Stessman, Gerald J. (Abt 1933 - 2016)

STESSMAN, WALL, KLEIN, REISZ, ASSMAN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 4/29/2016 at 15:25:40

Name of deceased: Gerald J. Stessman

Aged: 83 yrs

Residence: Des Moines, IA

Born: About 1933 (date not provided)

Died: April 4, 2016; Mercy Hospice, Johnston, IA

Funeral services: Monday, April 11, 2016; Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Des Moines, IA; burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Earling, IA

Survived by: Siblings, Marcus (spouse, Peg) Stessman of Earling, IA, Rita (spouse, Don) Wall of Omaha NE, Dolores (spouse, Marvin) Klein of Dunlap, IA, Donald (spouse, JoAnn) Stessman of Dunlap, IA, Leo (spouse, Mary) Stessman of Omaha, NE, Helen Reisz of Woodbine, IA, Ronald Stessman of Omaha NE, and Gail (spouse, Maureen) Stessman of Dunlap, IA; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Stessman of Dunlap, IA and Connie Stessman of Bellevue, NE; nieces and nephews

Predeceased by: Parents, Leonard and Isabel (nee Assman) Stessman; brothers, Raymond, Joseph (“Jack”) and Vern

Education: graduated from St. Joseph High School in Earling, IA, Loras College and Mount Saint Bernard Seminary; he was ordained to the priesthood at St. Ambrose Cathedral on May 31, 1959 in Des Moines, IA

Religious affiliation: Catholic

Military service: no information provided

Marriage: no information provided

Employment: 1959: Served as Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines, IA, then as assistant pastor of Assumption, Granger and St. Ann, Woodward, IA.
1962: began serving at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines, IA; also taught part-time at Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines, IA.
1972: became Pastor at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Council Bluffs, IA.
1980: became pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Guthrie Center, IA and St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church in Panora, IA.
1986: became Pastor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lenox, IA and St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Afton, IA.
1990: made Rector of St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, IA.
1993: became Pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Des Moines, IA.
2003: retired and moved into the Priest Residence at Dowling Catholic High School, West Des Moines, IA.

Monsignor Stessman served at Moderator of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for 15 years; was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and served as the Friar for Dowling Assembly and, additionally, as Friar for the State of Iowa.

Hobbies/Interests: Loved the Iowa State Fair; playing cards; was known for his puns; was spiritual director for many people and was known for his willingness to help with anything wherever he could.

Sources: harlanonline.com; ilesfuneralhome.com