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Rev. Donald F. Johanningmeier
Donald Johanningmeier Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Johanningmeier
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Chris Gasper
November 2, 2019
My goodness, it's been 9 years since we lost Fr Don! I miss him and I only have my memories that are slowly fading. This week, I request friends and family to share one of your favorite memories about Father Don!
I remember when he drove our 8th grade class on a school bus to the St Louis Admiral on a Sunday night! It was so much fun and one of my earliest experiences as being treated as an young adult! We all dressed up in our graduation dresses and heels! Walking on those cobblestones in higher heels was interesting to say the least! And getting to dance with friends on the SS Admiral to live music was a blast!
Another great memory was an Appreciation Day' when he drove the 7th and 8th grade mass servers and the choir members to Tilles Park off Litszinger Road. He grilled us burgers and hotdogs and we got to enjoy a picnic on a regular school day! Great memories of childhood thanks to Father Don!
November 1, 2019
He was a classmate. We watched the 1967 world series in his room because he had something nobody else had---a small TV. His clergy shirt went well with his coveralls. Great memories.
Fr. John Schneider
Tony Wilkinson
December 22, 2011
I was sad to come across Father Don's obituary. I had always hoped to thank him for the time he spent at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. He was always a great role model for OLG kids. I still remember his Sunday morning sermons, that he could always be found cutting the grass at the soccer field or working around the Church grounds, opening the Friday night rec nights that gave us something positive to do with our time. He was a great man and will be missed.
John Fester
November 15, 2010
A wonderful priest that I had the pleasure of knowing. He was a "fill in" priest in Steelville at St. Michaels for a few years. My children loved to hear him talk about his farm animals especially Ernie the bull. We went to his farm once for a church picnic and had a blast. He was a breath of fresh air for our parish at that time. He will be missed. jpf
Janet Schoenbeck
November 13, 2010
Father Don came to St. Elizabeth of Hungary when the young people needed someone like him to bring new life back into the parish. He was very special for us kids. We all loved him.
Christine Gasper
November 12, 2010
A wonderful gentleman, priest, friend, role-model, mentor, and Christ-like inspiration; our world will never be the same without Father Don…
What amazed me most about his life were his constant selfless acts of pure goodness from visiting the imprisoned at the penitentiary to lending his truck to an essential stranger that needed it for the week. These are the thoughts that occurred to me when I heard of his recent passing Nov. 5th, 2010. I hope and pray he did not suffer and he was surrounded by people that cherished him. Though I recognize he is now home at his final destination, this loss has left so much sadness. I have often wondered, “What he was like as a child in grade school, high school, college, and even the seminary?” I would like to understand what it was about the events in his life that made him the kind of person he was and the priest he became. What a lesson this would be for all clergy, and… well, all of us! He was very reserved talking about his childhood. His parents groomed a beautiful person. For those that never knew him as their parish priest, he was a larger than life presence to us at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Ferguson, MO.
During the 1970’s, Father Don was funny, friendly, and approachable. In grade school, Don taught us priests were “real people” we could trust and talk to. He never ignored you, had a cross word, nor tried to “shame” you into being good. He didn’t have a pious facade, he simply led by example. Interacting with Father Don made you “want to listen” to what he had to say during the next sermon at our required daily mass in catholic school. We listened. He connected so well to us. Once a month would he would “relieve us” from our regular catechism instructor and substitute teach religion class. We looked forward to having Father Don in our classroom. It was interesting as he shared his seminary knowledge about bible interpretations and history in biblical times. He had our attention. Sometimes, because Father knew so much about everything, it was fun to change the subject and talk about other things like science and biology. He was knowledgeable about these subjects because before he became a priest, he obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Chemistry. When our long day at catholic grade school let out, Father Don was often around to greet us. This usually led to having to fend off 3 or 5 of us so he could get back to his work.
