Monsignor Ralph J. Huntzinger

Huntzinger Monsignor Ralph J. Huntzinger "Father Ralph", a long-serving priest in the Diocese of Columbus, died July 30, 2014. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Msgr. Huntzinger was born October 16, 1924, to Joseph and Clara Huntzinger. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree from St. Charles Seminary, Columbus; a degree in theology from Mt. St. Mary of the West, Norwood, Ohio; and a Master of Arts in Education from the Ohio State University. He was ordained to the Priesthood on March 18, 1950, at St. Joseph Cathedral, by the Most Rev. Michael J. Ready, Bishop of Columbus. He was named a Prelate of Honor in September, 1992. During his career, he served as Assistant Pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church, Newark; St. Christopher, Columbus; and St. Nicholas, Zanesville. He was pastor of St. Mary Church in the German Village district of Columbus from 1979 to 1994. He also served the people of the Diocese as a teacher at St. Francis DeSales High School, Newark; Principal, St. Charles Seminary High School, Columbus; Chaplain, Carmelite Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Columbus; Secretary of the Diocesan Committee for Vocations; Chaplain, Serra International of Columbus; Director of the diocesan Permanent Diaconate Program; Spiritual Director and Director of Pastoral Activities, the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus; Conference Master to Sisters at Bishop Ready High School Convent, Columbus; a member of the Priest Personnel Board; and Vicar, South Columbus Vicariate. He retired from active ministry in July, 1994. He is preceded in death by parents Joseph and Clara Huntzinger, brothers Donald, Howard, Joe and Jack Huntzinger. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Father Ralph was an avid fisherman and sportsman. He loved to travel and spending time at Indian Lake and in Michigan. Msgr. Huntzinger's body will be received at St. Mary Church, 672 South 3rd Street, Columbus, on Monday, August 4, 2014 at 2 p.m. with visitation continuing until a prayer service at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church, Columbus. The Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell, Bishop of Columbus, will be the principal celebrant; Bishop Emeritus James A. Griffin will concelebrate, as will the priests of the Diocese; Reverend Jerome P. Rodenfels will be the homilist. Burial will follow in the priests' section at Saint Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S. High St., Lockbourne. Arrangements entrusted to the MAEDER QUINT TIBERI FUNERAL HOME 1068 S. HIGH ST., 614-444-1185. Donations may be made to St. Mary Church, Columbus; St. Charles Preparatory High School; Spirituality Network; or Mohun HealthCare Center in Monsignor's name. To sign the online register please visit, www.MaederQuintTiberi.com