Obituaries

Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Deacon Gau was known for personal, caring ministry
Deacon Jerome “Jerry” Gau wasn’t one to lead large ministries in the archdiocese or at his parish, St. James in Omaha. Instead, he mastered a simple one-on-one ministry and affected countless… Read More
Friday, January 08, 2021
Father Byrne, a widower, raised a family before becoming a priest
One might expect to find vestments, a chalice and religious books among a priest’s belongings. But some more unusual items also graced the assisted-living apartment of Father Bernard Byrne: photos… Read More
Friday, January 08, 2021
Father Bartek served at archdiocesan parishes and at Boys Town
Father William Bartek, who served several urban and rural parishes and for nine years at Boystown in Omaha, died Jan. 4 in Omaha. He was 86. Visitation is set for… Read More
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
Father Sedlak was spiritual director, retreat master, author 
Redemptorist Father Kenneth Sedlak, an Omaha native who served much of his 48-year priesthood in Illinois, died Dec. 19 at his order’s St. Clement Center in Liguori, Missouri. He was… Read More
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
Omaha native served in teaching and family ministries
A love of children and concern for their welfare and that of their families was a central focus for Servant of Mary Sister Evangeline Wilkinson throughout her 70 years of… Read More
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
Sister Florence served far and wide during 70 years of religious life
In her 70 years of service that spanned the continental U.S., Hawaii and South America, Sister Florence Gavin exercised her gentle influence through teaching, spiritual guidance and pastoral care. Sister… Read More
Monday, December 21, 2020
Sister Ethel Widhalm served in Catholic schools
Sister Ethel Widhalm, a Sister of Saint Francis of Colorado Springs for 72 years, was a teacher or principal in numerous schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha over the course of… Read More
Monday, December 21, 2020
Deacon Jack Finney was an example to those who followed him into ministry
Deacon John “Jack” Finney was the first permanent deacon to serve at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Omaha, beginning even before the church was built. He became a deacon that… Read More
Monday, December 21, 2020
Sister Esther Heffernan advocated for racial justice, prison reform
As a child, Sister Esther Heffernan, a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa, became aware of poverty and inequality in the world. From there, she made it her life’s work to fight for… Read More
Monday, December 21, 2020
Sister Dorothy Gabel was a science instructor, researcher and author
Sister Dorothy Gabel of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa served God and her students as a science teacher, researcher and author. Those students included some at the former Cathedral High… Read More
Monday, December 21, 2020
Sister Janet Guenther taught and served in pastoral care in the Omaha archdiocese
School Sister of St. Francis Janet Guenther, a Crofton native, served as an educator, pastoral counselor and volunteer – including more than a decade as a teacher in the Archdiocese of… Read More
Monday, December 21, 2020
Sister Miriam Gehringer lived a hermit’s life
Servant of Mary Sister Mary Miriam Gehringer, who lived the life of a hermit for the past 44 years, and who earlier taught in Omaha, died Oct. 2 in Ava, Missouri. She was 95.… Read More
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