Bishop Ron Herzog Remembered and Celebrated

Bishop Ron Herzog died on April 12, 2019.  He gave 50 years of pastoral ministry to God's people in a variety of capacities.  I want to begin this post with a large segment of his obituary from https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thetowntalk/obituary.

"The Most Reverend Ronald Paul Herzog, Bishop-Emeritus of the Diocese of Alexandria, passed from this life at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital on April 12th, 2019 after a brief illness. Born in Akron, Ohio on April 22nd, 1942, the only son of Paul Herzog and Kathryn Donahue, Bishop Herzog spent his early years in Natchez, Mississippi. He was an alumnist of St. Joseph Seminary College, where he completed his high school and junior college studies, and of the Pontifical College Josephinum, where he completed a B.A. degree in philosophy and an S.T.B. degree in theology. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson on June 1st, 1968 where he held pastoral and staff posts until the creation of the Diocese of Biloxi in 1977. Bishop Herzog served the Diocese of Biloxi both as a pastor and as Director of the Diocesan Worship Office and as Defender of the Bond and was named a Monsignor with the rank of Domestic Prelate by Pope John Paul II in 1987. He served the state of Mississippi as a chaplain in the state National Guard for 30 years, saw active duty in the Persian Gulf War and retired with the rank of Brigadier General. For his years of faithful service he was decorated with the Mississippi Cross.

Bishop Herzog's love of music and the arts was reflected in his participation with the Gulf Coast Messiah Chorus and other choral groups. He directed several choirs as well as the Diocesan Choir for the Diocese of Biloxi. He served as a member or chair of several boards for community chorus groups and performing arts groups. In 1977 he was one of three Mississippians accepted through national audition as a member of the American Choral Directors Association National Community Honor Choir. Bishop Herzog played a key role in the formation and development of the Red River Chorale in Alexandria and served on the board of the Alexandria Museum of Art.

Named by Pope St. John Paul II on October 27th, 2004, Bishop Herzog was ordained and installed as the 11th Bishop of Alexandria on January 5th, 2005. During his tenure as bishop, Bishop Herzog established two new parishes, ordained 17 men to the priesthood, instituted and hosted the annual 'Taste of Faith' reception to help fund seminary education and reestablished the permanent diaconal program. He presided over the dedication of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches and the centennial celebration of the establishment of the diocese in 2010. Bishop Herzog welcomed and supported the ACTS retreat program and oversaw the renovation and expansion of the Maryhill Renewal Center campus.

An active member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Herzog served as a member of various USCCB committees and as the Catholic co-chair of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation in the US. He also served on the USCCB Communications Committee for 10 years. In the area of communications, Bishop Herzog made the bold decision to offer The Church Today, the monthly diocesan periodical, free to every Catholic household in the diocese. He served as the episcopal moderator of the Diocesan Information Systems (DISC) Conference as well as the episcopal moderator of Radio Maria.

Bishop Herzog was a 4th degree member and proudly served as the State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and was a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem as well as a Grand Prelate of the Order of the Fleur de Lis. He was also a member of the Downtown Alexandria Rotary Club and the Alexandria Lions Club and served as a member of the Board of Directors of United Way of Central Louisiana.

In February, 2014, Bishop Herzog suffered a stroke that affected his left side. After several months in the hospital, the bishop underwent extensive physical and occupational therapy. Through the power of prayer and with the help of his fellow priests, diocesan employees and friends, the bishop returned to his daily work until Pope Francis accepted his retirement in February, 2017."

Bishop Ron's Funeral Liturgy was celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria, Louisiana, on April 22, 2019.  Representing the Josephinum, Fr. John Allen and one of the Josephinum deacons from the Alexandria Diocese attended his Funeral Liturgy.  

Ron Herzog joined out class at the start of our third year of college in 1962.  I regarded him highly.  Upon hearing of his death, numerous classmates shared their memories and sympathies via email.  Bob Kinast's personal memory captured my attention.  He wrote,

"I join with you all in celebrating Ron's dedication to ministerial service and now his transition to the life promised by the Lord to his faithful followers which we commemorate this Holy Week.  Since our rooms in the theology building were across from each other, we had many post-lunch conversations about the latest article, book, or idea that grabbed our attention.  And when I learned of his appointment as bishop of Alexandria, I wrote saying how pleasantly surprised I was.  He wrote back that if I was surprised, he was shocked.  I believe he got over that reaction to fulfill admirably yet another phase of his life of service.  It was an honor to call him classmate, friend, and brother."

