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In Jesus, We Find Total Comfort — Funeral Homily for John “Jack” Clark, 89

November 17, 2023

By Fr. Chinnappan Pelavendran

On behalf of the parish community of St. Paul’s, I would like to extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the members of John William Clark’s family. I would like to assure his children, grandchildren, and near and dear ones of my prayers.

Death is not the end but the beginning of a new life. We pray that our brother Jack is with God and enjoys eternal life with the communion of saints. A life with countless blessings, joy, love, and happiness. We are all hoping for that life.

Our brother Jack was born on March 1st, 1934. In the town of Auburn. Jack attended elementary school in Fox Settlement and graduated from Colfax High School in 1951. He married Marie Rubenzer at St. Paul’s Catholic Church and were they both longtime members. Jack served in the military for two years, and after that, he worked at the Sand Creek Creamery, and as a truck driver for various companies. Jack owned and operated a dairy for many years. Later he worked for ITW Corporation for eleven years.

After his retirement, he enjoyed deer hunting, cutting wood, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed the dance called Polka and the waltz, and fun conversations with his friends. He was known as a man with a beer in his hand who loved Friday Fish Fries.

Our readings this morning give us great consolation. In our first reading, we were told the Lord would wipe away tears from every cheek. We know that everything we do makes sense only if it is leading us to peace in God. We know there are many distractions and temptations in life, all pretending to offer us peace and happiness, but none of them do because we know that we will find this peace and happiness only in God. When we find our peace in God, we become friends of God, when we live with God’s love in our hearts, then we have peace. That is why our first reading says the Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek. When we hope in the Lord for salvation, how blessed we are.

All of us have problems in life. Big or small, these problems burden us and make us sad. When these problems go unsolved for a long time, we feel disappointed and become depressed. In these moments from whom do we seek help? Here is the good news our gospel today. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” The most comforting words of Jesus in the gospel. Anyone who is feeling tired, disappointed, or depressed can be lifted up by the comforting promise of Jesus.

As we believe our brother Jack is in the arms of God, we pray for him during this Mass. We pray for him to be embraced by Jesus’ unconditional love and merciful judgment. We pray for him to be embraced by Mother Mary, the Mother of God who knows how to bring her children to Jesus.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him
May he rest in peace!
Amen.

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Led by the Sacraments — Funeral Homily for Leona Rothbauer, 85

November 11, 2023

By Fr. Chinnappan Pelavendran

On behalf of the parish community of St. John’s, I would like to extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the members of Leona’s family. I would like to assure her husband, children, grandchildren, and near and dear ones of my prayers.

The Lord first stretched out his hand to her in the waters of baptism so many years ago. As the water washed her clean of the stain of sin, the lord Jesus welcomed her as a member of his Body and opened the gates of his Church to her. Looking back on her life, we know that the hand of the Lord did not abandon Leona, but remained constantly with her.

Repeatedly the Lord stretched out his hand to her in the sacrament of Penance for the forgiveness of sins. In the Holy Communion, he continually offered himself to her. When she was sick, the Lord anointed her to strengthen her and supported her with his grace in her final days. In marriage, the hand of the Lord was with her, blessing her with children and a wonderful life. Indeed, the Lord stretches out his hand to each of us every day of our lives. He offers it to us and with his hand comes his grace, his power, and his love. This requires our cooperation with the Lord’s grace; it requires that we stretch out our hand to Him.

Leona had a wonderful life on Earth; she was born on August 2, 1938. She graduated from Cadott High School and married Sylvan at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Boyd, Wisconsin on October 17, 1959. Leona was a loving and hard-working farm wife, she gave first place to her family. She was very much interested in cooking, baking, gardening, crafting, and caring for animals. She enjoyed with her husband traveling to various places such as Canada, Europe, and Las Vegas. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Leona and Sylvan have been longtime members of St. John the Baptized Catholic Church, where she was an active member of the altar Rosary Society.

In the gospel reading today, Jesus utters his final words, “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit.” Jesus commits his spirit to the Father and points us to the Father throughout his life. Jesus spends his time alone in prayer with his father, accepting his will and his call. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus surrenders himself to the will of the Father. Jesus’s words in death remind us of the way he lived his life. Repeatedly placing himself into his father’s hands. Jesus is the best example for us to place our work and efforts, our relationships, our words and actions, and our spirits into God’s hands.

The best way to remember Leona is to live as she did; dying to yourself so that others might live and flourish, following the example of Jesus Christ. In this way, you will come to find your life, the life unending, the life of joy and peace.

Let us then commend Leona into the hand of God. May the Lord honor his servant and welcome her into the mansions of his glory, that, having taken his hand, she might see her Savior face to face.

