Deceased: 2008-10-15
Diocese: MADISON
CSM Graduation Year: 1960
The Rev. Monsignor Raymond Edward Klaas, P.A. 82, a retired priest of the Diocese of Madison who resided in Marshall, died at 1:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, at HospiceCare in Madison. He was born on Aug. 16, 1926, in Louisburg, the son of Raymond Peter and Loretta Anna (Kuhle) Klaas. He attended elementary school at Immaculate Conception in Kieler, and graduated high school from Loras Academy in Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from Loras College with a B.A. in 1946, where he was vice president, of the senior class in 1946. He studied philosophy and received his master’s in theology from St. Francis Seminary in 1950. He was deacon class president from 1949-1950. Monsignor was ordained a priest on May 27, 1950, by Bishop William P. O’Connor at St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison. He did graduate study, J.C.D. at St. John Lateran University May 22, 1960. Monsignor served in many capacities during his life’s vocation to the priesthood. He served as associate pastor at St. Bernard Parish, Madison, from 1950-1952, and St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison from 1953-1956; administrator at Immaculate Conception Parish, Blanchardville, from 1956-1958, with missions of St. Patrick Parish, Hollandale, and St. Michael, Parish, Yellowstone. He then attended St. John Lateran University, Rome, studying Canon Law, 1958-1960. He returned to the Madison Diocese and was pastor at St. Joseph Parish, East Bristol, from 1960-1969, rector at St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison from 1969 to 1994; pastor at St. Mary of the Nativity Parish, Marshall, from 1994 until he retired in 2002. He served on the Board of Governors, Canon Law Society of America 1968-1970, University of Wisconsin Catholic Center Board of Directors 1969-1994, Rotary Club Director 1983-1984, Rotary Club, Trustee of Rotary Foundation, 1982-1983, Beloit Catholic High Board of Directors, 1969-1994, “Know of Madisonian” 1974. He was named Domestic Prelate, February 1967 and also Protonotary Apostolic on Dec. 4, 1994. Monsignor also held many offices within the Madison Diocese including; Notary to Tribunal, November 1951, Secretary to Bishop and of Tribunal, June 1952-1958, Judge of Matrimonial Tribunal, June 1954, Vice Officialis, January 1957, Chancellor 1963-1969, Diocesan Consultor November 1965, and Vicar General on November 26, 1969. He also served as Chairman-Diocesan Building Commission 1970-1994, Diocesan Services Committee 1970-1994, Edgewood College Trustee 1980-1989, Personnel Board June 1979-1989, and Presbyteral Council 1969-1994, and was named Pastor Emeritus on June 12, 2002. Surviving is his step-mother, Genevieve Klaas of Dubuque, Iowa; brothers and sisters, Mrs. Eileen “Dot” Schaefer of Potosi, Robert (Jeanette) Klaas of Platteville, Mrs. Loretta “Sis” Duggan of Platteville, Jane (Jim) Flogel of Key West, Iowa, Diane (Mike) Pitzen of Dickeyville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Urban, Merlin, Kenneth, John and Herb; and a sister, Mary Muller. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, Kieler with most the Rev. Robert C. Morlino,D.D., S.T.D., officiating, Father Lawrence Kieffer, Homilist, and Monsignor Klaas’s brother priests concelebrating. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Kieler. Friends may call after 9 a.m. Saturday at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH until time of services. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory,2595 Rockdale Road,Dubuque,Iowa is in charge of arrangements. The family wishes to thank Sienna Crest, especially Sharon, and Hospice of Madison for all the care, kindness and compassion they gave to Monsignor Klaas.
