Lawrence native, Father Irenaeus Kimminau, OFM, age of 103, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 29, 2024, from Quincy Healthcare and Senior Living Center. He was born on April 9, 1921, in Mount Clare, Nebraska, the oldest of eight children of Ferdinand and Mary (Lienert) Kimminau.
Irenaeus felt the call to the priesthood and randomly chose the Franciscan Seminary in Westmont, Illinois. His focus was always on being a priest. His solemn profession as a Franciscan was on Aug. 20, 1946, and he was ordained a priest on June 24, 1949.
The Franciscan way of life wore off on him and he wore it well. He became and remained a humble and beloved servant of the people and a devoted brother to his fellow Franciscans. Christmas and the birth of Christ joining us in our humanity to save us was his favorite season.
All of his ministry was in parishes. He served in St. Louis, Missouri; Cleveland, Ohio; Washington, Missouri; Teutopolis, Illinois, Hermann. Missouri; Riverton, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana and Quincy. His last ministry was at St. Anthony Catholic Church. He was pastor and then became a part time associate. Finally, he retired, but still celebrated Mass there every Tuesday morning with St. Anthony Devotions attached until he reached his 98th birthday, driving himself from the friary to the parish to the very end.
He is survived by:
a sister: Agnes Piontek of Washington, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and his brother Franciscans also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Stephanie Straatmann, Sr. Mary Kimminau, Herb Kimminau, Irene Abbott, Erna Kimminau and Terry Kimminau.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, May 3, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Friary or to St. Anthony Catholic Church.
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