Representing our class, Mike Heydinger drove to Columbus to participate in the memorial, liturgical service for Bishop Ron held at the Pontifical College Josephinum yesterday, April 29.  Mike reported that the service was tastefully done and that he was grateful to have had the opportunity to join the seminary community, giving thanks to Mike Fry for his arrangements.

Forever peace and joy, Bishop Ron, and pray for us!

Fr. Ger Laid to Rest 12/1/2018

News of Fr. Ger Knueven's death struck us like a lightning bolt on November 23.  I had called Ger on the day before Thanksgiving, November 21, to ask him how he was doing.  He told me he was on his way to the University of Toledo Medical Center that afternoon for his first chemotherapy treatment.  He told me he had just finished his hemodialysis and was feeling good.  He voiced hopefulness that the chemotherapy would ameliorate his amyloidosis and thereby improve his kidney function.  How stunned I was to receive a call from Ger's sister, Sr. Kathleen, on November 23 informing me that he had died.

Fr. Ger was my first cousin.  We grew up together.  We attended the Josephinum together.  Our two families were close.

His eight brothers and sisters handled arrangements for his wake, funeral, and burial in collaboration with the Diocese of Toledo.  His body was brought to Rosary Cathedral in Toledo on Friday afternoon (November 30) for visitation and Evening Prayer.  His Funeral Liturgy was scheduled for 11:00 on Saturday morning.  Bishop Daniel Thomas presided at this concelebrated liturgy.  The Scripture readings were so appropriate for this occasion and the homilist drew examples from Fr. Ger's ministry illustrating his humbleness and prayerfulness.  After the liturgy a delicious meal was offered to all present family, friends, and guests at the parish school hall adjacent to the Cathedral.  At 2:30 pm a hearse left Toledo carrying Ger's body to the cemetery of his home parish, St. Mary's Parish, in Leipsic, Ohio.  Chris and I accompanied his immediate family to the cemetery.  Fr. Ed "Skip" Littelmann (Joss Class of '69) presided at the prayer service held at Ger's grave site.  He was laid to rest next to his parents.

There was a strong showing of support by the Joss Class of '68.  In attendance were John and Kathy Driscoll, Mike Heydinger, Fr. Frank Kehres, Thad and Donna Kresho, Ron and Sandy Langhals, Tom and Chris Meyer, Jack Park and Harry Tennery, Bernie and Patricia Rabik, and Don and Betty Wampach.  A welcomed surprise in attendance was Ken Kehres, Fr. Frank's older brother (Joss Class of '65).

At the conclusion of the grave site prayer service one of Ger's brothers, Joe, offered me a ripened wheat stem with its wheat head.  Ger was a farm boy; I was a farm boy.  The wheat stem symbolizes our common, agrarian life.  I now carry this wheat stem with me in my car.

Treasured Memories of 2018 Class Reunion

Thanks to Thad Kresho for his comments and pictures regarding our class reunion in September 2018!  We had a wonderful class reunion during the last week of September: strong in spirit and tight in friendship.

Our 2018 class reunion was highlighted by our celebration of the 50th anniversary of our classmates' ordination to the priesthood.  Mike Heydinger expended much time and effort into our reunion activities that featured Sandusky, Cleveland, Amish communities of NE Ohio, and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus.

Following are those who attended this year's reunion: Fr. Dan Clayton, John and Loretta Dahmas, John and Kathy Driscoll, Frank Fulkerson, Norm and Linda Hageman, Mike Heydinger, Fr. Frank Kehres, Fr. Ger Knueven, Fr. Jim Koenigsfeld, Thad and Donna Kresho, Ron and Sandy Langhals, Tom and Chris Meyer, Jack Park and Harry Tennery, Bernie and Patricia Rabik, Dale and Frances Schmitz, and Don and Betty Wampach.