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“You Spread A Table Before Me” — Funeral Homily for Donetta Geissler, 83

October 24, 2023

By Fr. Victor Feltes

The words of our most famous psalm say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… He guides me in right paths…. Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for you are at my side.” Around her thirty-third year of life, the age at which Jesus’ Passion began, Donetta began fifty years of physical trial. The nerve disease known as Multiple Sclerosis sapped her energy with fatigue, reduced her coordination, making it difficult to write, and weakened her limbs, making it very hard to walk. Bearing a chronic, incurable disease throughout one’s life might be compared to carrying a cross through a dark valley. It would be normal and natural for such a person to feel low, discouraged, hopeless. Yet, Donetta’s children tell me she was not discouraged, but courageous.

She “talked about the things she could do and not the things she couldn’t.” She was ‘incredibly positive, never self-pitying, and enthusiastic for life.’ What was the source of her supernatural strength? What was the origin of her outpouring love and joy? The 23rd Psalm tells us: “You spread a table before me… My cup overflows.” Her physical limitations meant she could not come to Holy Mass often, but each year around Halloween she would begin asking her kids, “Are you taking me to Church for Christmas?” She would come with her family to Christmas Eve Mass, sitting in the first row pew. Donetta loved receiving our Lord in his Holy Eucharist. And when she could not come to him, Jesus would come to her.

At weekday Masses celebrated at the Atrium (new Meadowbrook) nursing home, or from lay ministers coming to her various residences, she received Communion throughout her final four decades. She would watch the Holy Mass on TV, say her Rosary multiple times a day, and pray her daily devotional books with dedication. She found her great consolation in God and with God, like the psalmist who said “goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life.” She desires the same for you.

As St. Paul reminds us, “We must all appear [one day] before the judgment seat of Christ.” Donetta reportedly neither longed for death nor feared it. She said, “If the Lord wants me, it’s time to go… When the good Lord takes me I’m ready.” She looked forward to seeing her mother and father and other deceased loved ones again, and anticipated the joy being with Jesus and our Father with the Holy Spirit forever. She confidently hoped in God’s word: “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.”

Pray for Donetta’s soul, that any remaining impurity or imperfection in her soul may be cleansed. As the Book of Wisdom tells us, like gold in the furnace, God purifies us. Only as flawless sacrificial offerings will he take us to himself. As Jesus says, “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” St. Augustine of Hippo’s holy mother, St. Monica, whose loving prayers so aided him in his conversion had a final request for her children. She told them, “Bury my body wherever you will…. Only one thing I ask of you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.” Donetta would have you remember her at God’s altar, so that you each may be led into true blessedness by Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd.

Posted in Chrisitian Virtues, Christian Perfection, Funeral Homilies, Homily, Jesus Christ, Mass | Leave a Comment »

Christ Our Light — Funeral Homily for Todd Zwiefelhofer, 51

October 3, 2023

By Fr. Chinnappan Pelavendran

My dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, I would like to express my sympathy to Todd’s family members, siblings, friends, and near and dear ones. The tall white candle we have today, the Paschal Candle, stands beside the casket at every funeral mass. The candle was first lit at Easter. Five grains of incense are inserted into it symbolizing the five wounds of Jesus. The two wounds in His hands, the two wounds in His legs, and the wound in His side. It is very symbolic that this candle stands beside the coffin during every funeral Mass. It is almost as if Jesus is standing beside the coffin looking up at His Father and pleading on behalf of Todd, saying, “Look, I bore these wounds in my body for the salvation of Todd. I suffered, I died, and I rose again for him. Forgive him Father and take him to paradise.”

Todd was born on September 17, 1972, in Bloomer to Leon J. and Kathleen Zwiefelhofer, the baby of the family. He was educated and graduated from Bloomer High School in 1991. Todd married Amy Michaelis at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Bloomer.

Todd was naturally a sports person. He loved the Wisconsin teams in this order, Badgers, Brewers, and Packers. During the matches, he used to change his uniform according to the team playing to show his solidarity with the team. Todd was proud to be a 100% German. He loved to make dumplings and sauerkraut.

Today’s readings help us to understand God’s love and compassion. In the first reading, we heard that “blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” From now on, let them find rest from their labors. Our loving Father gives them rest from their labors, God will take care of them they need not work for their livelihood. In the responsorial psalm, we see the comforting picture of our Lord Jesus, the shepherd and King, who offers abundant life to his people. The Psalm reminds us of the care and protection of our good shepherd. In times of suffering, we may lose much, but we gain much more of Jesus. Our Good Shepherd will guide us, and protect us, we need not fear because He is near to us. He will lead us to everlasting life. In the second reading, our Lord calls our hearts to focus on Him, since our citizenship is in heaven. He invites us to fix our eyes on eternal life, His kingdom.

Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Though Jesus was forsaken, He fulfilled His mission and revealed his identity. When he died on the cross, He opened the way to God’s presence to all people. The Father forsakes Jesus in order to save His people. The cross is the birthplace of faith. If you want faith look at the cross. God the Father put all our sins on Jesus. Look what the Son did for us, He took all our sins and died on the cross. Jesus was abandoned so that we could be accepted. Our sins are many, but God’s mercy is more. Todd died in the hands of God, and now he is enjoying the company of angels and saints in heaven because Jesus died on the cross for everyone.

In the Paschal Candle above the five grains of incense, we see the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet, Alpha, and Omega. Jesus is the beginning and end of our life. Jesus is the beginning and end of Todd’s life and He is the beginning and end of all our lives too. Our Lord Jesus gives meaning to our life, especially in times of suffering.

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Transformer of the Earth — Funeral Homily for Richard Zwiefelhofer, 92

September 19, 2023

By Fr. Victor Feltes

Richie’s family has told me a number of stories about him as a hardworking transformer of the earth. He would take places as they were naturally and improve them. He served in the U.S. Army in wartime Korea (1951-52) building roads, “engineering the land.” He made it home safely, married Margie, and labored on his farmstead. He worked hard on that farm, meticulously picking rocks day and night as if they were weeds in his fields, improving the soil. You have passed his verdant pastures on your way out of town beside Kwik Trip, where he gave his beef cattle peaceful rest. He could harvest his fields to yield four hay crops each summer for feeding his hungry herd. He did not raise dairy cows but he had a side-job hauling milk, and also gravel, dirt, corn, and or grain. His work aided in the shaping of this earth and in the sharing its blessings. Despite his short stature, he possessed great strength. He reportedly could carry a milk can in each hand, weighing one hundred pounds apiece. And his strength endured. Even into his nineties, he would shovel manure out of the pens.

He loved that farm and loved having fun. He loves his family and loves our God. Every weekend, he brought his family members to our Lord in the Eucharist. And when Riche could no longer attend himself, he watched the Holy Mass on TV. Though he was in and out of consciousness during his final weeks, when I visited Richie and gave him the Last Rites he thanked me for these precious gifts. And I am told that as the hour of his death drew near, he was heard praying the Hail Mary.

Richie worked hard to bless his family and help lead them to the Lord. Jesus Christ, meanwhile, always labors to bring us closer to himself and bless us. He engineers creation to build us a road so that his allies can conquer overwhelmingly in fighting the good fight and reach heaven triumphant. He meticulously picks out the useless rocks—the sins in our souls, to make us more fruitful. He would make us maximally fruitful; four, or thirty, or sixty, or one hundred fold. He utilizes us to help nourish his herd, shape this earth, share its blessings, and in verdant pastures give us repose.

Looking at Jesus during his public ministry, some people thought him to be a mere man. But his words and deeds reveal the divine strength he possesses, strong enough to bear the Cross for our sins and overturn death for our salvation. And Jesus Christ has not giving up laboring on this earth. He would shovel out the muck of sin from our lives if only we would welcome him and allow him to do so.

God loves us. He loves us powerfully. The Book of Wisdom says the Lord would purify and perfect us like gold in a furnace. And Jesus tells us in John’s Gospel that we would be wise to let him. Christ notes a lesson from the fields: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit… for eternal life. … The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

The gospel reminds us that Jesus felt natural human distress as he faced his approaching Passion and death: “I am troubled now,” Jesus said, “Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.” Today, we may feel natural sadness at Richie’s passing, and that’s a beautiful thing, as it reflects our love. Yet what shall we say? It was for this purpose—a holy passage from this life into new life—for which Jesus and Riche worked hard together for so long.

Our Lord is the great hardworking transformer of the earth, who takes us as we are naturally and labors to improve us. Let any goodness you see in Riche reflect for you its source and perfection in Christ. And let Jesus work with you to bring you to holy perfection.

Posted in Funeral Homilies, Homily, Jesus Christ | 1 Comment »

A Mother’s Love — Memorial Mass Homily for Georgetta Thibeau, 94

May 15, 2023

By Fr. Victor Feltes

Georgetta was born here in Bloomer in 1928. She grew up in this parish, attending our St. Paul’s School. Her funeral Mass was offered in Racine after she passed away this January. And following this morning’s Mass, her remains will be laid to rest in our South Catholic Cemetery.

In the gospel for today, Jesus says, “Love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” So I asked Georgetta’s daughter, Sue, whether her mother had laid down her life for her friends. She replied, “No,” — her mother laid down her life for her family.

Georgetta raised her six children all by herself in Racine for most of their youth. Her two boys and four girls knew it was not easy for her and helped out as they could. In an era with much less government support, Georgetta worked night shifts to provide for her family. But she lovingly provided them more than just food and shelter. She also gave them the example of her Catholic Faith.

