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In Memoriam ~ Father Richard J. Herrmann ’41

Father Richard J. Herrmann ‘41, at the age of 95 and a priest for 71 years, died on Thursday, February 18, 2016, in Marshfield.

Father Herrmann was born on June 12, 1920 in Bryantown, Maryland, to Richard and Antonia (née Herlt) Herrmann. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Saint John’s Preparatory High School in Collegeville, Minnesota, Saint John’s College in Collegeville, Minnesota and Saint Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was ordained a priest on October 28, 1944 by the Most Reverend Moses Kiley at Saint John Cathedral in Milwaukee.

Father Herrmann’s first assignment following ordination was as Assistant Rector at St. Joseph Cathedral in La Crosse. Beginning in 1946, he served as Assistant Pastor at several parishes, Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Wisconsin Rapids (1946-1949); Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Chippewa Falls (1949-1950); Saint John the Baptist Parish in Marshfield (1950-1951); and Saint Mary Parish in Wausau (1950-1951).

From 1952 to 1972 Father Herrmann served at parishes in Boulder Junction and Ladysmith, Wisconsin, in the Diocese of Superior.

In July of 1972 he was appointed as Temporary Administrator of Saint Wenceslaus Parish in Milladore. A month later he was appointed Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Poniatowski. He was then appointed Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Lima in 1975. On August 20, 1985, Father Herrmann was appointed Pastor of Saint Philip the Apostle Parish at Rudolph and Holy Rosary Parish in Sigel, where he served until he was granted the status of senior priest on July 1, 1996.

Father Herrmann is survived by his niece Anita Tomashek, nephews Victor Falkner and Bernard Falkner and good friends Caroline Witucki and Annette and Mark Stremer.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Antonia and two sisters, Cecelia Falkner and Marie Tomashek.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2016, at Saint John the Baptist Parish in Marshfield. The Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan was the main celebrant and the Reverend Samuel A. Martin delivered the homily.

The Diocese of La Crosse and the family are being assisted by Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids.

We wish to express our deepest appreciation to the wonderful staff at Three Oaks Rehab and Nursing Home and Asera Hospice Care for the exceptional care given to Father Herrmann.