Mel Osterhaus 1936-2018
Melvin August “Mel” Osterhaus, 82, of Silver Lake, formerly of Wetmore, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at Lexington Park in Topeka with his beloved wife by his side.
He was born May 29, 1936, in Beattie, the son of Joseph A. and Josephine (Enneking) Osterhaus Sr.
Melvin graduated from St. Benedict Catholic School in 1954. He joined the U.S. Army National Guard and proudly served as SSGT for 31 years. He coached St. James Catholic Grade School basketball for almost five years and loved to share stories of the kids and their talents.
In addition, Melvin was a barber for 12 years in Wetmore and worked for Jackson Farmers Co-op in Holton for 23 years. He also was a substitute mail carrier, drove the Wetmore school bus for two years and maintained and mowed the Wetmore Cemetery for 17 years.
He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore for 55 years, a member of Wetmore American Legion Post 282, Charter Member of Wetmore Lions Club and Charter Member of Knights of Columbus.
Melvin’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was very proud of his kids, grandkids and especially enjoyed attending their school and sporting events. Melvin enjoyed working with his hands and being outdoors. He was well known for his expansive garden and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his garden with family and friends, during his years in Wetmore, and he was well known for his generosity and kindness.
He loved to help those who needed assistance and many in the community would be on the receiving end of his desire to “lend a hand.” Melvin knew no strangers and had a smile and conversation ready for everyone he met.
Melvin married Ellen Marie Banks on Dec. 29, 1962, at the Fidelity Catholic Church in Fidelity; they have celebrated more than 55 years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife Ellen Osterhaus, of the home; two sons, Mark Osterhaus of Lenexa and Eric Osterhaus (Kelly) of Topeka; two daughters, Greta Osterhaus-Herron (Nate) of Shawnee and Evette Osterhaus of Silver Lake; a sister, Gladys Osterhaus (Ennis) of Rockford, Ill.; two brothers, Clarence Osterhaus and Vince Osterhaus, both of Topeka; and six grandchildren, Ryan, Brett, Andrew, Kate, Oliver and Simon.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Whittmer and Rose McMurphy; and three brothers, Joe Jr., Raymond and Kenny Osterhaus.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore. Burial with military honors will follow in Wetmore Cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with visitation to follow until 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