Georgetta, it is said, was never without a rosary in her hands, day or night. Whenever she came across a rosary she would pick it up and place it into her prayer rotation. But there was one rosary in particular about which she gave her children special instructions. On more than one occasion, she told them to take the rosary she kept on her headboard and place it into the urn (this urn) with her ashes when she died. Why? “Because that one glows in the dark.”

The Holy Rosary and our Blessed Mother Mary were always near to her heart. And the Blessed Mother she loved leads me to a final reflection. Jesus Christ perfected his mother in love to love like himself. Jesus said, “Love one another as I love you.” Who besides the Lord has loved with a greater love than her? Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Yet this presents a puzzle, since the Virgin Mary never died a martyr’s bloody death.

From Mother Mary we discover that a person can lay down one’s life with the greatest love as a loving offering for others even without dying a red martyrdom. And these others (these “friends” one loves and lays down one’s life for) can be one’s own sons and daughters, since Mary is our spiritual mother and we are her dearly beloved sons and daughters. Mother Mary learned how to love like Jesus loves us, and Georgetta learned how to love like Mary loves us. That is why, even in death, Georgetta remains in the light.

Posted in Blessed Virgin Mary, Christian Perfection, Funeral Homilies, Homily, Love, Motherhood, Rosary, Weekday Homilies | Leave a Comment »

Finding Hope in Eternal Life — Funeral Homily for Glen Siverling, 104

May 7, 2023

By Fr. Chinnappan Pelavendran

On behalf of St. Paul’s Parish and myself, I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Glen John Siverling’s family, His children, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was born on January 19, 1919, in Bloomer. He graduated from Brush Prairie School, and married Edna Rubenzer on May 30, 1939, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Tilden.

After his marriage, he worked on the farm for twenty years. He and His wife raised four children. After they moved to Bloomer he did carpentry work for UBC. After they retired, they enjoyed with his wife by traveling, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and visiting family and friends. He was ready to help anybody at any time. He also made his own sausage with his grandchildren. He liked to listen to music and watch Westerns on Tv until his eyesight went bad. After his wife’s death, he moved to Meadowbrook’s rest home.

We have gathered here to pray for him. We believe that our prayer can help him. We know that prayer is powerful and believe that we can help the departed by praying for them. The best gift you can give to Glen is to pray for him. Prayer has lasting value.

Our Gospel reading today is filled with many comforting words from Jesus. Anyone who feels tired, emotionally empty, disappointed, abandoned, or depressed can easily be uplifted up by the comforting promise of Jesus that He will give rest. The last part of the Gospel is, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” This has been a huge help and consolation to the people. Those who have lost someone in the family, a soul at rest can share the peace of God.

We live in the hope that when our earthly journey is done, we will be at home with God forever. Only God can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. St. Augustine’s understanding of this truth led him to write, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

When we die, life is changed not ended. We remember people when they die and pray for them. We can also ask them to pray for us. This keeps us close to them and we will think of them frequently. The people of the church are in three areas, the Saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and those of us still living here on earth. We believe that all are united around Jesus’ cross and resurrection.

In the Apostles’ Creed we profess our faith. “I believe in the Holy Spirit the Holy Catholic Church the communion of saints the forgiveness of sins the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.” The living and the dead are united by praying for each other. This is the communion of saints that we profess we believe in during the Apostle Creed. I believe in the communion of saints. Believing in the communion of saints, believing that life is changed not ended, we pray for Glen John Siverling.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him
May he rest in peace!
Amen.

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Easter Makes All Things New — Funeral Homily for Donna Falkenberg, 75

April 12, 2023

By Fr. Victor Feltes

On the first Good Friday, Christ’s Church lost her bridegroom. What would become of her children, already born and yet to be born? However, Jesus had said, “I will not leave you orphans.” In God’s good providential plan, they would not be left abandoned. Behold how Easter Sunday made all things new. Similarly, in 1966, when Donna was eighteen years old, her husband “Sonny” Braden, Jr. tragically died. She had one infant daughter then and was pregnant with another. What would she do? God’s providence lovingly provided for them. She found and wedded Rodger in 1972, gifting her children a wonderful dad.

Donna’s daughters, Kelly and Lisa, tell me she loved traveling and made friends everywhere she went because she would talk to anybody. She had words of wisdom to share and a way of knowing what people needed to hear. Many of her daughters’ friends consider Donna a second mother. Her Lord, Jesus, also journeyed far from place to place and struck-up conversations with strangers. A woman at a well, a tax collector at his post, or a disabled beggar on the street could each have their lives forever changed and blessed by encountering and befriending him.

