Lynn C. Holthaus

Lynn C. Holthaus, 86, of Beattie, Kansas, passed away on May 12, 2026, at the Frankfort Community Care Home in Frankfort, Kansas.

Visitation was held Sunday, May 17, from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. A rosary service followed at 7:00 p.m. at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Beattie.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 18, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Beattie.  Father Quentin Schmitz and Father Jim Shaughnessy officiated.  The musicians were Laura O'Neil and Veronica Olmsted.  Hymns included "Be Not Afraid", "The Lord is My Shepherd", "Prayer of St. Francis", "On Eagle's Wings", "Ave Maria", "Here I Am, Lord", and "How Great Thou Art."

The pallbearers were Nick Mayes, Dave Roever, Kent Schwarz, Courtney Cassidy, John W. Rueger, and Tobey Watt.

 Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, north of Beattie.

He was born to Bernard A. and Caroline A. (Claeys) Holthaus on May 5, 1940 in Axtell KS. He attended Harmony District 99 Country School and graduated from Beattie High School in 1958.

Lynn worked for the Beattie Farmers Union Coop for a short period after high school. He started farming, raising cattle and finishing hogs full time early in his life and continued to do so until he retired. Lynn was a member of the Army Reserves from 1961 to 1964.

On December 29, 1962, Lynn was united in marriage to Janice R. Rueger at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Beattie.

Lynn enjoyed spending time with his family, collecting International Harvester (IH) farm toys, and being active on the farm. He was very involved with St. Malachy’s Parish performing many unselfish duties. Lynn was an original board member, which was instrumental in establishing and implementing the Rural Water District No. 3 in the Beattie community and surrounding areas. He served on the Beattie Farmers Union Coop board of directors and the Snipe Creek Watershed board.

Dad was not always the easiest, but he was the fairest. He expected a lot of everyone, but always gave a lot in the end. He was a great teacher, which allowed his children to learn as they were growing up. Lynn portrayed a great sense of what is right, what is honest, what is fair, and how to work. But the biggest thing is that he was always there! Ball games, school functions, or special events, he was there to support you and always wanted you to do better. Just like his dad expected of him. We might have wanted for something, but we always had enough provided for us. One of the things we always remembered him saying; “there is always an easier way of doing something”, not to mean that you took a shortcut, but that you stop and think, how can I do this job differently that doesn’t cause so much work. The advice, The honesty, The tell it like it is man will be missed. Not telling you what you wanted to hear but what you needed to hear! That is something to always remember!

Preceding him in death were his wife (Janice) and parents.

Survivors include his children; Daughter, Debra (Larry) Mayes; Sons, David (Leslie) Holthaus, Doug Holthaus and Dennis Holthaus; sister, Jeanette Borgerding; granddaughters, Kelli (AJ) Govert, Kashli (Rex) Diedrich, Holly Holthaus, Diane Mayes and Rachel Holthaus; Grandson, Nick Mayes; great grandchildren, Derek Govert and Linnette Diedrich.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later time. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary.