Msgr. Elmer J. Dietzel

Madison-Waunakee-Dickeyville- Msgr. Elmer J. Dietzel, age 82, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at his residence. He was born on March 30, 1927 in Dickeyville, Wisconsin; a son of the late Alphonse and Myra (Splinter) Dietzel. He was raised in Dickeyville and attended Holy Ghost Grade School; graduated from Salvatorian High School and Seminary in St. Nazianz, WI; and Graduated Seminary from St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee. He was Ordained by Bishop William P. O'Connor on May 26, 1951 at St. Raphael's Cathedral in Madison and Celebrated his first mass at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dickeyville. Over the years Msgr. Dietzel served many parishes some of which include St. John's in Patch Grove, St. Lawrence in Mt. Hope, and Immaculate Conception in Kieler. He served St. John the Baptist in Waunakee from 1969 until 1994. He then served St. Rose of Lima in Brodhead and W/Mission of St. Patrick in Albany, retiring on June 12, 2002.

Msgr. Dietzel loved to travel and especially loved playing cards, almost any kind of cards. In his younger years he was an excellent bowler and he also enjoyed playing golf. 

He will be dearly missed by his family: 4 sisters, Celina Hesseling, Dickeyville; Bernice Canavan, Cedar Rapids, IA; Elaine (Don) Deiter, Dubuque, IA; and Mary Ann Carman, Portage; a brother, Vincent Dietzel, Davenport, IA; many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews; and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Luella Deiter and a brother, Donald Dietzel.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 305 W. Main St., Dickeyville, WI at 11:00 am on Friday, October 30, 2009 with The Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino Celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Prior to the Mass friends may call at the church, following the morning mass, after 9:15 am.

 On Thursday (TODAY) October 29, 2009 a visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St, Waunakee.

In lieu of flowers, please have masses said at your local parishes.

 The family of Msgr. Dietzel would like to thank the many friends that have been with him over the years and especially many heart felt thank you's to the Priests and Staff at the Bishop O'Connor Center for their friendship, care, and love that they gave to our brother, Msgr. Dietzel, over these past years.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

Waunakee, WI