Fr. Joseph Fichtner

Fichtner, OSC, Fr. Joseph A. Born to Wenzel and Mathilda (Daniek) Fichtner on November 4, 1917, in Lincoln, Illinois. Made first profession of vows with the Crosier Fathers and Brothers in Hastings, NE, on August 28, 1938. Ordained a priest on May 29, 1943. Entered eternal rest in Onamia, MN, on October 27, 2010, at the age of 93. Joseph Fichtner became affiliated with the Crosiers in 1935 when he enrolled in their Seminary at Onamia for college. He furthered his theological studies at the Crosiers' Immaculate Conception Monastery in Hastings, NE, finishing there in 1944. In 1952 he earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Catholic University in Washington, DC, and in 1955 he completed his Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Angelicum University in Rome, Italy. Fr. Fichtner spent his years in ministry as theology professor, pastor, subprior, and spiritual director. He was also consultor to Bishop Leo Pursley of Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the Second Vatican Council. Author of numerous books, he wrote particularly from the perspectives of spiritual imagination, biblical characterizations, and preaching the story of Jesus. Survived by his sister Virginia Paradise of Merrill, WI, cousins, and his Crosier confreres. Fr. Fichtner's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 1st at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Priory Church in Onamia. Reception of the Body will be at 10:30 AM with the Office of the Dead followed by visitation until the Funeral Mass. Burial will be in the Priory cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Crosier Priory. Memorials preferred to the Crosier Fathers and Brothers.