Fr. Don also started the CYC (Catholic Youth Council) at Guadalupe. This meant finding coaches, uniforms, playing fields, and practice gymnasiums for boys and girls 4th thru 8th grade for Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Softball, and Volleyball. Participating in CYC activities taught us about teamwork, determination, self confidence, winning well and losing well. Each fall, Father planned a huge bonfire and awarded the 1st place CYC teams with individual trophies. I’m not sure, but I think he purchased those trophies himself. There were hundreds of trophies awarded each year and we felt special to have our successes celebrated. Many of us continued playing competitive sports and earned partial and full ride scholarships to colleges upon our graduation from high school. There was also a behavior code at our athletic events. Good sportsmanship among teammates, coaches, and parents was a must! If Father Don ever heard of or observed anyone crossing the line, this unmistakably kind, soft spoken friendly priest would firmly escort these people off the premises clearly understanding they were not welcomed back for the rest of the season! Today, our culture is slipping because we seem to be gradually loosing these core values in many aspects of life.
If finding a way to connect with the youth of our parish, serving mass, hearing confessions, and all the other priestly duties wasn’t enough work, Father Don was busy! In the mid 1970’s, he started wearing his steel toe work boots and blue jean overalls on top of his priest clothes. If there was no parish money to pay for needed improvements, Father would take it upon himself to assume that duty. This meant painting, cutting grass in the athletic fields, seeding, planting the landscape at the Franciscan Sisters Motherhouse Convent, and probably a hundred other tiny details we hadn’t even noticed. While at Guadalupe, I’m not sure he ever had a day off. So loved by the entire parish, he was usually the celebrant at a majority of the weddings and funerals. Could he have been weary of this? I think he considered it an honor.
Visiting him through the years as I became an adult, he was a great friend and resource for guidance. With each new parish assignment, you could see old patterns of how his new congregation embraced him. When I visited, I felt like I was cheating someone else of his time and attention. I was also jealous of his new parishners who already knew him so well and had him in their close proximity.
The last time I saw Father Don, he was happy on a farm in St. James, MO. He had a kind of quirky personality-attachment about livestock. Introducing me to the cows in the field, he “just happened” to name each cow after a member of my family with the newest calf named after me! He loved those animals and explained that one day, a cow passed away. As he prepared to bury her, he noticed all the cows in the field slowly gathered encircling the deceased cow. One by one, each cow would approach, investigate, examine, and sniff the poor cow. Some would moo and howl as if in mourning. Others would stomp their hooves, kick the dust and throw their heads back. Some quietly looked on. He said they carried on like that for hours. Later, after each seemingly paid their respects, the cows lined up single file, walked back out to the field, and resumed grazing. Father found the incident rather profound and I agreed. As we walked, he brought me to a litter of kittens nursing their mother in the corner of the barn. As we started to name them, I tried to nonchalantly get him to spot me the names of his brothers and sisters. Unfortunately, he was on to me, and I didn’t get to use those names!
We were all very blessed to have known him. I’m so very sad because our loss is so great. I recently read a book about “Modern Day Saints” by Ann Ball. Many of these were priests from various countries that were persecuted and martyred for practicing their religious beliefs. Through the freedoms we enjoy from our constitution, Father was able to live a long example as a Christ-like person among us. His shining example of selflessness was not a martyred life, but certainly one of sacrifice.
I encourage anyone that knew him to document something about what they learned from him. His legacy should be known.
We miss you already Father Don! And in case you didn’t notice, we love you too!
Jeanine Hild Humphries
November 10, 2010
I would like to send my sincere condolences to all of Fr. Don’s family and his many, many friends. Fr. Don and I have always kept up with one another throughout the years. I have always treasured his letters, which I have saved. A couple of weeks ago he wrote me again and said he had moved to Normandy. I was thrilled because I grew up there. I immediately wrote him back and sent some pictures of our children Monica and Lloyd. I was coming to town this week and planned to visit him with my brother Greg on Thursday. We were too late.
I have so many great stories, but I will just share one. I was on the top row in choir and could see into the vestibule. Fr. Don knew I could see him and also knew Sister Angela could not. He entertained us by giving us puppet shows. We would always get in trouble for laughing, but man was it worth it!