Donna sold Home Interiors and Gifts for thirty-two years and ranked sixteenth in the nation for sales. She had a knack for beautifying things and could make a house a home. Before Jesus died and rose he said, “I will prepare a place for you. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. … I am going to prepare a place for you, …come back again, and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” Jesus intends to beautifully transform us, first our souls and later our bodies, that we may live after this life in a beautiful home with him.

Donna loves an eclectic combination of foods, including ice cream, popcorn, candy corn, and ketchup (though not necessarily mixed together). She would clean out the refrigerator to make what she called “Messy Meals,” adding spaghetti sauce, cream of mushroom soup, or creamy cheese sauce to make leftovers deliciously new. Interestingly, even after being resurrected in a glorified body, Jesus still eats food. St. Luke records how on Easter evening Jesus appeared to the disciples in the Upper Room and while they were still amazed and incredulous for joy he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish and he ate it in front of them. Now Jesus did this partly as a proof that he was truly alive and not merely a ghost. But John recounts how later along the shore of the Sea of Galilee the risen Jesus invited seven disciples to a meal. “Come, have breakfast,” he said, and he shared his fish and bread. Though Jesus has no need for food to live, for “death no longer has any power over him,” he still seems to enjoy eating.

Donna’s daughters tell me of her quick wit. “It sometimes shocked you how she snuck it in, but it kept you on your toes.” And Donna could be playful, such as putting a cherry tomato in her cheek and saying, “Tomato, what tomato?” We see that Jesus can be playfully witty, too. After his resurrection, he appeared incognito to a pair of disciples going to Emmaus. He asked, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” One of them, Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And Jesus slyly and dryly replied: “What sort of things?” That is subtly very funny.

As a faithful Catholic, Donna attended Masses here at St. Paul’s Church. As her health declined, if you visited her at home in this past year you would find her enjoying Hallmark movies, since she kept that channel always on. I think one reason she loved both our Catholic Faith and those Hallmark movies is that these stories have happy endings. God has built within us an innate longing for happiness, and he intends to fulfill our longings through Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us so that we may become like him—perfectly holy in our souls and gloriously resurrected in our bodies. Through Jesus Christ, we can live with God forever, free of death and sadness and full of peaceful happiness.

Jesus’ resurrection shows us that goodness will not be lost to death, but raised up again in a beautiful way to endure forever. In these examples from Donna’s life I have shared we see that whatever good things we love, and whatever good there is in us, can find a happy home united with Christ who loves them, too. Behold how Easter makes all things new.

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From Earthly to Divine — Funeral Homily for John Boehm, 85

March 27, 2023

By Fr. Victor Feltes

John’s family has told me about his many loves. How he has loved Sharon, to whom he was married for twenty-two years until her passing in 1981. How he has loved Maria, his wife these last twenty-six years. And how he has loved his family as a good Christian father who “always told you he loved ya.”

He loved any kind of music and any opportunity to sing. He commonly sang at funerals, and his fellow parishioners in church liked to sit near him to help make themselves sound better. He used to work all week and then proudly lead “Johnny’s Family Affair” every weekend. Then, each Sunday morning he would shepherd his family to St. Jude’s for Mass, followed by Sunday fun with the kids. John loved being a mechanic through six decades; taking things apart and putting them back together right. He also loved his motorcycles and (like his natural children) he would name them; including Grey Dog, Happy, Jolly, King, Silver Hawk, and others.

When he turned eighty, his family gifted him a bike. Since John’s balance had become rather poor, they bought him a three-wheeler. He loved riding it as much as he could, being outside enjoying the weather, touring around New Auburn and the surrounding countryside. Even a week before his death, he was talking about his desire to go riding again. He hoped to experience that familiar good anew and more deeply.

Now these various examples of John’s loves reflect the ambiguity of that word. “Love” is an equivocal term — not meaning the same exact thing every time it is used. John, of course, did not love music or his motorcycles in the same way that he loves his family or loves our God, and yet he loves them all. Similarly, the words we use to speak of God are true and yet remain mysterious.

The Holy Trinity gives us images and terms to reveal what the divine Persons are like; such as Father, Lord, King, Son, Shepherd, Lamb, Rock, Light, Judge, Advocate, Creator, and Savior. God’s inspired word identifies him as truly and perfectly Good, Loving, Holy, Just, and Merciful. At the same time, divine Fatherhood transcends earthly fatherhood, and God’s goodness far surpasses in quantity and quality, our human understanding and experiences of goodness.

These images and terms are analogies, likening the earthly to the divine. And in every instance, where some similarity is noted between God and his creatures there remains an even greater dissimilarity. We know something of goodness, but God is truly good and even better than we know.

