at the Lauer Funeral home in Seneca on Wednesday, June 19. Fr. Jaime Zarse officiated the services. Guitarist and vocalist Terry Plumberg was accompanied by vocalist Ron Heinen.
Pall bearers were Avitus’s grandsons: Shannon Wheeler, Jason Wheeler, Adam Hermesch, Brett Elliott, Dustin Hermesch and Colby Haverkamp. Bringing up the offertory were his granddaughters: Jaime Zirkle, Ashley Topping, Danelle Hermesch, Mackensie Haverkamp and Victoria Haverkamp.
Memorials will be designated at a later date and may be sent in care of the family. Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