Due to the draw and significance of our time together, I could report at great length on our joyful vibes and animated rapport.  However, I want to spotlight the following events:

• Jack Park and Harry Tennery along with Ron and Sandy Langhals attended the clam bake at Mike Heydinger's home on Sunday afternoon (September 23).
• Chris and I picked up Fr. Ger at his apartment in Perrysburg to bring him to our reunion on Sunday afternoon.  He stayed over in Sandusky on Sunday night to participate in reunion activities on Monday.  Fr. Frank then took him back to Perrysburg on Monday evening so that he could receive his dialysis on Tuesday morning.
• Monday activities in Sandusky centered on Lake Erie Maritime Museum, Firelands Winery, and Merry-Go-Round Museum.  We visited and prayed at the grave sites of Fr. David Sartorius and Dee Heydinger.  In the late afternoon we celebrated our class Liturgy at Holy Angels Catholic Church, the oldest extant church building in the Diocese of Toledo.
• Tuesday (September 25) activities in Cleveland included Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Cod Submarine, and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad among others.
• Wednesday activities in Amish country of NE Ohio featured a visit to the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Holmes County where we participated in an informative tour of The Behalt illustrating the history of the Anabaptist Movement.
• On Thursday morning (September 27) our 50th Anniversary Mass was concelebrated in St. Turibius Chapel at the Pontifical College Josephinum.  Fr. Jim presided.  Bernie and Patricia Rabik arrived for Thursday's festivities.
• During our celebratory luncheon Fr. John Allen, Director of Development, made two surprise announcements.  Fr. Dan was recognized as Ordained Alumnus of the Year and Norm Hageman was recognized as Lay Alumnus of the Year.  We all expressed our excitement for Dan and Norm.
• Dinner for the Josephinum Class of 1968 was hosted at the Old Worthington Inn on Thursday evening.
• During the course of a class meeting on Thursday night we selected Kansas City, MO, for our 2020 class reunion.  Norm and Linda Hageman agreed to lead the planning for our next reunion.

On Friday morning we all departed for our homes.  Our "good-bye's" were filled with mixed emotions.  We realize that our precious comradery is time-limited.  Still we treasure one another for their goodness and friendship.  Each of us is blessed!

our 2018 reunion in Ohio

We all had so much fun at our recent reunion......thanks to all that Mike did in arranging everything so all ran so well.....very relaxing also......I did take about 500 pictures so I created a "quicky" slideshow which you can see below......with all the driving we did (again a great move to rent the van for us to travel together) the very next day after we got home, Donna did not drive more than one mile from our house when she came up with a flat and mangled tire since all the belts broke, and they told her that all of the tires were the same shape (so much for inspections), so I feel we were really being watched over.  I tell everyone at the Y that we actually had two buffets in one day in amish country....wow!!!! Tremendous friends who share so many common interests are very difficult to find, so I especially feel very fortunate that we do get together even though some of us only see each other every couple of years.  Maybe more can show up for the next reunion.  As we get older and hopefully have less responsibilities, perhaps that will become a reality.

Classmates Rally to Fr. Ger Knueven's Support

On September 10, Fr. Frank Kehres relayed to us that Fr. Ger was hospitalized at Mercy St. Anne's Hospital in Toledo, OH, with serious kidney issues.  Needless to say, this news shocked many of us.

Classmates responded with prayers and concern.  Ron Langhals and Jack Park visited with Ger at Mercy St. Anne's and shared their comments with the rest of us.  Ed Pasterick, Mike Geraghty, Fr. Jim Koenigsfeld, and Len Zuza shared their thoughts and prayers through emails.  Don Wampach echoed the theme, "We are family!"  Likely other classmates, whom I have not heard about as of this posting, also extended their support to Ger.

Ger is back home now, his apartment in Perrysburg, OH.  He is receiving dialysis three times a week - Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

I've spoken with Ger twice this week in making arrangements to pick him up and bring him to Sandusky, OH, on Sunday for our class reunion.  He plans to stay over night in Sandusky and to return to his home sometime on Monday.

Hageman's and Meyer's in Canadian Rockies

Linda, Norm, Chris, and I spent an amazing 10 days in the Canadian Rockies the first of this month.  The rave reviews for this area we were previously given by the Wampach's and by Fr. Dan Clayton were gratifyingly fulfilled.

