Rev. Frank Joseph Wampach
Deceased: 2025-05-17
Diocese: ST PAUL-MINNEAPOLIS
ICTE Spring: 2016
Father Frank J. Wampach, beloved priest, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Born on August 9, 1951, to Jerome and Juane Wampach, Frank was the middle child, growing up in Shakopee, Minnesota, alongside his siblings, Patrick and Tami. Known affectionately as “Tooker” by those closest to him—a childhood nickname that stuck—Frank lived a life of curiosity, compassion, and deep faith.
A lifelong student and avid reader, Frank pursued an impressive academic path. He graduated from St. Louis University before earning a master’s degree in psychiatric social work, a master’s in divinity, and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Early in his career, he worked as a social worker for the Veterans Administration in St. Louis, Missouri.
Frank’s calling to the priesthood led him to the St. Paul Seminary, where he was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on May 26, 1984, at St. Paul’s Cathedral. For nearly 40 years, he served faithfully as a diocesan priest in parishes across Minnesota, including St. Vincent’s (Osseo), Guardian Angels (Lake Elmo), St. Paul’s (Zumbrota), St. Mary’s (Belchester), Immaculate Conception (Watertown), St. Joseph’s (Taylors Falls), and St. Francis Xavier (Shaffer).
Father Frank will be remembered for his warm and welcoming personality, his deep compassion, and his unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was a gifted orator, known for delivering homilies that wove together humor, grace, and the Word of God in ways that were both relatable and inspiring.
Frank loved to travel—sharing many stories from his backpacking adventures through Europe—and he had a true artist’s eye. As a metal artist and avid collector of unique treasures, he delighted in sharing the origin stories behind each piece he discovered.
Frank is survived by his brother, Patrick Wampach (Gwen); his sister, Tami Klein (Tony); his niece, Jessica Aeilts (Steve); his nephew, Justin Wampach; and his grandnieces, Zoe, Makenzie, and Jozie Aeilts. His voice, his stories, and his generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
May he rest in eternal peace.
