Fr. Werner Thomas Renneberg, OSBApril 22, 1925 - May 3, 2011The death of Fr. Werner Renneberg, OSB, of St. Mary's Villa, Humboldt (and formerly of St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster), occurred at his residence on Tuesday, May 3, 2011. He was 86 years of age, and the third oldest monk of the monastic community. Son of William Renneberg and Ida Pulvermacher, Werner Thomas Renneberg was born on April 22, 1925, in Leofeld, the oldest parish in what was then the Abbacy of St. Peter. He received his elementary education from the Ursuline Sisters and, after spending seven years working on his father's farm, he attended high school at St. Peter's College in Muenster. Werner joined St. Peter's Abbey, pronouncing first vows on June 16, 1951, and making final profession on July 11, 1954. Following his seminary studies at St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota, Archbishop Michael O'Neill ordained him as a priest in St. Augustine Church, Humboldt, on June 1, 1957. Following his ordination, Fr. Werner taught math, German and religion classes at St. Peter's College until 1959. He served as manager of St. Peter's Press from 1959 to 1967, and was also involved in parish work in Humboldt, Muenster and St. Gregor. Fr. Werner was well informed about the church's social teachings and received a Certificate of Social Leadership and Community Development following studies at the Coady International Institute in Antigonish, Nova Scotia during 1969 to 1970. He was pastor of Muenster and St. Gregor from 1970 to 1977, and then became pastor of Pilger. Fr. Werner served on the executive of the Western Conference of Priests from 1973 to 1976 and on the executive of the Humboldt and District Clergy Council from 1972 to 1977. While pastor of Muenster, Fr. Werner helped develop St. Peter's Park and camping grounds near the Wolverine Creek. The site had a swimming pool and a ski hill appropriately named Mount Werner. When Fr. Werner was assistant pastor in Humboldt, he was a board member of Futuristic Industries. He was also active in Worldwide Marriage Encounter for decades, was chaplain at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, diocesan spiritual advisor for the CWL, and a member of Carlton Trail Pro-Life. After his retirement to the Abbey, Fr. Werner served as prior and regularly celebrated Mass for the residents of St. Mary's Villa, Humboldt. In his last few months he was in a care home, first at Lanigan and then at Humboldt. Fr. Werner is survived by the monastic community of St. Peter's Abbey, Muenser; three sisters: Mildred (Ralph) Flick, Marian Kirzinger, and Velma (Ed) Brockman; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Ida (nee Pulvermacher) Renneberg; seven brothers: Norbert (Elizabeth) Renneberg, Alfred (Cathryn) Renneberg, Joseph (Lorna) (Velma) Renneberg, Fr. Florian Renneberg, OSB, Victor, Edmund and Alois Renneberg (all in infancy); one sister, Laura (John) Diederich; and by brother-in-law, Ervine Kirzinger. The Prayer Service for Fr. Werner was held at St. Peter's R.C. Cathedral, Muenster, on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., officiated by Prior Rudolph Novecosky, OSB. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Peter's R.C. Cathedral on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. celebrated with Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB presiding. Pallbearers were members of the monastic community and Fr. Werner's family. Interment followed at St. Peter's Abbey Cemetery, Muenster. Memorial donations may be directed to the Abbey Elder Care Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
