Obituary from: https://www.hagartywaychoffgrarup.com/obituaries/Fr-Jerry-Kopacek?obId=30928202
Fr. Jerry Kopacek, beloved priest and pastor, died on March 4, 2024 at Cedar Valley Hospice, Waterloo, Iowa.
Fr. Jerry was born on July 19, 1955 in Britt, IA. He was the youngest of 5 children of Raymond and Dorothy (Trca) Kopacek. He graduated from Britt High School in 1973. After high school, he attended Iowa State University and graduated in 1977. He then attended the University of Iowa Law School and graduated with a J.D. in 1980. After practicing law for several years, he entered seminary for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Dubuque and attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD and was ordained a priest by Archbishop Daniel Kucera, O.S.B. on May 28, 1988.
His first assignment was at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville where he served as an associate pastor from 1988 to 1990. He then served as principal at Newman High School in Mason City, Iowa in 1990. He then served as associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Marion, IA from 1990-1994 along with serving as associate pastor at St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Springville, IA from 1993-1994.
In 1994, he began his ministry as pastor in a number of parishes. He first became pastor of St. James in Forest City, St. Patrick Parish, Lake Mills, St. Patrick Parish, Buffalo Center, from 1994-1996. Then he became pastor of St. Mary Parish in Marshalltown, IA from 1996-1999. He then was assigned to St. Edward’s Parish, Waterloo, IA from 1999-2004. Afterward, he was assigned pastor of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Dyersville, and St. Paul’s Parish in Worthington, IA from 2004 to 2006. Afterwards he was assigned again as pastor at St. Edward’s Parish in Waterloo from 2006 to 2014.
Then in 2014, he was assigned as Spiritual Director of St. Pius X Seminary at Loras College from 2014 to 2018 where he guided many young men in their discernment of the priesthood. After that special ministry he was assigned pastor of Holy Rosary Cluster of Immaculate Conception Parish, Elma, St. Bernard Parish, Alta Vista, St. Peter Parish, New Haven, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Lourdes, Immaculate Conception Parish, Riceville from 2018-2024.
Along with his assignments as pastor he was also Dean of the Waterloo, Dyersville, and New Hampton Deaneries as well as Pastoral Coordinator of The Cedar Valley Catholic School System, Columbus Catholic High School, Beckman Catholic High School and St. Francis Xavier Grade School.
Fr. Jerry was a faith-filled, humble, loving, gentle, and holy priest. He was a spiritual director to many priests, deacons, deacon’s wives, and lay people. He was a confidant to many, a compassionate confessor to those who sought God’s mercy, he was a preacher of God’s word, an eloquent teacher of the Catholic faith, and he was a spiritual father to many. He will be greatly missed and we pray he is with Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Beverly Hiscocks and Mary Ann Kopacek.
He is survived by his brother Tom (Jenny) Kopacek of Blaine, MN, his sister Bonnie Pals of Waverly, Iowa, many nephews and nieces, his brother priests of the Archdiocese and many friends and parishioners.
Public visitation from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, at St. Edward Catholic Church, Waterloo, where there will be a 6 p.m. Rosary and a 6:30 p.m. Vigil Service. Public visitation 4-6 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Riceville, where there will be a 6 p.m. Rosary and 6:30 p.m. Vigil Service. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 8, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Duncan. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at St. John Cemetery, Duncan. Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway is in charge of arrangements.
He was simply the best. He will be missed. We will pray for him and we ask him to pray for us. Jesus, have mercy on your servant Fr. Jerry Kopacek. May he rest in peace.
Memorials may be directed to St. Edward Catholic Church, Waterloo, Holy Rosary Cluster, Elma, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Duncan, and the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Seminarian Formation.
Fr. Kuhn died at the age of 95 at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque, on Friday, January 26, at 4:50 pm. The fourth of eight children, and oldest son, Fr. Kuhn was born at the family farm in Osage, IA, on March 18, 1928. He faced his first test at his baptism with ice-cold water from the frozen baptismal font, which was temporarily on the porch of the parish rectory due to a fire in the Sacred Heart church. Fr. Kuhn worked on the family farm and was a football player and one of the most popular young men at both Osage High School and later Loras College in Dubuque, IA. He discerned his vocation while at Loras; and upon graduation, he entered Conception Seminary College in Conception, MO. Fr. Kuhn was ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest on May 17, 1953. He served in dozens of parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Fr. Kuhn was most recently Pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta and of Holy Family Catholic Church in New Mallory. While at St. John’s, a major accomplishment was leading the effort to build the Seton Catholic School, Peosta Center. For over 70 years, Fr. Kuhn was the bulwark of his close family and the epitome of a dedicated and faithful servant in the Archdiocese of Dubuque touching countless lives in a warm and positive way. He was well known for never forgetting a face or name and always being ready with a witty joke or pithy one-liner. Proud of his Irish heritage, he often entertained anyone that would listen with a spontaneous song. He retired from St. John’s and Holy Family in 2012 at the age of 84.
