E. Thomas DeWane O.Praem.

1932 - 2021

E. Thomas DeWane O.Praem.

De Pere - Abbot Emeritus Evermode Thomas DeWane, O. Praem., age 89, a member of the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, WI, and a Norbertine priest, passed into God's eternal kingdom on July 31, 2021.

Abbot DeWane was born on February 26, 1932 in Green Bay, WI to the late Thomas and Angeline (Bos) DeWane. His home parish was St. Willebrord in Green Bay.

After graduating as salutatorian from what was then Central Catholic High School in Green Bay, his desire to become a priest solidified. Abbot DeWane felt he was "born to be a priest". He was vested as a novice, professed Simple Vows and Solemn Vows on August 28 in 1950, 1952 and 1955 respectively.

In 1955, he graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere with a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy while teaching at Abbot Pennings High School. On May 31, 1958, Abbot DeWane was ordained to the Priesthood. After ordination, he served as a teacher, then registrar at Premontre High School in Green Bay for five years.

He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee and obtained a Professional Doctorate Degree in Education in 1964. From there, he went on to the University of Chicago, IL for Doctoral Administration Studies while also being the House Superior at the Holy Spirit House of Studies for six years.

Upon returning to De Pere in 1970, he was appointed Dean of Students at St. Norbert College. In 1973, Abbot DeWane returned to the high school and served as principal for nine years. During this time, he was on the St. Norbert College board of trustees, held leadership positions on several educational committees and was active in various professional organizations. In 1983 he returned to St. Norbert College to serve as the Director of Teacher Education, a position he held for nine years.

In 1993 Abbot DeWane was appointed the Director of Formation for St. Norbert Abbey. In April 1994, he was elected as fifth Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, and received his abbatial blessing from Bishop Robert Banks on June 6, 1994.

After his nine-year term as abbot, he moved to the Priory of St. Moses the Black in Raymond, MS and ministered in a variety of parishes and a state correctional facility. He retired to St. Norbert Abbey in 2019.

He is survived by the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey; one sister, Marilyn Marsh; many nieces and nephews.

Abbot DeWane was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Gordon (Elaine) DeWane, Lois (John) Cawley, Gladys Jentz; brother-in-law, Charles Marsh.

Visitation will be held at the church of St. Norbert Abbey beginning at 6:00pm on Friday, August 6, 2021, until 8:00pm. Please enter through the main Church doors only. Masks are encouraged for those attending.

The Mass of Christian Burial expressing our faith and hope in the promised glory of the Lord's Resurrection will be on Saturday August 7, 2021 at 10:30am. The Rt. Rev. Dane J. Radecki, O. Praem., Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, will serve as the principal celebrant.

Burial will immediately follow in the St. Norbert Abbey Cemetery, weather permitting.

The Norbertine Community would like to thank the nurses at St. Norbert Abbey, and everyone at Unity Hospice and St. Vincent Hospital who cared for Abbot DeWane.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund will be established in Abbot DeWane's name. Contributions should be directed to: NDA, Abbot E. Thomas De Wane Scholarship, 610 Maryhill Drive, Green Bay, WI 54303-1092.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is in charge of the arrangements.