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John Brath Obituary
A priest for 46 years, Father John A. Brath, 76, died Wednesday, June 25 at his home in Ozark, Missouri.
Fr. Brath was born April 8, 1938, in Campbellsport, WI. He was preceded in death by his father, George Brath; his mother, Frances (Fleischman) Brath; and his sister Anna Mae Brath. Father Brath is survived by four brothers: Donald Brath (Dorothy), Karl Brath (Marylynn), Allen Brath (Jane), Ken Brath, and two sisters, Janet Melzer (Robert), and Karen Keller.
A young John Brath had joined the Air Force shortly after high school and worked as a chaplain's assistant. During that tour of duty, he met a Father O'Brien from St. Louis who introduced him to Bishop Charles Helmsing, the first bishop of the newly-formed Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Bishop Helmsing convinced the young Brath to go to seminary and become a priest for the Diocese, even though Brath had never been to southern Missouri. He attended Conception Abbey and Seminary in Conception, MO.
Fr. Brath was ordained a priest on May 25, 1968, in the Cathedral of St. Raymond, Joliet, IL, by Bishop Romeo Blanchette, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Fr. Brath's first assignment was as a supply priest for Immaculate Conception Parish, New Madrid, MO. He was pastor at St. William Parish, Buffalo; Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City; Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson; Our Lady of the Ozarks Parish, Forsyth; Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling City; St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lebanon; St. Mary Parish, Pierce City; St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Ozark; St. Mary Parish, West Plains, and Sacred Heart Parish, Thayer.
Fr. Brath served as a Catholic chaplain in the US Air Force from 1971-1974, earning the rank of Captain. He was awarded the commendation medal of First Oak Leaf Cluster for his meritorious service. Among his many other assignments, Fr. Brath served as Prefect of the Sacred Heart House of Studies, Springfield; teacher of religion in Saint Agnes High School, Springfield; Chaplain at then-St. Jane De Chantal Monastery, Springfield; Chaplain at the Ecumenical Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University, Joplin; Chaplain at the School of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO, Newman Club; Diocesan Moderator for the Council of Catholic Women; and President and member of the Priests Senate.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 30, 5-7 p.m., in St. Joseph the Worker Church, Ozark; Vespers will be at 7 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, in St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1796 N. State Hwy NN, in Ozark. Burial will be held in The Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, at 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 1.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Priest Retirement Fund of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, 601 S. Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65806-3143, with Fr. Brath in the memo portion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Brath
Harriet Morrison
April 9, 2015
Have thought about Father John many times on this, his birthday! I worked with him the 5 years he was at St. Joseph the Worker, and remained friends with him years after. Still miss him so much.
April 9, 2015
April 8th would have been our dear friends 77th birthday. Our youngest grand-daughter, Elsie Anderson, was born in his 75th birthday. We will always remember his love and kindness.
Lorene Watson
April 8, 2015
Happy birthday dear friend and counselor. I know you are celebrating with our son Ryan in paradise today. Both playing pianos. Thanks for the song that was played on the way home this morning from church and visiting grave ..... Piano man. God is truly awesome!
Morris& Linda Endris
December 20, 2014
He will live on in my memory. We were close but also so far away..Love and Prayers.
Mike & Shirley O'Hara
August 3, 2014
We miss Fr. John every day. He was a dear friend and confidant. Fr. John married our children and baptized all seven of our grand-kids. We were so blessed to have him in our lives for 38 yrs.
Michael & Carol Brath Turner
July 8, 2014
Our sympathies go to Father John's family. I did not know him but he was family.
David and Cindy Amerling
July 8, 2014
Our sympathy to the Brath Family. Got to see him when we went to Missouri. Made us feel so welcomed. Thoughts and Prayers
to all.
Janet and Kevin Kohlwey
July 7, 2014
Our condolences to the Brath family. I will never forget his hospitality when we visited his home in Missouri.
Wally and Carole Ferber
July 6, 2014
Our sympathies to Fr. John's family. He was a kind and understanding man who knew the true meaning of serving others and being faithful to his call.
LeNore & John Schill
July 6, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Fr John. He will always be remembered as someone who always had a smile and a gentle personality. He will missed by many. You are in our prayers.
Thomas and Diane Zehren
July 6, 2014
You were a great friend to the family. You will sadly be missed.
Thomas & Kathleen Warren
July 5, 2014
We were so sad to hear of Father Brath's passing. He married us at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Branson, MO on August 16, 1980. We are celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary this year. We couldn't have asked for a more kinder, compassionate priest! RIP Father Brath!
Jean Amerling
July 5, 2014
Please accept our sympathies at the loss of your brother and friend. Our prayers are with all of you.
Jeanne ans Allen Amerling
BOB BROKHOF
July 4, 2014
FATHER JOHN, MY BEST FRIEND, HOPE TO BE WITH HIM SOMEDAY.
Vanda
July 4, 2014
Dear Father Brath, So many memories tie you to my family. Thank you!