Fr. Kuhn was a Knight of Columbus and strong supporter of the Order and its principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. He served as Council/Assembly Chaplain and Iowa State Council Chaplain.
Along with his many assignments in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Fr. Kuhn was exceptionally proud to have served as a US Navy Chaplain for six years. Following his commissioning at Newport, RI, he served first at Naval Air Station Adak, Alaska, and then the Naval Station in San Diego, CA. During his naval service, Fr. Kuhn was proud of the fact that he was the oldest Catholic Chaplain and oldest Lieutenant in active Navy service. In his retirement, Fr. Kuhn returned to San Diego for two years as a contract civilian chaplain for the Navy. Upon his return to Dubuque County, he was active in the local American Legion Post Six.
...
Funeral Services are coordinated by the Reiff Funeral Home of Peosta, IA and will be conducted 1-3 February in both Peosta and Osage IA. On Thursday February 1st visitation will be at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, IA from 3-7pm preceded by a rosary at 2pm and followed by a Wake service at 7pm. On Friday February 2nd a Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta will commence at 2pm, preceded by a visitation in the church at 1 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Thomas R. Zinkula, Archbishop of Dubuque. On Saturday February 3rd a second Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Osage, IA at 11am preceded by a visitation in the church at 10am. Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart cemetery in Osage, IA. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Fr. Richard Kuhn to the Seton Catholic School in Peosta, IA may be sent direct to the school or to St. John the Baptist Church in Peosta.
Rev. Mark R. Nemmers, of Dubuque, died on Sunday, November 5th, at Stonehill Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am, Thursday, November 9th, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church with Most Rev. Thomas Zinkula officiating and Fr. Steve Garner as Homilist. Visitation for Father Mark will be from 3 to 6 pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a Wake Service will be held at 3 pm. Visitation will also be at Holy Trinity on Thursday from 9 am until time of Mass. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Father Mark was born on October 23, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Dr. Julian and Ann (Reger) Nemmers. He graduated from Loras College and later Mount Saint Bernard Seminary. He was ordained a Catholic Priest for the Archdiocese of Dubuque by Most Rev. Loras J. Watters on June 4, 1966. He first served as an Associate Pastor at Saint Raphael Cathedral in 1966, then at Saint Matthew in Cedar Rapids from 1966 until 1971, at Saint Joseph the Worker in Dubuque from 1971 to 1976, and at Saint Francis De Sales in Ossian from 1976 to 1977. He then worked in the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Tribunal, along with serving as chaplain at the Presentation Sisters Motherhouse. In 1988, he became pastor of Saint Theresa Parish, along with Assumption Parish, Sylvia Switch until 1998. He then served as pastor and later Sacramental Priest of Holy Trinity Church in Dubuque until 2007. He retired on July 14, 2009, and moved to Windsor Park, where he served as a Chaplain to the residents there.
Fr. Mark had a great love of music and was an accomplished organist. He donated his extensive collection of organ music to the University of Iowa. In his younger years, he loved travelling the world and, in particular, enjoyed numerous trips to Mexico. He was the family historian and was proud of his Luxembourger heritage. He chuckled when he recounted the time he visited the Nemmers’ ancestral village, where the locals put on a little parade in his honor. Fr. Mark genuinely enjoyed the relationships he formed with his parishioners. He often joked that the only reason that they liked him was because of his short homilies. He enjoyed trying new places to eat with his friends and parishioners. His wit and dry sense of humor will be missed.
He is survived by his sister, Betty Kasel; his brother, Julian Nemmers, his brother, David Nemmers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Virginia Loes; his sister, Charlotte Shanahan; and his nephew, Tony Loes.
The family would like to thank the residents of Windsor Park for their years of friendship and support that they gave to Fr. Mark. He considered his friends at Windsor Park a part of his extended family.
Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or a charity of your choice.
Father Rick Dagit died September 14, 2023, at the rectory in Colo.
Ordained in 1986, he would have been 70 years old next May when he planned to retire.
