Br. Blane Grein, OFM, 88, passed away Nov. 27 at Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was a professed Franciscan friar for 70 years and a priest for 62 years. Most of Br. Blane’s ministry was devoted to missionary service, and he was known for his openness, generous spirit, …

Brother John Richard LEMKER of the St. Leonard Community in Centerville, Ohio, USA, died in the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary on July 4, 2024, in Centerville, Ohio, USA, at the age of 91 with 72 years of religious profession. Brother John was a beloved teacher, religious formator, and …

Br. Reynolds Garland, OFM, passed away on Nov. 30, 2023, at the age of 89 at Twin Towers Senior Living Community in Cincinnati, Ohio. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Br. Reynolds was born on Jan. 13, 1934, to Alex and Willetta Garland. Br. Reynolds entered the Franciscan Order on …

Father Arthur (Art) J. Espelage, OFM, 78, passed away Dec. 9 at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, where he was receiving Hospice Care. Born on Aug. 13, 1944, in Cincinnati, Father Art was one of six children of Arthur Sr. and Antoinette. He attended St. Bonaventure School in Cincinnati. With …

Fr. Robert “Bob” Weakley, OFM, died Jan. 23 at St. John the Baptist Friary in Cincinnati. Fr. Bob, 80, served as a teacher, pastor and chaplain, and was known for his love for reading, walking and good conversation. Born on March 31, 1941 in Peoria, Ill., Fr. Bob was one …

Sister Jeannine Kloeker CPPS, 81, died peacefully on January 23 at Maria Joseph Center in Dayton. She was born August 1940 in Piqua, Ohio, and entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, in 1959. For 63 years she faithfully served God, His people and the Congregation. A Mass …

Fr. Carl Hawver, OFM, died Dec. 31 at St. Margaret Hall in Cincinnati. Fr. Carl was 78 years old and had been under palliative care for some weeks. A sensitive and caring friar, he was known for his love for singing, creativity and helping those he ministered to feel free …

Fr. James (Jim) Van Vurst, OFM, died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 at St. the John the Baptist Friary in Cincinnati. Fr. Jim was 87 years old. Born on Feb. 1, 1934 in Detroit, Mich., Fr. Jim was one of two children of Marinus and Marion (Wilkinson) Van Vurst. He attended …

  75 Years Sister Maureen Donovan A native of Iowa, Sister Maureen Donovan spent her active ministry years as an educator in Ohio and Michigan. She first ministered as a primary school teacher at the following Archdiocesan schools: St. Patrick, Cincinnati (1945-’50); St. Aloysius, Fayetteville (1950-’51); Resurrection, Cincinnati (1951-’55); and …

80 years Sister Irvin Marie Kreimer Sister Irvin entered the Sisters of St. Francis on September 8, 1938 from St. Leo Parish, Cincinnati, and made final vows on August 12, 1944. She taught in the archdiocese at St. Aloysius School, Sayler Park; St. Peter School, Chillicothe; St. Peter School, Hamilton; …