Rev. Thomas Bernard O'TOOLE

OTOOLE, MENTZER, THIELEN, KIRCHER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:46

Fr. Thomas Bernard O'Toole
31 December 1900 ---- 12 February 1972

The Rev. Thomas B. O'Toole, 71, died Saturday evening in Mercy Hospital, Fort Dodge, where he had been a patient for a few days. He had been in failing health for some time. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Sacred Heart Church and burial was in Calvary Cemetery.

Bishop Francis Dunn of the Archdiocese of Dubuque was the celebrant at the Pontifical funeral mass, and concelebrants were, Msgr. Joseph Dunn of Clermont; Rev. Joseph Murphy, Corwith; Msgr. George N. Schulte, Dubuque; Rev. Fidelia Kaufman, Dubuque; Rev. Alvin Heuring, Belmond; Rev. Francis J. Phelan, Coggon, and Rev. John J. Brickley, Williams.

The homily was delivered by Sacred Heart's pastor, Rev. E. W. Lechtenberg. Father O'Toole was born in Eagle Grove, Dec. 31, 1900 the son of Dr. and Mrs. T. J. O’Toole. His father was one of Eagle Grove's pioneer physicians and with Dr. J. R. Christenson built and operated the O'Toole and Christenson hospital for many years.

Father O'Toole was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School and Columbia College, Dubuque. He spent three years at Grand Seminary, Montreal, Canada and one year at Sulpician Seminary, Baltimore, Md. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1926 and taught at Loras College, Dubuque. His first parish was at Westridge, Iowa and he also was pastor of Lycurgus Catholic Church near Waukon, Gary Owen near Bernard, Decorah, and served for 15 years at Corwith. He retired about a year ago on account of his health and moved back to the O’Toole family home on North Jackson Ave. where his brother Gerald lives.

He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corp during World War 2.

He was a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus, was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and The American Legion.

Father O’Toole is survived by three brothers: Dr. Lawrence O’Toole of LeMars; Dr. Roger O’Toole of Phoenix, Ariz.; Gerald O’Toole, Eagle Grove; two sisters: Mrs. Frances Mentzer and Mrs. Matt Thielen of Eagle Grove and 14 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mrs. Ileen Kircher.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, February 17, 1972