Br. Irenaeus Kimminau, OFM, 103, died Monday, April 29, 2024, at Quincy Healthcare and Senior Living Center in Quincy, Illinois. Br. Irenaeus entered the novitiate on Aug. 19, 1942; made simple vows on Aug. 20, 1943; professed solemn vows on Aug. 20, 1946; and was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 1949. He was the oldest friar in the province at the time of his death.
He was born April 9, 1921, in Mount Clare, Nebraska to Ferdinand and Mary (née Lienert), the oldest of eight children. Br. Irenaeus felt the call to the priesthood and randomly chose the Franciscan seminary in Westmont, Illinois, intent on becoming a priest. 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, Illinois. His last ministry was at St. Anthony Catholic Church, where he was pastor and then became part-time associate. He retired, but still celebrated Mass there every Tuesday morning until he reached his 98th birthday, driving himself from the friary to the parish to the very end.
He is survived by his sister, Agnes Piontek, Washington; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Pat Kimminau; his brother Franciscans; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Stephanie Straatmann, Sr. Mary Kimminau, Herb Kimminau, Irene Abbett, Erna Kimminau, Terry Kimminau; and sister-in-law, Mary Lee Kimminau.
Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Quincy, Illinois, and continued Friday, May 3, from 10-11 a.m. at the church. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 3, at the church. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery.
