Rev. George John Beitzinger

Beitzinger, Reverend George John
March 17, 2009 at the age of 88 years.

Father Beitzinger was born on September 7, 1920 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended St. Lawrence Elementary School, Messmer and Pio Nono high schools in Milwaukee. He was ordained on February 2, 1945 by the Most Reverend Moses E. Kiley at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee. Father Beitzinger began his studies at Saint Francis Seminary in 1937, and completed his preparation for the priesthood in 1945.

Father’s priestly ministry began February 14, 1945 as a curate at St. Anne’s Parish in Milwaukee. On March 6, 1950 he was named a curate for St. Aloysius Parish, West Allis, and on September 12, 1958, as curate for St. Wenceslaus Parish, Milwaukee. Father was appointed to his first pastorate on July 1, 1964, serving St. Francis Xavier Parish, Brighton. On July 24, 1973, he was named the temporary administrator for St. Matthew Parish, Oak Creek, and was appointed pastor of the parish on September 12, 1973. Father was appointed pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Woodhull on June 21, 1977; this assignment included serving the Mission of St. Mary, Eldorado. Father retired from active ministry on December 31, 1983. In retirement, he served during summers at St. Marys Parish, Crivitz and at parishes in Naples, Florida during the winters.

Fr. Beitzinger is survived by his sister Sr. Anne Beitzinger, OSF, nieces; Jane Howell Kemp and Betsy VanEtten. His longtime housekeeper and dear friend Helen Heistad and her family. Further survived by great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna nee Zimmermann, and brothers Alphonse and Larry Helen Beitzinger.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Father Beitzinger will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, March 27, 2009, Christ King Chapel, Saint Francis de Sales Seminary 3257 S. Lake Drive in St. Francis, Wisconsin. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation takes place from 3:00-7:00pm on Thursday, March 26, 2009, at the Funeral Home.