July 4, 2014
My sympathy to the Brath Family. I will miss his annual Christmas card and of course his smile. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lois E. Zingsheim
Arleen Stehn
July 3, 2014
Our family is so sad to hear about Fr. John. He was a great person and a wonderful priest. Our family was able to get through some very substantial health problems because of his encouragment and prayer. He also had a way of making everyone laugh and just feel so good about life. When Fr. John came to our parish, St. Mary's West Plains, he was a bit discouraged by our singing, or the lack of it. He said that we needed the Sister Act Choir to come help us out. So, when we planned the entertainment for our annual Mardi Gras dinner, I remembered what he had "joked" about and we invented our very own "Sister Act Choir". He loved it and couldn't believed we'd remembered his comment and that we "got one on him"! We took our choir on the road several times and he was our "road manager". We performed at our the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention about 8-9 yrs ago and our beloved manager was there and he had a great time. Fr. John was a very special priest and to us it seemed that he just wanted people to be happy and enjoy life. When we were with him, you couln't help but feel happy. He had such funny comments that one was always laughing. We felt almost carefree when we were with him. Everyone loved him and the kids enjoyed the $2 bills he would give them if served at Mass or gave them for their birthdays. He was just a very good man. I will never forget his sweet smile and the encouragement he gave us. Fr. John will always be in our hearts. Tom, Arleen, Gennie, Ryan, Nicole and Chris Stehn
Joan Isom
July 2, 2014
Father John Brath was a kind and gentle man with strong beliefs. He had a quick wit, infectious laugh and talked fast. He was a good friend to The Larry Isom Family when we lived in Springfield. We have many fond memories of spending time with him. After leaving Springfield we stayed in touch and with a quirk of fate, while he was in Lebanon, ended up marrying our oldest son. So sorry to hear of your passing....RIP Father John.
Anita Zummo
July 2, 2014
As I child, I lived in Conway, MO. I remember Father John's laugh and smile. His sermons were short, to the point, and always had a message anyone could relate to. What I remember most is that he talked very fast. It was necessary to listen carefully so as not to miss the message of his sermon. Thanks to his family for sharing him with so many people. I am sure his family probably missed him during many holidays because he was "being a priest." He was a gift to many parishes.
Renee Becraft
July 1, 2014
Fr. John was truly one of the best. I have such great and fond memoies of him. He always listened and counseled with such an open heart. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Fr. John, you will be missed!
Bobbi
July 1, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Father John while he lead the flock at St. Joseph the Worker. He even dubbed me the church's "token Protestant". His sense of humor, his humility, his kindness led me to believe I had truly met a Godly Man who answered his calling with great care, enthusiasm, wisdom, kindness. He was a great inspiration to me and I was privileged to witness a "Man of the Cloth" who walked the walk! I know that God has welcomed him with open arms calling, "Welcome Home my good & faithful Servant!" Thank you for everything Father John. You were a good friend and inspiration!
Tracy Curry
June 30, 2014
Such a wonderful, kind and gentle man. He was a wonderful priest and he will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Father Jiohn.
Micki Struckhoff
June 30, 2014
As a young married couple, he engaged us in Newman Club and other church activities which I'm sure changed the course of our lives for the better. When we moved to another parish, he called our new pastor to be sure we stayed involved. Such a caring priest.
Tersa Bleil
June 30, 2014
Rest In Pease. Fr. John. You were the best of the best & the Bleil clan loved you. You will be missed!
Barbara Trembley
June 30, 2014
He once gave me a penance to go home and bake cookies with my children. He was a treasure on this earth.
Ben Evers
June 29, 2014
Fr. John...such a unique priest. My young kids loved answering a question correctly at PSR Mass to earn a dollar bill! The first time I met Fr. John he asked who I was then told me to stay and discuss "landscaping" for the church grounds...as if he already knew me. And I'll always remember playing his favorite songs at mass...being told to switch a song at the very last moment...fond memories of a special priest. Rest in peace Fr. John.
Tina Gaughan
June 29, 2014
Sending loving thoughts and prayers to the family of a wonderful man. Fondly,
Tina (Reardon) and Mike Gaughan
June 29, 2014
Sending loving thoughts and prayers to the family of a most wonderful man! Fondly
Tina (Reardon)and Mike Gaughan
Cody Hayes
June 29, 2014
Father John was the first priest that I had ever known, and he was instrumental in bringing me into the Catholic Church. He has now made that trip to Heaven. Rest in peace, Father John.
Marjorie Almeida
June 29, 2014
Father John was an awesome priest and person and very funny too. His sermons were the shortest and to the point made going to mass very enjoyable I am glad I met him God be with you.
Rose & George Cobb
June 28, 2014
You showed Christ's perfect love by the way you loved others. You developed community and challenged us to become Christlike. You always encouraged us to "be kind" always.
