John H Backhus, Jr.

HERINGTON - John H. Backhus, 86, passed away Sunday evening, November 29th, 2015, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.  He was born at Tampa, KS, on February 2nd, 1929, the son of John G. and Helena (Ottensmeier) Backhus.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm., Friday, December 4th, 2015, at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Herington, with Rev. Troy Slater, officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, North Tampa.  A prayer service will be held at the church, Thursday evening at the 7:00 pm.  The services are under the direction of the Zeiner Funeral Home, Herington Chapel.

Mr. Backhus was a farmer and stockman.  He was a member of the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Herington.  He enjoyed his friends daily at the Navarre Coop.

He married Marilyn J. Hamm on July 28, 1957, at Ramona; and she preceded in death on September 7, 1999.  Also preceded in death by five brothers (Erwin, Emil, Adolph, Herbert, and Edwin “Ed”), and three sisters (Alma Meyer, Ella Heidemann, and Wilma Nunn).

Survived by four sons: John “Sonny” Backhus of Herington, Mike Backhus (wife-Connie) of Junction City, Steve Backhus (wife-Kelly) Abilene; Gary Backhus (wife-Jacque) of Salina; four daughters: Sue Johnson (husband-Gail) and Beth Bryant (husband-Cary) both of Hope; Linda Strome (husband-Jim) of Herington; Jean Wilkens of Springfield, MO; two brothers: Wilbert Backhus of Tampa; and Harry Backhus of Leavenworth; a sister Frieda Bentz of Tampa; 24 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

The family requests memorials to the Good Shepherd Hospice House of Manhattan; and may be sent in care of the Zeiner Funeral Home-Herington Chapel,  404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449-3038.