Rev. Gilbert Hemauer, Capuchin Franciscan friar and priest, died on August 8, 2016, at the age of 78. Father Gil was born May 14, 1938, in Stockbridge, Wisconsin, son of the late Gilbert and Veronica (Leitner) Hemauer. He was invested in the Capuchin habit in 1956, perpetually professed in 1960, and ordained in 1964.
Father Gil was involved in a variety of ministries during his religious life, including vocation recruitment for St. Lawrence Seminary, pastoral ministry in St. Paul, MI, Appleton, WI, and in Montana. From 1977-1986, he was assigned to Native American Ministry in Montana. Father Gil retired to Appleton, Wisconsin in 2008, due to failing health.
Father Gil began his ministry in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings in 1973, working as co-coordinator of Religious Education while living in Ashland. In 1976 he was appointed pastor of St. Labre parish and served one year as chairman of the advisory board for Northern Cheyenne and Crow Nations.
In 1977 he took a sabbatical, but then entered ministry at the national level. In 1978 He served as associate National Director of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions, and later that year serve with the Tekakwitha Conference while living in Medicine Lake, MT, where he was also pastor of St. Patrick Parish.
In 1979 he was given the additional duties as pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Culbertson, including the missions attached to it. In 1982 he led the National Tekakwitha Conference in Great Falls. From 1988 through 1998, he served at times on the Priests’ Council, the St. Labre Board, Pathways to Peace, and Moderator of Ministries for the Diocese. He also served as Vicar General during this time.
In 1996 he was appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Forsyth, St. Joseph’s in Hysham, and as sacramental minister of St. Margaret’s in Colstrip. In 1996 he was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart in Miles City and Sacred Heart in Terry, retiring in 2008.
Father Gil is survived by his four sisters: Marcie (Thomas) Jost ,of Malone, WI; Mary Jane Gerhartz of Kewaskum, WI; Martha Hemauer of Mt. Calvary, WI; and Theresa Hemauer of Stockbridge, WI; one brother, Andy B. (Anne) Hemauer ofChilton, WI; a sister-in-law, Peggy Hemauer of Stockbridge, WI; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Gil was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Raymond Hemauer; and a brother-in-law, Gary Gerhartz.
Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at St. Lawrence Seminary Chapel in Mt. Calvary, WI, followed by burial and luncheon. Memorials given in the name of Father Gilbert Hemauer are appreciated for the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order (1820 Mt. Elliott St. Detroit, MI 48207).
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