Singing and clapping songs like "Soon and very soon" will always remind me of you. Victoria still sings "Sanctuary". Thank you for bringing God's love to the world. Love and miss you!
Michelle Kaye
June 28, 2014
You will be missed. Thinking back of only fond memories and the kindness that you shared. Dad always enjoyed your visits when you visited him at his work. RIP Fr. John.
John & Carolyn Nuwer
June 28, 2014
Fr. John, you were loved and will be missed. There was never another like you. You were an asset to every Church you were pastor. Rest in Peace
Patti Sexton
June 28, 2014
I had the blessing of being Fr. John's secretary at St. Mary's, West Plains for 3 years. After he left we kept in touch and he remained a member of my extended family. I spoke to him only two days prior his passing and will never forget that conversation. I love you, my friend. May you rest in peace and receive all the blessings of heaven that you so surely deserve.
Kurt and Sheri Cornelius
June 28, 2014
Thank you for all the good you have done and all the good influences you have had on all the people you have met. Rest in peace Father John.
Judy Slaughter
June 28, 2014
Father John called us all out. Do more, give more, love more and always forgive. He taught by his example. I loved how he could say more in 20 minutes than some in a lifetime. The fear of you better not be late and you better not leave early! He made all of us want to do better. We will always love and respect him for that. RIP Father John.
Jessica Turner
June 27, 2014
Father John rest in peace, Thank you for all the wonderful memories, for all the things you meant to me and my family.
You will be missed, but heaven is celebrating!
Jeanie Marley
June 27, 2014
Father John was such a good friend, counselor, and the greatest priest I have ever met. I know he changed my life. So sad that he has passed. Last time I saw him was in Ozark. After several years he saw me and still remembered me. I will never forget him as long as I live. RIP Father John.
Shellie Weaver
June 27, 2014
What a special man Father John was to our family. He was the first Catholic priest I ever met and was a big part of my decision to join my husband in the Catholic faith. He was there for my wedding, for our older son's special events, the loss of my father-in-law and so many other important life events. Always there with a smile, a chuckle and some teasing, of course. We will miss you, Father, but your day of glory has arrived and Heaven rejoices!
Maxine Cullen
June 27, 2014
Fr. John meant so much to our family. He helped us when our family was going through so many trying times. His strength helped us to get through everything we were experiencing. I feel so lucky to have known him and experienced his love for people..I never will forget his smile and his willingness to help all that was in need. Rest in Peace my friend..we will miss you.
Gary Rainey
June 27, 2014
As a pastor and as a person Fr John was energetic with a quick wit, yet thoughtful in his words and deeds.
His infectious smile will be missed.
I feel fortunate that our lives crossed on the journey of life.
Harriet & John Morrison & family
June 27, 2014
I worked for Fr. John the 5 years he was at St. Joseph the Worker and loved every minute of it. He was the most wonderful priest and friend to my family, I will miss him always! So sorry I can't be there for his service as we are out of town. I feel so lucky to have known him for the past 23 years, and will cherish his memory always!
Bob and Pam Doing
June 27, 2014
What a wonderful man of God and a great friend to our family. You will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace.
Lori Robinson
June 27, 2014
Rest in peace Father John. I will never forget all you did for me and for my family. You were part of our family. I will never forget you helping me get back into the church, the support and love that you gave all of us. I also will never forget the things your shared with me about my Grandpa Triplett and how special that was to me. Last but certainly not least I will always remember that Mass is not over until the last song is sung.
Tom & Maureen Hamme
June 27, 2014
Father John was truly a man of Christ.
May he now share eternal life with our dear Lord and all of His angels and saints. We love you, Father.
Peggy Triplett Robinson
June 27, 2014
Father John rest in peace. Job well done. Memories flood my mind of days gone by. Letters you sent to me as a child. The love for my family. Rest dear man.
Lisa Stoll-Casey
June 26, 2014
It is with great sadness that I have learned of Fr. John's passing. St. Francis de Sales was never the same with without Fr. John! May you rest in peace!
Pamela & Ron Wehner
June 26, 2014
Dear Father John Brath, we were lucky and blessed to share "Fun, Faith and Family" with you. You helped me to join St. Francis De Sales church, you guided both of our sons with their 1st Communions, celebrated Joe and Jean's 40th Wedding Anniversary and then Joe's funeral. Always there through the good times and bad. RIP
Tom Mulrenin
June 26, 2014
Fr. John, A great man, a great friend, and a very special priest. I feel fortunate to have known him.
Dorothy, Andy & Grace Mueller
June 26, 2014
Fr. John, You are a dearly loved man to our family and friends. To Fr. John's family, we thank you so much for sharing him with us. He has been a wonderful gift and blessing to many.
Bob Morris
June 26, 2014
He was a great friend and everything a great pastor should be,kind,caring,humble,loved God with all his being.one of a kind.
Rip. Bob and Aleta Morris
Mike Morris
June 26, 2014
Rest in Peace Padre, Thank You for your service. The Mike Morris Family
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