Rev. Richard C. Wempe
Deceased: 2013-02-25
Diocese: KANSAS CITY-KANSAS
Seminary Graduation Year: 1953
Father Richard Wempe, of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan., died Feb. 25, 2013, in a hospital, a few hours after falling at his home in Lawrence. He is remembered as a contemplative, a lover of art, a gardener, an innovator, a force for peace, a very holy man. Father Dick was born March 26, 1924, in Seneca, Kan., to Anthony and Clara (Myers) Wempe. He was predeceased by his brothers, Donald and Raymond and sister, Mildred Karnowski. He is survived by loving nieces and nephews and their children. His laughter rings in our hearts. Drafted into the Army in 1943, Father Dick served in the 66th Infantry Division in World War II, primarily in France. He studied for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained there Dec. 20, 1952, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. His posts included: 1953, Blessed Sacrament, KCK; 1956, Holy Trinity, Paola, and St. Michael’s, Wheaton; 1956, St. Vincent de Paul, Onaga; 1959, with permission entered Assumption Abby, a Cistercian (Trappist) monastery near Ava, Mo.; 1959, returned to the archdiocese, St. John the Evangelist, KCK; 1960, Holy Family, Alma, and St. John Vianney, Eskridge; 1963, St. Rose of Lima, KCK; 1969, Sacred Heart, Paxico; 1970, Holy Trinity, Paola; 1971, resigned as pastor to minister to the poor; 1979, Annunciation, Frankfort, and St. Columbkille, Blaine; 1980, Shalom House, KCK; 1989, Sacred Heart, Baileyville; and retiring in 1990. Father Dick’s sermons were short. His life among the poor and homeless spoke volumes. He founded Shalom Catholic Worker House in Kansas City, Kan., (dedicated in 1972), moving to larger buildings as more men came seeking shelter. The third Shalom House still stands, serving the homeless. Father Dick planted flower and vegetable gardens and fashioned his small altar from railroad ties. Shalom House’s library chronicled local, national, and international efforts to combat war, teach nonviolence, and create peace. Father Dick had his own pine box for his burial and later gave it away. With energy and purpose, he attracted people to the church and social issues. The perfect host, Father Dick tried on earth to do what Jesus would do, welcoming each quest as a child of God. The family wishes to thank Sr. Barbara McCracken, OSB, Fr. Al Rockers, Fr. Michael Hermes, Fr. George Klasinski, Fr. Tom Melchior, Fr. John Riley, Fr. Harry Schneider, Fr. George Seuferling, Dr. Richard Sosinski, Rupert and Deb Pate, Tom Scott, Steve Kucharo, Michael and Namoi McGrath, and Shalom House friends. The family suggests donations in Father Dick’s name to the Benedictine Sisters, 801 So. Eighth St., Atchison, KS 66002. Father Dick’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 416 N. 14th St., Kansas City, Kan., with the visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. and with a luncheon to follow Mass in the parish hall.
