Rev. Msgr. Wayne A. Ressler
Deceased: 2019-08-21
Diocese: DUBUQUE
Seminary Graduation Year: 1965
ICTE Spring: 1989
Monsignor Wayne A. Ressler, 80 of Dubuque, died Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque of heart related issues.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Monday, August 26 at St. Joseph the Worker Parish celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackels and priests of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. A Vigil Service will be held at the church on Sunday, August 25 at 6:45 pm. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-6:45 pm at the church. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Cascade following a luncheon at the Moracco Supper Club. Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road is assisting the family.
Monsignor Ressler is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Ressler and his brother, Fr. Mark Ressler, along with three nephews, three great nephews and three great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Florence Ressler.
Monsignor Ressler was born in Cascade, Iowa on July 9, 1939. He graduated from St. Martin High School, Loras College and Fordham University (MA in Religious Education). He did his seminary training in Rome, Italy where he was ordained a priest on December 16, 1964 in St. Peter Basilica.
He was an outstanding athlete in baseball and basketball as a youth and young adult. He tells the story that when he was a senior in high school he was recruited to play baseball for the Cincinnati Reds but declined the offer because he believed God was calling him to the priesthood.
He spent the first half of his priesthood as a teacher and administrator at Wahlert High School in Dubuque and Newman High School in Mason City. The second half was spent as a pastor at Nativity parish and St. Raphael Cathedral, both in Dubuque. In early retirement he assisted at St. Joseph the Worker parish in Dubuque. His final ministry was that of “anointing priest” during his residency at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.
He loved God, he loved his family, he loved all kinds of people. He loved to travel and play golf. He loved life! May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wahlert High School.
