Msgr. James H. Duhigg 1905-1983

DUHIGG, HOLLAND

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/24/2011 at 00:19:05

Monsignor Duhigg Dies at Age 76
Estherville – The Right Monsignor James H. Duhigg, 76, died this past weekend in La Jolla, Calif., but his name and memory will long live with St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish and the general Estherville community.

Monsignor Duhigg came to Estherville in December, 1949, at which time he succeeded Father J.J. Keene, who retired to Milwaukee, Wisc., because of very poor health conditions.

At that time, Monsignor Duhigg still carried the title of Father Duhigg. Before coming here, he had most recently served as pastor of the Sacred Heart Parish in Livermore for 9 ½ years. He also served as assistant pastor in Boone and Sioux City.

The son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Duhigg, he was born and reared in the Emmetsburg area. He operated a clothing business in Spencer for some time before becoming a priest.

After receiving his early education in Emmetsburg, he attended Loras College in Dubuque, Creighton University in Omaha, Nebr. And St. Paul’s Seminary, St. Paul Minn. He was ordained a priest June 3, 1934, in Sioux City by the Most Rev. Edmond Heelan, then bishop of the Sioux City diocese. He celebrated his silver jubilee in the priesthood in 1959 in Estherville.

Notification of the monumental advancement to the title of the Right Rev. Monsignor came in November, 1962. However relatives place the actual date of his elevation to the rank of domestic prelate at April 21, 1963.

The honor was bestowed by Pope John XXIII. The monsignorial dignity carries with it personal inclusion in the household of the pope and is said to indicate the Holy Father’s pleasure with the recipient’s priestly life and work for the church.

Also, American Catholics regard the title as not only a personal honor, but also as a reward to the parish served by the monsignor.

Monsignor Duhigg left full-time service at St. Patrick’s Parish in January of 1975, with Father Albert O. Grendler succeeding him. Those outside the parish may best remember him through the Duhigg Center, a meeting place for many church and community activities. Announcement of the naming of the center for him was made on the evening of his going away party.

He then retired to La Jolla, Calif., but still returned to the Iowa Great Lakes area to spend his summers at Lake Okoboji.

Services for Monsignor Duhigg will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, and the Daily News will be carrying a full obituary as soon as it is made available. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, February 23, 1983)

Note: according to CA death index, mother's maiden name was Holland