Rev. Cornelius Kelleher

Rev. Cornelius Kelleher obituary, Duluth, MN

Rev. Cornelius Kelleher

Rev. Cornelius Kelleher Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 18, 2025.
Reverend Father Cornelius Kelleher, 92, died on July 17, 2025, at the Benedictine Health Center, Duluth. Father Kelleher was born in Millstreet, Co. Cork, Ireland on September 9, 1932, to Cornelius Kelleher and Margaret (Oherlihy) Kelleher. He earned degrees in Philosophy and Theology from All Hallows College in Dublin, Ireland. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop M.R. Michael O'Reilly of St. George's, Newfoundland at Dublin- All Hallows Chapel on June 17, 1956, for the Diocese of Duluth.

Father Kelleher, also known as Fr. Con, served as Pastor at St. Mary Church, Cook, St. Bridget, Greaney; St. Joseph, Gnesen; St. Joseph, Lakewood; St. Benedict Church, Duluth; St. Joseph Church, Chisholm; St. Andrew Church, Brainerd; St. Patrick's Church, Hinckley and St. Joseph Church, Beroun. He also served as the Chaplain for the Council of Catholic Women, Worldwide Marriage Encounter and served on several Diocesan Boards and Councils. Fr. Con retired on July 11, 2012.

Father Kelleher is survived by his nephews, Michael Hogan, Niall Kelleher and his wife Elinor, Aidrian Kelleher, fellow priests of the Diocese of Duluth and many relatives in Ireland.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Cornelius Kelleher and Margaret (Oherlihy) Kelleher, and siblings: Daniel (Brother Justinian), Mary Anne, Michael, John, Patrick, and Nora.

Visitation: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at St. Patrick Church, 203 Lawler Avenue S., Hinckley, MN 55037 from 5-7p.m. with wake prayers at 6:30 p.m. and one hour prior to Mass on July 24, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 203 Lawler Ave S, Hinckley, MN 55037 (Visitation one hour prior to Mass). Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery, Hinckley, MN

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Tatting-Methven Chapel, Hinckley, MN, www.methvenfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Rev. Cornelius Kelleher's Guest Book

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5 hours ago

Michael Kelleher posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Jimmy O'Sullivan posted to the memorial.

July 22, 2025

Sheila Roy posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Michael Kelleher

5 hours ago

It was my privilege and honour to know that I was one of the few to have been baptised by Fr Con at Derrinagree church, (Dromtarriffe parish), Cork, Ireland...in June 1970..with Fr Con back home in Ireland that summer. Michael Kelleher, Laught- Cork, Ireland.

Jimmy O'Sullivan

Yesterday

Such sad news. Fr Con will be remembered fondly by all of the O'Sullivan family. He often said mass at my parents home in Charleville (after we had played golf with my father of course!) and the whole clan, many home on holiday from England or the US, would attend. A great feast, organised by my mother and many helpers, would follow. He was always a wonderful guest of honour. I visited him in Duluth in the spring snow where he was a generous and kind host. A gentle and wise man that we will all miss. May he rest in peace.

Sheila Roy

July 22, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Fr Con´s passing away Prayers and condolences to all the Kelleher family

Róisín Healy

July 22, 2025

Fr Con's visits to Ireland brought all the family together and him saying mass at his cousin Nora May's house in Richill was always very special. He was a great friend to her. May he rest in peace x

Margaret Cremin

July 19, 2025

May the Lord welcome Fr Con with open arms and reward his life of faithful service.We his nieces and nephews were privileged to have an uncle who was part of our joys and sorrows. His legacy of kindness and interest in all of us will be sorely missed.
Margaret Cremin

Teresa Rooney

July 19, 2025

So saddened on the passing of dear Fr Con, an uncle we were always so proud of.
We looked forward every year to his arrival to Laught on his holidays. It meant daily masses at the homestead which were hugely sociable occasions and he ofter brought presents, a huge treat back in a time when people had little.
More than anything though he took such a real interest in his many nieces and nephews and in what was happening in our lives. In later years we were honoured when he was able to perform our marriage ceremonies. He was a true gentleman always and we were lucky to have him in our lives.
RIP Fr Con.
Teresa x

Michael Kelleher

July 19, 2025

My dearest beloved uncle Fr Con you will be sorely missed by so many. You devoted your life to God and the needs of others. You have earned your place among the angels and family who have gone before you in heaven. May you rest in peace Fr Con. Your nephew, Michael Kelleher (Laught - Cork, Ireland).

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Tatting-Methven Funeral Chapel

402 Lawler Avenue P.O. Box 487, Hinckley, MN 55037

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Sign Rev. Cornelius Kelleher's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

5 hours ago

Michael Kelleher posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Jimmy O'Sullivan posted to the memorial.

July 22, 2025

Sheila Roy posted to the memorial.