The Courier-Tribune, Thursday, October 15, 1931

Mrs. Henry Osterhaus Sr.

Death has again touched among the founders of the community of St. Benedict. Mrs. Henry Osterhaus Sr. who had lived in this parish since she came to this country from
Germany, 54 years ago, died at 11:15 A. M., Monday, October 12, at her home north of Seneca. A haralyfie (?spelling) stroke caused death.

Mrs. Osterhaus was born October 1, 1864 in Osterfine, Germany and was 67 years and 11 days of age. Her maiden name was Bernadina Rottinghaus. She was a sister of Barney Rottinghaus, Seneca; Mrs. Agnes Tangeman and Mrs. Elizabeth Nordhus of St. Benedict and of Mrs Anna Willenbring, Montrose Mo.

The Rottinghaus family emigrated from Germany when Bernadina was a girl of 13. She was married on February 8, 1887 to Henry Osterhaus at St. Benedict. They lived at several places in the St. Benedict community during their early married life, then settled down at the present home five and a half miles north of Seneca, where they have lived for 24 years.

Ten children were born to them, seven girls and three boys. The daughters are Mrs. Mary Deters, Mrs Elizabeth Wessel, Mrs Rose Wessel and Mrs. Alvina Halfen, Baileyville; Mrs. Anna Ronnebaum, St Benedict; Mrs. Hilda Mathewson, Seneca; and Mrs. Dora Wilberding, who lives in Michigan. The sons are Bernard Osterhaus and Henry Osterhaus Jr., both of St Benedict. One child died in infancy (Alvin ?). Mrs. Osterhaus leaves 41 grandchildren in addition to her husband, brother, sisters and children.

There probably is no greater tribute a mother might have than the fine, large family which Mrs. Osterhaus leaves. It bespeaks years of devotion, toil, sacrifice and kindness.

Mrs. Osterhaus was devout in the Catholic church, a member of St. Marys Church, St. Benedict. Her burial will be in St. Marys churchyard this morning after the service at the church. A nephew, Rev. Clement Nordhus of Atchison, will give the requiem mass.

Twelve pallbearers will aid in carrying the body from St. Marys church to its resting place in the churchyard. They are Fred Reist, George Rilinger, Clemens Sudbeck, Ed Palmer, Henry Schlarman, Jacob Rennenger, Henry Spersflage, Henry Haverkamp, Joseph Mohlman, Henry Heiman, Frank Heiman and Conrad Seiss. All of the children are present for the funeral.