Surnames: Papiernik, Skrzyniarz, Griffin, Rockwell, Dahlin, Wojcik

----Source: Winona Daily News (Winona, MN) Friday, 13 Feb. 2004

Papiernick, Father Roman Joseph (28 Feb. 1913 - 6 Feb. 2004)

Father Roman Joseph Papiernik, at age 90 and a priest for more than 63 years, died Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse.

Father Papiernik was born Feb. 28, 1913, in Chicago to Joseph and Victoria (nee Skrzyniarz) Papiernik. He undertook undergraduate studies at St. Mary's Orchard Lake, Mich., and theology studies at St. Mary's
eminary in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood May 18, 1940, at St. Joseph Cathedral in La Crosse by the Most Rev. William R. Griffin.

Father Papiernik's first assignment after ordination was as assistant pastor at St. Hedwig Parish in Thorp, Wis., where he served until March 1941, when he was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Michael Parish at Wausau. In 1942, Father Papiernik was appointed administrator of St. Mary in Czestachowa, Wis. In 1944 he was assigned to St. Michael in North Creek. In 1945, he became pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Knowlton, where he served for three years. In 1948, he was made pastor of St. John Parish in Belmont, and in 1951 went to St. Jerome Parish in Wonewoc, where he served as pastor for 16 years. In 1956, he organized the lay catechists and the chapter of the Knights of Columbus at Wonewoc-Union Center, serving as a charter member and first chaplain.

In 1967, Father Papiernik was appointed pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish in Arcadia, and in 1969 was assigned as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Elroy. In 1972, he was assigned as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Galloway and later, in August of that year, was assigned as pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Hillsboro, with additional chaplaincy duties at St. Joseph Hospital in Hillsboro.

On March 1, 1978, Father Papiernik was granted senior priest status and moved to Onalaska, where he assisted at St. Patrick Parish.

Father Papiernik was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and honorary member of the Knights of Columbus Council 839 in La Crosse.

Father Papiernik was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his nephews, Theodore, John and Anthony Rockwell; and his niece, Julie Ann Dahlin.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Onalaska on Feb. 11. The burial and committal service will be held at noon today (Friday, Feb. 13), at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Ill. Father Richard Wojcik will preside at the burial and committal service.

The Diocese of La Crosse, and the family are being assisted by Blaschke Funeral Homes of La Crosse.

Requiescat in pace!