Rev. Msgr. Roger J. Augustine, V.G.
Deceased: 2016-09-01
Diocese: SIOUX CITY
Seminary Graduation Year: 1960
The Rev. Msgr. Roger J. Augustine, 83, of Marcus, died Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City.
Roger J. Augustine was born in Geddes, South Dakota on Sept. 23, 1932 to Joseph W. and Alvina (Schilmoeller) Augustine, the second oldest in a family of 13 children. Roger received his early education at St. Ann’s Catholic School in Geddes. After moving to Remsen Roger attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Marcus Holy Name Catholic School, Marcus in 1950. From 1952 to 1956 Roger attended Loras College of Dubuque. He received his seminary college education at North American College and the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy from 1956 to 1960. Roger was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 20, 1959 at the North American College in Rome. Monsignor Augustine celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary’s Church in Remsen, on July 10, 1960.
Msgr. Roger began his priestly ministry as assistant pastor at Assumption Parish in Emmetsburg from 1960 to 1966, while also teaching at Emmetsburg Catholic High School. From 1966 to 1969 he taught at Carroll Kuemper High School. In 1969 Msgr. Roger received a Master’s Degree in Education from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.
From 1969 to 1972 he was pastor at St. Joseph’s in Struble and St. Mary’s in Maurice and taught at Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars. From 1972 to 1978 he was pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish in Schaller and served as principal of St. Mary’s High School in Storm Lake.
He then moved on to Holy Spirit in Carroll from 1978 to 1986. During this time, he was the Vicar Forane and Dean. He also began to serve on the College of Consultors and became a Tribunal Judge for the Diocese of Sioux City. In 1984 he became a Vicar General for the Diocese of Sioux City, serving in that capacity for 20 years. He served as Chancellor of the Sioux City Diocese from 1986 to 1987. He then went to St. Joseph Parish of Milford for one year before returning to Sioux City Nativity Parish as pastor from 1988 to 1996. He then went to Moville, serving Immaculate Conception Parish from 1996 to 2004.
From 2004 to 2006 Monsignor Augustine presided as Administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City as the diocese awaited the appointment of a bishop. He then went to Blessed Sacrament in Sioux City, serving as Senior Priest until his retirement to Marcus in 2014.
In addition to his very extensive ministry in parishes, schools, and for the diocese, Monsignor Augustine served as President of the Priests’ Senate of the diocese and as Dean of the South Central Deanery. In 1983 he became a member of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese. In 1988 he received the Prelate of Honor from Pope John Paul II. He also served on the honor guard for Pope Pius XII.
He is survived by his brothers, Tom Augustine of Remsen, Wayne (Kathy) of Remsen, Dick (Nancy) of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, Dan (Mary) of Seneca, South Carolina and Mike (Janet) of Sioux City, a sister, Delores Konz of Alton; a brother in-law, Dale Mousel of Alton; sisters-in-law, Kay Augustine of Remsen, Cleon Augustine of Le Mars, Jo Augustine of Estherville; and 22 nieces and 21nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents, Joe and Alvina Augustine, three sisters, Clarice Mousel and two in infancy; three brothers, Jerry, Ralph and Bill Augustine; one brother-in-law, Pete Konz, and two sisters-in-law, Sandy Augustine and Roberta Augustine.
Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen with Bishop R. Walker Nicklass officiating. Concelebrants will be Msgr. Kevin McCoy, the Rev. Brad Pelzel V.G, the Rev. Timothy Schott, the Rev. Richard Remmes, the Rev. Larry McCarthy, the Rev. Clair Boes, the Rev. Tim Friedrichsen, the Rev. Dan Guenther and the Rev. William McCarthy, assisted by the priests of the Diocese of Sioux City. Deacon Rick Roder will also assist. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Remsen. Visitation will be any time after 4 p.m., today (Tuesday), with a parish rosary at 5 p.m. and a vigil prayer service at 7 p.m., all at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen. Visitation will resume Wednesday morning from 9:30 until service time at the church.
Casket bearers will be Tom Augustine, Delores Konz, Wayne Augustine, Dick Augustine, Dan Augustine and Mike Augustine.
The Fisch Funeral Home & Monuments of Remsen is in charge of arrangements.