Created things, the people and good things we know and love, all do reflect something of the divine. Our Triune God reveals himself to us as our Father, as the Church’s Spouse, and as our Brother in Christ, who will always tell us that he loves us. God is a mechanic, too; repairing things and putting them back together right. God delights in his children, and invites his family to join in his eternal song. And he leads us to worship, to fellowship, and to rest with him, calling each of us by name.

As St. John writes, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. Beloved, we are God’s children now…” So even though there is sadness in life’s partings, we approach John’s death and our own deaths one day with consolation and hopeful expectation. For all created things, the people and things we know and love, reflect something true and good of our Creator and Savior. And if we cooperate with our Lord in grace and love and goodness, on the day of Resurrection, “we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”

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Jesus says “Come to Me” — Funeral Homily for Clarence “Clancy” Mikl, 66

March 25, 2023

By Fr. Chinnappan Pelavendran

On behalf of St. Paul’s and St. John the Baptist Parishes, I would like to extend our sympathy to the members of Clarence’s family. We will continue to remember him in our thoughts, prayers, and masses in the coming future. Whenever we gather as a community of faith to celebrate the Eucharist, whether it is a simple liturgy during the week or a more solemn celebration on Sunday, one thing we always do is to remember in a very special way, our faithfully departed and their families.

Clarence and Janice were married on December 3, 1977, and they had five children and ten wonderful grandchildren. He came from a large family and is also survived by his brothers and sisters. Clarence was a friend to everyone he met. He retired in 2019 after twenty years of working at Spectrum Industries in Chippewa Falls. He enjoyed hunting and fishing year around. He established “Da Famous Mikl Deer Camp” near New Auburn. He built himself a bunkhouse which he enjoyed in his retirement. He shared his love for the outdoors with his grandchildren, including hunting, camping, and showing them how maple syrup is harvested and made. He was a true American patriot, and a Packers, Brewers, and Badgers fan.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Bloomer and the Knights of Columbus, and for many years was a Boy Scout leader. He was a handyman and taught his kids to fix their own cars and trucks, and to do other things as well. He loved being helpful, and was always willing to lend a hand in whatever was needed.

In the Gospel today, Jesus offers words of comfort. Anyone who is tired, disappointed or depressed can be lifted up by the comforting promise that Jesus will give you rest. We all have problems in life. These problems can be big or small, and make us sad and tired.

Whenever we lose a person who is dear to us, we are overcome with emotion. We are sad and confused. Here is the Good News. To all those who are alone and in need of someone to talk to, those who have no one, those who feel lost and lonely, Jesus can help. He says, come to me. Jesus is always there to help us, we are never alone.

While we are truly saddened over the passing from this life of Clarence, our faith reassures us that the sadness we are now experiencing will be transformed into joy because Clarence, like Jesus, has died, but he has died into Resurrection. Even now as we continue to celebrate his funeral liturgy, he is enjoying the fullness of God’s presence and will continue to enjoy that fullness forever.

In Jesus, we find total comfort.

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She gratefully said “Yes” — Funeral Homily for Janet Sikora, 83

March 10, 2023

By Fr. Chinnappan Pelavendran

On behalf of St. Paul’s Parish and myself, I would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Janet’s family, her sons and daughters, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her siblings. She was born September 16th, 1939, in Cooks Valley. She was the daughter of John and Alvina Zwiefelhofer. She married Alfred Sikora on October 29th, 1960.

In her younger years, she worked at the Bloomer Canning Factory and later at the Renegade Truck Stop as a cashier. While working at the truck stop, she got to know most of the police officers in the area. She was like a mother to a lot of people. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel on TV. She loved to play cards whenever she had a chance. Janet really enjoyed Dave’s Bloody Marys. She had a love for life, if it was cooking, traveling, or family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to her.

Janet was a long-time member of St. Paul’s and was active in the PCCW. She loved to pray the Rosary and, in later years, watch Mass on TV. While she was living at Dove Healthcare, she was very faithful in attending Mass. Last week, she was dozing at Communion time, I approached her and quietly asked if she would like to receive Communion, and she gratefully said “yes.”

Our readings today remind us that God will wipe away all of our tears. Christ died for us and destroyed death so that we can be with Him in eternity. For if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Each of us shall give an accounting of himself to God. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day. The responsorial psalm reminds us that the Lord is our Shepherd. He will take care of all our needs. If we truly believe this, God will answer all our prayers.

Every good gift and every perfect gift from above, comes down from the Father. So, when you think of the good times and the good things about Janet, know that these came from God. Every good in our lives is a gift from God.

Jesus Christ became man and came to heal the brokenhearted. One day, God will wipe away all sickness, evil, and pain. Life can be difficult, but if we trust in the Lord, everything will be ok. God loves us.