You can read his full obituary at https://www.surls.com/obituaries/Fr-Rick-Dagit?obId=29081798#/obituaryInfo
The funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Story Marshal Catholic Cluster Facebook page on Wednesday, September 27, at 11 a.m.: https://www.facebook.com/StoryMarshallCatholicCluster
Father Zee was born on March 20, 1933 in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China in a Catholic family (being Catholics for several generations). Even though lived in poverty, his father insisted on his primary and secondary education in the Catholic schools. Father Zee entered Preparatory Seminary in Shanghai in 1948, at a time when Communist took over China. He left Shanghai for Taiwan in 1949 together with seminarians in Nanjin Diocese. After studying two years in high school in Taichung, Taiwan, the rector of his diocese arranged him to receive formation in the US. He attended Belmont Abbey College, in N.C., in 1951. Later he was transferred to Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa where he received Bachelor’s degree in 1955. At the same year he entered St. Bernard Seminary of Dubuque, Iowa to receive priestly formation. He was ordained a priest by archbishop Leo Binz in January 31, 1959. In the year between 1958 to 2000, Father Zee served in more than a dozen parishes in Dubuque Archdiocese in Iowa. In year 2000, Father Zee received permission to come to Houston to serve as the second pastor of the Ascension Chinese Mission. He led the parishioners to build a new church in 2004 and a rectory in 2010. Father Zee retired from active ministry on October 31, 2016 and took his residence in Stafford, Texas. He was found with stomach cancer in July 2021. On the Father’s Day of 2023, June 18, Fr. Louis went through the door of death to eternity.
Father Zee's full obitary is available here: https://www.winfordfunerals.com/memorials/louis-zee/5218461/index.php
In lieu of flowers, Fr. Louis requested that donations be made to Ascension Chinese Mission for the building of the new activity center.
Father John Michael Herzog, age 91, of Ames, Iowa, was called home peacefully on May 17, 2023.
Funeral Mass will be held on at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday at the church. The Mass will be livestreamed and a link will be available on the Tribute Wall of John's obituary on the Adams Funeral Home website.
Father John Herzog was born November 3, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of William and Kathryn (Walsh) Herzog. John went to school in East Washington Township in a one-room country school. He graduated in 1948 from St. Columbkille High School and in 1952 from Loras College, both in Dubuque. John entered Mount St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque and was ordained February 4, 1956, along with 22 classmates from around the Midwest and West. They were known as “sons of the Pioneers” being the second group to go through Mount St. Bernard.
John was ordained by Archbishop Leo Binz at St Raphael’s Cathedral in Dubuque. In the early years, he was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish (Monticello), St. Joseph’s Parish (Waterloo), and All Saints Parish (Cedar Rapids). He also taught at Columbus High School (Waterloo), Regis High School (Cedar Rapids) and St. John School of Religion (Hampton).
In 1973, John became a pastor for the first time at St. Mark’s Parish in Iowa Falls and was very involved in the Cursillo Movement, a renewal movement for the whole church and the environments of family, parish, country, and world. In 1985, John moved to Eagle Grove, IA to be pastor at Sacred Heart Parish. In 1987, he was assigned to St. Mary’s in Colo, IA and St. Patrick’s in Nevada, IA.
John retired from active ministry in 2000, moved to Ames and became a member of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was involved with the Hispanic ministry and celebrated a Spanish mass every Sunday at St. Cecelia’s in Ames for many years.
John enjoyed regular gatherings with fellow priests Pat Geary, Ray Ludwig, Dave Manders, Jack Paisley, and Paul Ouderkirk starting in 1976. He was a pilot and an active member of the National Association of Priest Pilots since 1964. He attended the Oshkosh Air Show regularly. As an avid golfer, he spent many hours on the golf course with his brothers and friends. He was sincerely interested in hearing about other’s lives and sharing about his.
John was preceded in death by parents William and Kathryn, siblings William Jr. (Mary Jo), Loras, and Dorrance (Ramona), nephew Billy and niece Carol. John is survived by his brother Justin (Sue) and 9 nieces and nephews – Dennis and Alana (William Jr.), Mike, Joe, Ray, and Mark (Dorrance), Jennifer, Dan, and Dave (Justin).
Memorials may be given to the St. Thomas Aquinas Love Your Neighbor Fund (church address above).
John’s family would like to thank all of John’s friends and associates who spent time with him over the years. So many of you visited, called, sent cards, and invited him for meals, brought food, helped him move and drove him to church and appointments. Your acts of kindness are very much appreciated.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Adams Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for John’s family at www.adamssoderstrum.com.