Linda and Norm left from Kansas City; Chris and I left from Raleigh Durham.  We met up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on August 28.  We focused most of our time in Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.  We were delighted with stunning, snow-capped mountain peaks; the blustery, bitter-cold Athabasca Glacier; numerous, dazzling water falls; gripping canyons, large and small, with treacherous hiking paths; countless, breath-taking, turquoise and emerald green lakes; hiking through forests and on mountain tops; and the endless, serene Columbia River Valley as it nourishes all life forms on its way to the Hudson Bay.

After a long drive on Wednesday, August 29, we arrived in the dark of night at Black Cat Guest Ranch, remotely located in Yellowhead County, Alberta, Canada.  Situated in the tranquil foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this Bed and Breakfast reminded me of a classic, weathered ranch house.  We enjoyed our accommodations and appreciated the attentive service of the owners.

After two nights at the Black Cat Guest Ranch, we traveled to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia, Canada, on Friday, August 31.  Here we stayed in a condo at Radium Valley Vacation Resort for the next week.  Norm and Linda had been able to reserve these accommodations through their time-share plan.

Without becoming bogged down in the details of a travel log, I will share a few of the highlights and special moments we experienced during our travels around the Canadian Rockies:

• The Columbia Icefields - We walked and kept ourselves upright with difficulty on the Athabasca Glacier in the bitter-cold, blustery wind.  What a stunning experience!
• The Glacier Skywalk - We stepped gingerly onto this glass-bottomed platform that stretched out from the mountainside over the Sunwapta River Valley.  Taking our breathe away! 

Looking over Sunwapta River Valley

• Unique Restaurant Names - Evil Dave's, Something Else, Horsethief Pub, Blue Dog Cafe, Bear Street Tavern.  Speculate on menus!
• Peyto Lake - Our waiter for lunch at Deer Lodge suggested we check out this lake.  What a gem hidden in the midst of forests and mountains!
• Rock Pile at Moraine Lake - Yes, a very high pile of rocks to challenge the bravest of climbers.  I stumbled and fell in attempting to get to the pile.  Norm found the easy way.  Moraine Lake was likely the most engaging lake, set in the Valley of Ten Peaks!
• Canyons - The unmistakable sound of the flowing water, from unrelenting roar to melodic tinkling.  The music of a Beethoven symphony!
• Lunch on Lookout Patio at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - The hotel, the food, and the scenic setting of Bow River Valley with its surrounding mountains were elegant.  We were richly blessed to be there!

 

Linda and Chris on Lookout Patio after Lunch

• Yarn - Chris is a "yarn lover."  Wherever she travels, she seeks to find that special yarn.  Invermere On The Lake was her "pot of gold"!
• Wedding Anniversary - We celebrated Norm and Linda's 49th Wedding Anniversary with dinner at Helena's Stube in Radium Hot Springs on September 6.  Memorable!

We four drove back to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on September 7 to catch our return flights home.

The Reaches of the Josephinum Family

I think that among many of the lay and ordained alumni of the Pontifical College Josephinum there is a vibrant sense of "family," of a fraternal bond that unites us and identifies us.  I am certain about this special bond among those of us in the Joss Class of 1968.  The following examples reveal this.  Some of us have traveled to Midwest Joss Reunions in the Chicago area.  We hurried to Macomb, IL, to support Frank Fulkerson after his wife Judy died.  A few of our classmates headed to Alexandria, LA, to attend Bishop Ron Herzog's installation.

It's this family connection that was dynamically evident recently here in Chapel Hill, NC.  Our granddaughter Susan Zeh, who lives in River Forest, IL, came to stay with Chris and me for a few days in July.  Susan is a senior in high school this year and she was completing a few college visits during this summer.  So, although we knew that Susan wasn't interested in attending the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, we still wanted to show her around the campus a little bit.  Ultimately, it ended up that Chris and I arranged for Susan to meet up with A.J. Rechenmacher who is the grandson of Al Rechenmacher, Joss Class of 1957.  We, of course, know Al well through the mini-reunions in the Chicago area.  When A.J. entered UNC-Chapel Hill as a freshman in 2017, we became acquainted with him through the Newman Center on campus here.  In doing so, I discovered that he was Al's grandson.  Chris and I treated Susan and A.J. to dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Chapel Hill while they discussed "college life."  Like family, we all had a pleasant time together.

These extended family ties illustrate the reaches of the Josephinum family.