Obituary of Fr. Wendelin Conrad Rolheiser, OMI

Livestream of the funeral will be available on the parish website:  https://stphilipneriparish.ca/

The death of Fr. Wendelin Rolheiser, OMI occurred peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, SK, surrounded by the love of his family, friends, and members of his Oblate community. Fr. Wendelin was born on July 24, 1935, in Cactus Lake SK, the third of sixteen children, to Mathilda (Gartner) and George Rolheiser. They were part of a close-knit community of Germans who immigrated from Russia, farming near the Alberta border. Fr. Wendelin entered the novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at St. Norbert, MB, professing his First Vows on September 8, 1955. After his formation at St. Charles Scholasticate in Battleford, SK, Fr. Wendelin was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1961. In addition to his theological studies, he obtained a Bachelor of Education degree. 

Fr. Wendelin’s assignments were diverse but whatever his assignment was, he ministered faithfully, prayerfully, and with a happy heart. He allowed himself to be led by the Spirit and was always willing to say “yes”. He humbly ministered in parish communities in southern and northern Saskatchewan and Alberta. He served his Oblate community, working with the Missionary Association, and in district leadership. He served the educational community on the teaching staff at St. Thomas College, in North Battleford, primarily teaching Christian Ethics, and leading the students in celebration and song.  He had a beautiful singing voice and is remembered with a particular fondness by his former students, especially those in the choir he started. Fr. Wendelin served the wider community working in Worldwide Marriage Encounter for many years. As an elder, Fr. Wendelin ministered to his brothers in chaplaincy, and in prayer. Throughout all his ministries, he forged many long-lasting relationships because of his warmth, joyful demeanor and his ever-enduring sense of dry humor and wit, which he kept until his last days.

As much as Fr. Wendelin was a wonderful priest and servant of the people of God, he was much beloved as a family man and friend. He will be remembered for his commitment to physical fitness, running, biking and hiking well into his elder years. He loved participating in his large family events. Fr. Wendelin spoke only the best of people, was non-judgemental and inclusive, gentle and never unkind.

Fr. Wendelin is survived by his brother Oblates and associates of OMI Lacombe Canada, Saskatchewan District community, and by his family:  brothers Ken (Linda), Fr. Ron OMI, and Pius (Patty); his sisters, Maureen, Bea (Cliff), Patti, Luci (Che); sister-in-law, Anne; and brothers-in-law, Mark Stang (Rita), and Angus Ouchterlony.  He is also loved and will be dearly missed by 54 nephews, nieces and their families, and countless friends. Fr. Wendelin was predeceased by his parents, George and Mathilda; his sisters, Leona (David) Sieben, Isabel Stang, Sr. Helen OSU, and Agnes; his brothers, Edwin, Fred, Denis (Elizabeth) and George; in-laws, Mick Hertz and Arthur Stang; nephew, David Sieben Jr; niece, Audrey Sieben and great nephew, Dylan Beyak.

The family and the Oblate community would like to express gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Trinity Manor, St. Joseph’s Home, and St. Paul’s Hospital for their care of Fr. Wendelin. They would also like to thank the members of his family, the Oblates and associates who journeyed with him, particularly in the last few weeks.

A Vigil of Prayer will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 7:00pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, May 27, 10:00 am. Both services will be held at St. Philip Neri Parish, 1902 Munroe Avenue, Saskatoon, SK. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the funeral will be available on the parish website, https://stphilipneriparish.ca/. Click on the livestream link.  The interment will take place at the Oblate cemetery in Battleford, SK at 2:30pm that day.