Monsignor Cletus J. Hawes, 96, of Wexford, rural Lansing, IA, died Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA. A funeral mass was held on Wednesday, April 5th, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wexford with Archbishop Michael O. Jackels officiating and burial in the church cemetery. Visitation was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing on Tuesday, April 4th, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. To read Father Hawes' full obituary, visit: https://www.martinfunerals.com/obituary/rev-msgr-cletus-hawes
Father Mark McGovern, age 81, of Cedar Rapids, IA, died Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Stonehill Communities in Dubuque, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville, IA with Archbishop Michael Jackels presiding and Father Daniel Knipper homilist. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery Riceville, IA. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26, at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home, with a scripture wake service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. To read Father McGovern's full obituary, visit https://www.hindtfuneralhomes.com/obituary/FrMark-McGovern
Msgr. Walter L. Brunkan, 92, of Greene, died Thursday, September 15, at Valley View Care Center in Greene.
Msgr. Brunkan was born August 5, 1930, in Dyersville, the son of Anton and Mary Heiring Brunkan. He was baptized on August 8, 1930, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Dyersville.
Msgr. Brunkan attended rural elementary school and graduated from Xavier High School in Dyersville in 1948. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque in 1952, Mt. St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque in 1956, and received his MSEdu from Creighton University in Omaha in 1963.
Msgr. Brunkan served as an associate priest at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City from 1956-1959, was assistant principal at Waterloo Columbus High School from 1959-1968 and then becoming Principal from 1968-1991. He served as Pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Allison, St. Mary Catholic Church in Roseville, Holy Name Catholic Church in Rockford from 1991 until his retirement in 2019.
Survivors include: his brothers, Robert Brunkan of Dyersville, David (Marian) Brunkan of Dyersville, and Richard (Collete) Brunkan of Elm Grove, WI; his brother-in-law, Richard (Dorothy) Schmaltz of Dubuque; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his brother, James (Bernice) Brunkan; his sisters, Jeanne Schmaltz and Stella (Patrick) Hogan; his sister-in-law, Fran Brunkan.
There will be a visitation in the Oppold Gymnasium at Columbus Catholic High School in Waterloo on Thursday, September 22, from 4:00 -7:00 pm, where there will be a 7:00 pm vigil service. There will be visitation on Friday, September 23, from 9:00 -11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greene, where there will be a 9:00 am rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Greene. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo. The Mass will be livestreamed on the funeral home facebook page. Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on South Street is in charge of arrangements.
In Lieu of flowers memorials: may be directed to Msgr. Walter Brunkan Charitable Fund @ the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA. 50613, online www.cfneia.org. or Cedar Valley Catholic Schools-3231 West 9th St. Waterloo, IA. 50702 or Greene Public Library -231 W. Traer St. Greene, IA. 50636 or a charity of your choice.
Father John C. Paisley "Father Jack", 86, of Dubuque, died Sunday, July 31, 2022, at his home. Visitation was from 4:00 pm until 6:45 pm Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Church of the Resurrection followed by a prayer service at 6:45 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial for Father Paisley was at 10:30 am Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Church of the Resurrection celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackels and priests of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque. Read Father Paisley's obituary: https://www.hskfhcares.com/obituaries/Rev-John-C-Paisley?obId=25503844&fbclid=IwAR0p7hI0icHPA9sdJOiL0CgMhlDKQnjeXh9R57dPWSZpcYMyV_EO-oCio78#/obituaryInfo
Father Frederick C. Fangmann, 84 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque. Visitation was held from 9 -11 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville where a Mass of Christian Burial commenced at 11 a.m. Burial was at St. Boniface Cemetery in New Vienna. Read Father Fangmann's obituary: https://kramerfuneral.com/tribute/details/2399/Frederick-Fangmann/obituary.html#tribute-start
Father Donald V. Bakewell died July 6, 2022. Friends and relatives may called from 4-7 PM, Monday, July 11, 2022, at St. Joseph Church in Key West, Iowa, with a prayer service led by Father Josh Link at 7:00 PM. Friends and relatives also called from 9-11 AM on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at St. Patrick Church in Waukon, IA. The mass of Christian immediately followed at 11:00 AM with Archbishop Michael Jackels presiding and Fr. John Moser as homilist. Burial was held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waukon, IA. Read more about Father Bakewell's life: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/25316434/reverend-donald-v-bakewell?fbclid=IwAR0-B7o7OrhOd-2z2ocmHQkN_wYzEn1bw4KfSamzkqeC99TpEzGXEs0PfwM
Msgr. Paul T. Steimel, 94, of Waterloo, passed away April 2, at Well Springs Living, Friendship Village. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday April 7th at St. Edward Catholic Church with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Eagle Center. Public visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1423 Kimball Avenue in Waterloo. The service was livestreamed at https://sted.org/. Read Msgr. Steimel's full obituary at: https://www.hagartywaychoffgrarup.com/obituaries/Msgr-Paul-T--Steimel?obId=24476192
Father Loras C. Otting, 85, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022 atStonehill Care Center in Dubuque,Iowa.