Let us remember that this earthly life is temporary and that all of us have been created to live in eternity with God. Let us remember, that God has a plan. We don’t have to know what His plan is, but it will be perfect. We trust Him, He is faithful, He is good, and He Loves us.

Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

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Every Human Person is Special — Funeral Homily for Lynda Sykora, 58

March 6, 2023

By Chinnappan Pelavendran

On behalf of St. John the Baptist parish and I, I want to extend our sympathy to the family, her husband Roger, and children Rachel, Alex, and Hannah. Also, I extend our sympathy to the friends of Lynda. She will be missed by many for a very long time. We are pleased that she no longer has to suffer. I had the privilege of Anointing Lynda before she died. When I asked how she was, she said she was well. She was very calm and eager to receive Jesus. She was at peace.

Lynda grew up in Alabama and moved to Cooks Valley in 1994. She and Roger have been members of St. John the Baptist Catholic church since they were married in 1995. Lynda worked on the farm, was a great cook, and enjoyed gardening, flowers, and canning. She was also a 9-1-1 dispatcher for a while. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Attending her kids’ sporting events was a happy time for her.

Our readings this morning give us great consolation. In our first reading, we were told the Lord will wipe away tears from every cheek. We know that everything we do makes sense only if it is leading us to peace in God. We know there are many distractions and temptations in life, all pretending to offer us peace and happiness, but none of them do because we know that we will find this peace and happiness only in God. When we find our peace in God, we become friends of God, when we live with God’s love in our hearts, then we have peace. That is why our first reading said the Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek. When we hope in the Lord for salvation, how blessed we are.

There is a truth that is good for us to reflect on at the time of death. The truth is that:

Every human person is special.
Everyone is unique.
Nobody ever takes anybody else’s place.

It is very clear in the gospel reading that being blessed does not always mean being materially blessed. The beatitudes which Jesus offers us are a sign of contradiction to the world’s understanding of happiness and joy. How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution?

Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God’s word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and spiritual oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world.

We are gathered here today to remember Lynda and pray for her. Let us also pray for Roger and their children during this difficult time. Let us also pray that we also will find peace in God.

May her Soul Rest in Peace.

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Death & Resurrection — Funeral Homily for Judith “Judi” Schindler, 71

February 5, 2023

By Fr. Chinnappan Pelavendran

The parish of St. Paul’s and I wish to extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Judith. It is always difficult to lose someone that we dearly love.

Believing in Jesus’ resurrection is the core of Christian belief. It is the basis of our Christian faith. There would not be Gospels without the resurrection. There would be no Christianity, Church, the Priesthood, or sacraments without the resurrection. There would be no hope without the resurrection.

We would not have the resurrection without the death of Jesus Christ. We don’t have flowers, fruits, or trees unless the seed is sown. The seed has to die in order to start a new plant. Therefore, St. Paul preached not only the resurrection but also the crucifixion of Christ.

St. Paul reminds us that death is not the end, it is only the beginning. Life is not over, it is only changed. In the Gospel of St. John, Jesus told us that He is preparing a place for us in heaven. Death is a doorway to a new life with God. Jesus accepted death and has given us the rewards of eternal life.

Our first reading today talks about the souls of the virtuous. That reading calms any fears about death for those who trust in God. What better place could we go after death than into the hands of God? What a beautiful way to describe God’s care for us. Do you remember when you were little and your parents held you in their arms? When we die, God will take us in His arms. We believe that God has taken Judith into His arms.

In today’s Gospel, we talked about the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Jesus came to earth to free us from our sins and grant us everlasting life with him in paradise. It is difficult to know how Jesus must have suffered during his passion and crucifixion. Even today, God brings good from the sufferings that people endure.

Judith and her husband, Norman were married on June 27th, 1970 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in New Auburn. They were inseparable. she was an independent woman. She was a Eucharistic minister and a CCD teacher and a lot of other things. She worked as the food director for the Chetek schools for 34 years. She and Norman raised two sons, Cory and Jeff. They enjoyed spending time with their family. She was close to her sister Suzanne. She will be missed by many.

We thank God for Judith. We are grateful that she was catholic. Let us place her in the hands of our Blessed Mother. She understands our pain and suffering. May our God grant Judith eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom. May Her Soul Rest in Peace, Amen.

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“Jesus Loves Me” — Funeral Homily for Mabel Klingbeil, 93

January 23, 2023

By Fr. Victor Feltes

Great love is powerfully expressed through great trials. When Mabel was only eleven years old, she experienced a shocking personal loss. Her ten-year-old sister Betty passed away from an appendicitis. And for the rest of Mabel’s life it seems she wanted to help make sure others were safe and well. Mabel would live to be the last-surviving member of the family of her birth. She served as a caregiver to her parents and her adult siblings as they passed on before her.

