Rev. Msgr. W. Dean Walz
Deceased: 2025-03-12
Diocese: DUBUQUE
Seminary Graduation Year: 1954
ICTE Fall: 1999
Rev. Msgr. W. Dean Walz, 95, of Delhi, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa.
Msgr. Walz was born on July 1, 1929, in Bagley, Wisconsin, son of Edward and Elizabeth (Ryan) Walz. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque and completed theological studies at the North American College in Rome, Italy. He was ordained Dec. 19, 1953, in Rome by Archbishop Martin J. O’Connor.
He served as secretary to Archbishop Henry P. Rohlman, 1954-55; and associate pastor of Nativity Parish in Dubuque, 1955-60; Immaculate Conception Parish in Cedar Rapids, 1960-61; and St. Pius X Parish in Cedar Rapids, 1961-66. Following Canon Law studies at the Catholic University of America, 1966-68, he was named defender of the bond in the metropolitan tribunal and acting spiritual director at St. Pius X Seminary.
He served as assistant chancellor and, later, vice-chancellor, 1969-84; administrator of St. John’s Parish, Placid, 1969-71; and chaplain of St. Joseph Convent at Mount Carmel in Dubuque, 1971-85. He served as chancellor, 1984-85; and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Waterloo, 1985-94. He served as episcopal vicar for the Waterloo Region, 1994-2004 and vicar for Hispanic ministry, 1998-99 until he retired in 2004.
During his 70 years as a priest for the Archdiocese of Dubuque he served as executive secretary of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, chairman of the Archdiocesan Liturgy Committee, regional spiritual moderator for the Cursillo Movement and Marriage Encounter, chairman of the Priests’ Advisory Personnel Board, chairman of the Priestly Life and Ministry Committee, dean of the Waterloo Deanery, archdiocesan moderator of ACCW., and a judge for appeal cases for the Metropolitan Tribunal. Pope John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honor (monsignor) in 1997 and a Protonotaries Apostolic in 2004.
Msgr. Walz is survived by his nieces: Sheri Walz (Martin Kurr), Kimberly Walz (Michael Madero), Kristina (August) Lengling, Jackie (Helmet) Kaukver; nephews: Brenden Walz, Edward (Christin) Walz; great-nieces and -nephews: Maia and Alexander Kurr (godson}, John (Hayley) Walz, Ben Walz, Esme Walz Madero, Lincoln Lengling; great-great-niece, Elizabeth Walz; sister-in-law, Riza (Pete) Johanning; and caregiver, Deb Barschow. He was preceded in death by: his parents; his brothers, Donald Walz and Rodney Walz.
Father Dean loved sharing life with his family and friends. He was loved for his joyful spirit, calming presence, devotion to prayer, and competitive nature with sports and board games. His teasing and storytelling were enjoyed by many. He treasured his years in retirement at Lake Delhi where he enjoyed sharing his love of nature and fellowship with others, especially his neighbors in The Cedars. He was steadfast in his faith and could find the Lord in all people.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Waterloo, with burial at Gockel Cemetery, Glen Haven, WI, at a later date. There will be a 3:30 p.m. Rosary on Wednesday, March 19, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by public visitation from 4-7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. Vigil Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass on Thursday at the church. The Mass will be livestreamed: www.facebook.com/sacredheartparishwlooia.
Memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society, in Waterloo and the Delhi Thrift Store.
Online condolences may be left at www.hagartywaychoffgrarup.com. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Regional Medical Center in Manchester for their care and support.