Visitation for Rev. Loras Otting was held from 2 to 5 pm, Sunday, March 27,2022 at St. Martin’s Church in Cascade, where a Scripture wake service was held at 4:30 pm. Visitation was held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022 at St. Martin’s Church, Cascde.
A Mass of Christian burial was held for Father Loras at 11:00 am, Monday, March 28, 2022 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa with Archbishop Michael O. Jackels presiding. Concelebrating was Father Mark Osterhaus and Father Paul Otting and many other priests of the Archdioceses. Deacon Mark Otting assisted. Burial was held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa. To read Father Otting's full obituary, visit: https://www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com/obituaries/print?o_id=7928503
Fr. Phillip E. Schmitt, 91, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Friday, December 31, 2021. His body was donated to the UI Deeded Body Program. Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, January 17, 2022, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Archbishop Michael O. Jackels will officiate. Masks are recommended. A livestream of the funeral mass will be available at service time at https://www.youtube.com/c/ImmaculateConceptionCatholicChurch. Read his full obituary: https://www.murdochfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Phillip-Schmitt/#!/Obituary
Father Melvin Hemann died December 14, 2021 in Florida. He donated his body to science. A memorial Mass will be held some time in January 2022 at St. Patrick Parish in Cedar Falls.
Father Hemann, the son of Bernard and Olive (Halbach) Hemann, was born Oct. 15, 1928, in Stacyville. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque and completed his theological studies at Mount St. Bernard Seminary, also in Dubuque.
He was ordained Jan. 31, 1959, by Archbishop Leo Binz at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque.
He served as associate pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Protivin and Holy Cross Parish in Schley, 1959; St. Patrick Parish in Cedar Rapids, 1959-60; St. Peter Parish in New Haven, 1960; St. Benedict Parish in Decorah, 1960-65; and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and Catholic Student Center in Ames, 1965-72.
He served in team ministry in Mason City, 1972-76, and in Charles City and Roseville, 1976-77. He served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Chelsea, 1977-81. He was pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Preston, 1981-91, while also serving as pastor of St. Peter Parish in Sabula and Sacred Heart Parish in Green Island, 1987-91. He was dean of the Bellevue Deanery, 1987-91.
He served as director of the Family Life Office, 1991-98, while also serving as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Rickardsville, 1991-98, and SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Sherrill and St. Francis Parish in Balltown, 1993-98. He was executive secretary of the Balltown-Sherrill Consolidated School, 1993-98.
He retired in 1998 in Cedar Falls. For nine years, he volunteered as chaplain at American Martyrs Retreat House and, as most retired priests, assisted as needed in area parishes.
In 1998, he also fulfilled a lifelong dream when he completed the construction of an RV 6 airplane. At the time, he was national chaplain of Marriage Retorno and the 200-mph plane offered him a means of travel to present weekends throughout the United States. In his free time, he served as a flight instructor and charter pilot at the Waterloo airport. He was also active for many years in the National Association of Priest Pilots. In 2019, Father Hemann celebrated sixty years of priesthood. Three years before this, he moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where he assisted at local parishes and with flight instruction at a local airport.