She was married in this church to her husband George in 1958. They gave life to four sons together, including two, John and Tim, who passed away in infancy. After fourteen years of marriage, Mabel became a widow at age forty-three. She raised her two boys, Michael and George, on her own; doing her best to fill the role of two parents, for instance, taking them out to go fishing. Then, after her retirement, Mabel began raising children anew at age seventy-two. She cared for her grandkids, Katie and Sarah, concerned for both their bodies and souls, for instance often saying, “Remember to pray and brush your teeth!” How did Mabel say she liked raising children? “I had a ball.”

Kindly but firm, Mabel was not swayed by the increasingly straying views of popular culture. She has been a well-known St. Paul’s parishioner for many years volunteering at our school and singing in our church choir. She would take the girls with her up to the balcony for funerals. The other choir members and widowed school teachers were often recipients of Mabel’s care.

I remember Mabel telling me in her room at Dove nursing home, that she had been a teacher for a total of thirty-three years (seven years elsewhere and then twenty-six years here in Bloomer). She loved teaching her students and said she would still like to teach—if she were not ninety-three years old. I saw her Tuesday afternoons when I brought her our Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and she always received him with devotion.

Because of circumstances of her upbringing, Mabel had a hard time accepting God’s amazing love for us. She once remarked, “When I [was growing] up, I never knew that God loved me.” At times, she wondered, “How could Christ die just for me?” Yet Jesus Christ has powerfully revealed his great love for us, especially through his trials.

Why else would God become man in Jesus Christ if not from great concern that we would be safe and well? Jesus comes to us as a teacher in a visible life on earth thought to have numbered thirty-three years. Kindly but firm, he possesses and imparts truth in an errant world. He formed young disciples in his charge; sometimes he even took them fishing. He comes as our Good Shepherd, laying down his life for his sheep, desiring none of us to be lost.

Jesus worshiped at his Father’s house and offered himself in sacrifice on the Cross. Now he calls us to worship in his Church and receive the great gift of himself offered in the Holy Eucharist. Jesus, now risen, is the first-surviving member of his family. Raised from the dead, he lives forever to help us through this life into the next. He is the faithful, loving caregiver of his spouse and his brothers and sisters; that is, of his Church as a whole and each of us individually.

So you see, Jesus Christ forms faithful Christians to be more and more like himself, and shepherds them to be with him in paradise. “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?” Despite all these things, we can conquer overwhelmingly through him who loves us. Mabel, in her final recent trial, found comfort in this truth, as she often sang that sweet children’s song: “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.” Let us be faithful to Christ, so that together with Mabel we may “behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!”

Posted in Christian Perfection, Funeral Homilies, Homily, Jesus Christ, Love, Salvation History, Service | 1 Comment »

The Communion of Saints — Funeral Homily for Sylvester Berres, 91

December 31, 2022

By Fr. Chinnappan Pelavendran

On behalf of the parish of St. Paul’s, I would like to extend our sympathy to the friends of Sylvester. He will be remembered in our thoughts, prayers, and Masses. Whenever we gather together, as a community of faith to celebrate the Eucharist, we always remember our faithfully departed.

Sylvester’s friends will remember him as a prayerful, quiet, and gentleman. He was faithful to the daily Masses when he was able. He came frequently because he wanted to receive the Lord in the Eucharist and knew that he was not alone and that Jesus was with him. Sylvester invited me through Mr. Mark Bischel to his nursing home to hear his confession two weeks ago. He probably knew that it would be his last confession. I feel that he made a very good confession and now he is in Heaven with God.

In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are told that “the souls of the just are in the hands of God. They are in peace because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.” The Lord is Sylvester’s shepherd and no more will he walk in the valley of darkness, because he walks with the Lord.

In today’s second reading, “No one lives for himself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord.” Sylvester lived his life for the Lord, died in the Lord, and now lives with the Lord.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus spoke about a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies, and produces much fruit, it has served its purpose. When a believer is faithful to God, God remains close to them. Sylvester was a good example, he was alone and must have been lonely sometimes but because he was close to God, he was comforted by God.  Because he was alone, Sylvester is a good example for us to follow when we are feeling alone or depressed.

When we die, life is changed not ended. We remember people when they die and pray for them. We can also ask them to pray for us. This keeps us close to them and we will think of them frequently. The people of the Church are in three areas: the Saints in Heaven, the souls in Purgatory, and those of us still living here on earth. We believe that all are united around Jesus’ Cross and Resurrection.

In the Apostles’ Creed, we profess our faith: “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.” The living and the dead are united by praying for each other. This is the communion of saints that we profess we believe in during the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in the communion of saints. Believing in the communion of saints, believing that life is changed not ended, we pray for Sylvester.

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