August 12th 1935 ~ January 19, 2025
John H. Haverkamp, 89, of Seneca, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Crestview Nursing and Residential Living in Seneca.
John was born on August 12th 1935 to John F. and Theresa (Olberding)Haverkamp. He grew up on a farm 3 miles north of Seneca, and lived most of his adult life there, raising his family and running a dairy farm in conjunction with his brothers.
John graduated from St Benedict High School in 1954, he then spent 6 years in the National Guard. On November 20th, 1962 John married Diane Niekamp in St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. They were married for 35 years before Diane passed away in 1998.
John enjoyed farming, he was a hard worker, up early in the morning until late at night doing chores and caring for the livestock. John enjoyed roller skating in his younger years and going to dances, he enjoyed playing baseball and was very good at sprinting in track; having many blue ribbons to show for his speed. In his later years John enjoyed attending his children’s sporting events and going square dancing as well. He was tough and fiercely independent, never one to like sitting about idly.
John was a member of St Mary’s Church and served as council member. He was also a member of the Ponce De-Leon Assembly of Seneca 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.
John was preceded in death by his wife Diane, granddaughter Jessica Koelzer, parents and brothers John Henry, Lillis, Kenneth, and sisters Angela Devillier, Cecilia Kohake, and Luella Curti.
John is survived by the 5 children that he and Diane had, Deborah (Dennis) Koelzer, St. Benedict, Ron Haverkamp, Seneca, Denise (Tim) Wolsleben, Table Rock, NE, Ryan (Judy) Haverkamp, Beattie and Celene (Martin) Holthaus, Seneca.
John is also survived by sister Henrietta Dressman and his 7 grandchildren Julia, Derek, Jacob, Brady, Garrett, Hank and Clay and 3 great grandchildren Waylon, Lyle and Ruth.
Rosaries were prayed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Fr. Reggie Saldanha at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The draping of the pall, that was placed on his casket, was done by his children. The servers were Waylon Briggs, Ben Sudbeck and Kamden Schmitz. The lectors were Hank and Clay Holthaus, Judy Haverkamp. Gift Bearers were Parry, Julia, Lyle, Ruth Briggs. The communion distributors were Janet Heideman and Bonnie Meeks. The Ponce De Leon Assembly 4th degree provided an honor guard at the rosaries and at the funeral mass.
Pallbearers were: Derek Koelzer, Jacob Koelzer, Brady Haverkamp, Garrett Haverkamp, Craig and Tom Haverkamp, Hank and Clay Holthaus, the burial was in the church cemetery.
Full military honors were provided by the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21. A flag line was provided by the American Legion Riders Post #21. Memorials can be given in John’s name to the St. Mary’s Church renovation and sent in care of the family. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome. com .