Seneca Courier Tribune, June 25, 1925

Mrs. Bernadine Ronnebaum was born June 26, 1853 at Oldenburg, Germany and died at her home in Seneca, Tuesday, June 16th at 1:20p.m. at the age of seventy-one years, eleven months and twenty-one days. Her death was due to influenza, cerebral thrombosis and complications. Mrs. Ronnebaum had been ill for the past year and her illness had been the concern to her family for some time.
Bernadine Fienhage was married to Bernard Ronnebaum April 17, 1876 at Sts. Peter and Paul's church, Seneca. To this union were born nine children.
She emigrated to this country in 1876 locating in Nemaha county on a farm seven miles north of Seneca and in 1897 moved closer to Seneca. In 1919 she moved to Seneca where she has been resided.
She leaves to mourn her loss six children: Bernard, Joseph, George, Mrs. Ed. J. Becker (Katherine), and August all of Seneca; Sister M. Chelidonia, O.S.B. of Mt. St. Scholastica's Convent, Atchison and John H. of Marysville, Kansas who were at her bedside when she died and twenty-six grandchildren and one brother, Frank Fienhage of Seneca. Her husband Bernard Ronnebaum and 3 children preceded her in death, they were, Francis Joseph, in infancy; Dr. J.H. Ronnebaum in 1906 and Mrs. Mary Spielman in 1916.
The deceased was a loyal member of St. Ann's Society of Sts. Peter and Paul's church.
Funeral services were held at Sts. Peter and Paul's church, Seneca this morning, Rev. Father Thomas Burke, Rev. William Schillberg and Rev. Fridolin Krapp having charge of solemn requiem high mass. Burial was in Sts. Peter and Paul's cemetery. Her five sons and son-in-law, Ed. J. Becker were pallbearers.
When her daughter, Mrs. Mary Spielman died in 1916 she took her two little motherless babes and lovingly cared for them with a true mother's affection. The little son, John Joseph did not long survive his mother and died at the age of three months. Fabiola, her little granddaughter, remained her dearly loved companion and comfort up to the day of her death.
Mrs. Ronnebaum was ever a most affectionate, loving and lovable mother, sister and friend, and every one, young and old, rich and poor, were always welcome to her home and heart. All were received with a smile that was irresistible. She was especially loved by her grandchildren whose best friend she was.