Father (Monsignor) John Hemann died on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Visitation will be on Thursday, 14 October 2021, at Sacred Heart Parish in Osage from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, October 15, 2021, at Sacred Heart Parish in Osage at 10:30 a.m. A link to his obituary will be included here when it becomes available. For more on Msgr. John Hemann's life and minstry, read an article published to mark the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood: https://www.thewitnessonline.org/vocations/three-clergy-celebrating-60-years-of-priesthood/
Father Joseph J. Slepicka, 92, of Clear Lake and formerly of Mason City, died Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Friday, September 24, 2021 at Epiphany Parish - Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N Adams Ave., Mason City. A livestream will be available on the Epiphany Parish Facebook page. Burial will follow in Elmwood - St Joseph Cemetery, Mason City. Visitation with public viewing will be held Thursday evening, September 23, at Epiphany Parish - Holy Family Catholic Church from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. For more information on Father Slepicka's life and ministry, visit: https://www.colonialchapels.com/obituaries/Joseph-Slepicka/#!/Obituary
Father Harry Koelker died August 6, 2021. Visitation for Father Koelker was held from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at Reiff Funeral Home, Dyersville, where a prayer service was held at 7 p.m. with Father Carl Ries presiding. Visitation was held after 8:30 a.m. until serivces. The Mass of the Resurrection was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, with Archbishop Michael Jackels Presiding. The Homilist was Father Tony Kruse. Concelebrating will be several clergy from the Dubuque Archdiocese. Burial was held at the parish cemetery. For more information on his life and ministry, visit https://globegazette.com/news/local/obituaries/father-harry-koelker/article_7bfeeafa-983e-56a0-8bde-ae1cfc14bf27.html
ather Tom Braak, 87 of Marshalltown, IA passed away Friday, May 7, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 14, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi - St. Henry Catholic Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service, Thursday, May 13, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi - St. Henry Catholic Church. Father Tom Braak's Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G3I1QLSZbg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Parrish. Arrangements are entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com. To read Father Braak's obituary, visit https://www.andersonfhs.com/obituary/583848/Father-Tom--Braak---05/07/2021/
Father John James O’Connor, 88 a priest of the Archdiocese of Dubuque passed away Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at Stonehill Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Wahlert Catholic High School with Most Rev. Michael Jackels officiating and with Rev. Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch as homilist. Visitation for Father O'Connor will be from 4:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 9, 2021 at Wahlert Catholic High School, 2005 Kane Street where there will be a wake service at 4:00 p.m. with Father Anthony Kruse officiating. Visitation will also be after 9:00 a.m. until time of services Saturday. Burial will follow the Mass at Saint John Cemetery, Placid For more information and to learn about Father O'Connor's life, visit: https://www.leonardfuneralhome.com/obituary/RevJohn-OConnor
Rev. Richard G. Gaul, 78, of Guttenberg, formerly of Luxemburg, passed away Friday, March 19, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque. Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a prayer service was held at 6:00 p.m. Visitation continued Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church prior to funeral services.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg with burial in the church cemetery. Archbishop Michael Jackels will officiate, Rev. Francis Fried and Rev. Noah Diehm will concelebrate along with priests of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
For more information, visit https://kramerfuneral.com/tribute/details/2238/Richard-Gaul/obituary.html#tribute-start
Reverend John R. Tilp, 78, of Dubuque, died Thursday morning, January 21, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque from Parkinsons with Lewy Body.
Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Father John's family.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Father John will be 11:00 am Monday, January 25, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish - Sacred Heart Catholic Church con-celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackels and Father John Gossman and priests of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home's Facebook page and will also be available to view later at https://www.hskfhcares.com/. For more information, visit https://www.hskfhcares.com/obituaries/Reverend-John-R-Tilp?obId=19745263#/obituaryInfo
The Rev. Carl J. Manternach, 91, of Dubuque, formerly of Monticello, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021, at Stonehill Franciscan Services. A private Mass of Christian burial will be live-streamed on Sacred Heart Catholic Church Facebook page at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Archbishop Michael Jackels will officiate and Rev. Paul Baldwin will concelebrate along with priests of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. For more information, visit https://kramerfuneral.com/tribute/details/2216/Rev-Carl-Manternach/obituary.html#tribute-start
Lloyd Edward Reuter, 91 years old, of Gilbertville, IA, died of natural causes, Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. - Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Gilbertville, with celebrant, Most Rev. Michael O. Jackels; concelebrants, Rev. Henry P. Huber and Rev. Jeffrey A. Dole; assisted by Mr. Kevin Hagarty. For more information, visit http://www.white-mthope.com/component/content/article/2-obituaries/1251-rev-lloyd-e-reuter.html
Rev. Lloyd Paul Ouderkirk, age 87, of Dubuque, passed away at 12:48 a.m., on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center. To celebrate Father Paul’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at St. John the Baptist Church, 241 Peosta Street, Peosta, Iowa. To honor Fr. Paul’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday at St. John the Baptist Church. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Centralia, Iowa. For more information, visit https://www.behrfuneralhome.com/obituary/rev-lloyd-paul-ouderkirk/