Fr. Don married Ben and I almost twenty years ago. At the ceremony, he kept the boys so entertained in the back, two of my bridesmaids were down the aisle before the boys came out!
I will conclude by saying that Fr. Don was one of the most influential people in my life and I was lucky and privileged to know him. I will miss him forever.
Jeanine Hild Humphries, Orlando Florida
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Julie Doerr Devine
November 9, 2010
Fr Don was the best priest that Our Lady of Guadalupe ever had. He was 30 years old when he came to OLG. I was 15. We never had a priest that connected with the youth. He started a Friday rec night and took us numerous place. MRF, Ranch Royale and coached us in softball. Very down to earth on our level. He married us, baptized our children. A goodman and friend, who always sent cards for birthdays, christmas and easter. Never into the power of the church, just into the people and friendships. That is so rare in today's world. WWJD, exactly what Fr Don did. Feed the animals and love the people. Not a materialistic bone in his body. He truly was a servant of God, for the people. I will miss that sense of humor, but know that he is flying with the best!
November 9, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Fr. Don's family, friends & loved ones. He was a source of strength, information and fun at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church & School. He was also a close and loved friend of the Lowell J. Meyer Family. His suffering is now over and he is in God's hands. He will be sorly missed.
Germaine Meyer & Helen Jerz (Meyer)
If someone could possibly send me 2 Holy Cards from the visitation I would greatly appreciate it.
Germaine Meyer, 8846 Watson Woods, St. Louis, MO 63126
November 8, 2010
My condolences to Father Don’s loved ones. He was a shining example of the simplicity and purity of God’s love (mixed with a bit of humor of course). The parish of St. Bridgets was fortunate to have known him as I believe he touched the lives of many there. I will always remember him as a kind and hardworking man usually wearing his coveted overalls and work boots.
Karen (Giebler) Dean
Pacific, MO
Sue Patton Schulte
November 8, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of loss. Our family became friends with Fr. Don when he was the Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. Many fond memories of his caring personality and unique character will live in our hearts forever. I’m so grateful my sisters and Mom had the opportunity to be with him recently and remind him how much he meant to our family and to all those who were fortunate to know and love him.
Dan & Carolyn Johanningmeier
November 8, 2010
Carl & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Denise Giebler-Welker
November 8, 2010
Father Don was such a wonderful, caring, hard-working and funny priest. My family was blessed to have known him while he was at St. Bridget's in Pacific. His sermons were interesting and at times hilarious. He made an impact on many lives and will be missed. Now God gets to hear his jokes!
Nancy Gravemann
November 8, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Fr. Don. While at St. Charles Borromeo in the 80s, Fr. Don was a wonderful inspiration to all. When life seemed out of balance, his soft spoken and wise words helped put everything into perspective. Our worldly lose is a triumph for heaven. What a wonderful guardian angel he will be! Sorely missed,
November 8, 2010
I will miss my classmate. One of funniest guys ever. John schneider
Sue Eilers
November 7, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the family for their loss of this great man. Fr.Don was at St Bridget of Kildare Parish, Pacific, MO when our kids were growing up and we loved him. He was one of a kind and I don't think we will ever see another priest like him. The kids loved him and listened to him...he talked to them on their level. There were many tears when he left and we all missed him terribly. He did come back to perform many weddings, my son's included and it was always good to see him. Now he is home with Jesus and a never empty bag of cookies. He was a wonderful, gentle, soft spoken man who will be greatly missed by so many and no one will ever take his place. Rest in Peace Fr Don....We Love You
Harry Whitney
November 7, 2010
One of my classmates. So sorry to lose a fine man.
Harry Whitney
Christine Alt
November 7, 2010
Father Don was at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Pacific as I was growing up. Our family loved him and appreciated him greatly. Years after his leaving our parish, we continued to keep in touch. He co-celebrated my marriage and we were happy that he did the liturgy and mass for us on our special day. We will all miss him so much and are grateful that he was a part of our lives.
Edward Messerly
November 7, 2010
My family and I will be praying for Don and his relations. Ed & Joyce Messerly Don and I were neighbors and classmates through grade school, high school and some of college.
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