Fr. Elmar Mauer O.M.I.

Eulogy from Elmar Mauer's Memorial Mass: My name is Heddy or how Elmar called me Hedwig. I am one of Elmar’s many American cousins. First of all, I have to mention, Elmar was the biggest Cardinal fan ever. He loved to watch or go to the games! He supported the team wearing red socks, hats, and jackets. Anything you name it that sported the Cardinal name. Red is the color of love, he would say. The color he sought out in all of us. He loved life, nature and supported Pro Life. He looked for life in our eyes when he greeted us. Life was what charged this little German engine. Elmar came from a little mountain village in the Eifel Mountains called Kempenich. He was born to the parents Peter and Katharina Mauer, Minwegen or Katchya. He was the youngest of three boys. Rudy, his brother, is still alive. His middle brother died at a very young age and Elmar didn’t know him. Then, a little later in his life, the Nazi Administration took his mom away because she was very outspoken. He was raised by his aunt Martha and cousin Maria who lived in the next village over from Kempenich called Spessart. He attended school and later went to a trade school as they do in Germany, This is where he became a tailor. He was to work in his family’s store. It was at about that time that the Lord spoke to his heart about serving Him and His church. This revelation unfolded into a vocation and led him to the Missionary Oblates in America. His mom’s oldest brother, Fr. Peter Minwegen, who was an Oblate that co-founded the Central American Province of Oblates and he was the first Superior of St. Henry’s Seminary. So, this was a shoe in for Elmar. Fr. Minwegen or otherwise known to us as Uncle Peter helped Elmar along with his cousins; my two aunts Agnes, and Elizabeth and my mom, Paula. Uncle Peter didn’t speak any German, It was all English to Elmar. It was very hard at first but somehow he managed. He then went to St. Henry’s Seminary, and met a classmate Fr. Allen Maes. They became great friends. Fr. Allen’s family also became his family. Elmar was in and out with our families during holidays or celebrations. He was a big part of our family through Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings, and funerals. He always felt honored to be a part of our rejoicing, mourning, or celebrating. Family was very important here in America and in Germany. He would call or visit Germany whenever possible. He loved life everywhere from the Philippines, to the Shrine of the Lady of the Snows. He saw life in people, and especially those he broke bread with at Mass. He loved nature, people and he especially loved his Abba father. Most times he would greet you with open arms and a huge hug. You could see the spark in his eyes that warmed your heart. He loved so many people along his life’s journey. In the last few weeks of his life, we talked about our families in Germany and in America. He was ready to be in heaven and beat his brother to get there first. At night, he would say to God that he was ready and to have a comfortable bed waiting for him. He loved humor and he loved to be humored. Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t all roses, he had fears just like all of us. He even cried to me that this wasn’t the way it was supposed to go because his brain wasn’t keeping up with what was happening to his body. I told him that he was just taking a detour. I would like to thank all the people at St. Henry’s, the staff at Dammert who cared for him and all who visited him at the end of his journey, his cousin Rita Duester from Germany and Bobby Wagner from Texas. I would especially like to thank my cousin Ruth who made it possible for him to call Germany easily and for putting all the pictures of him on display. He never wanted to complain. It was all good. We don’t know when, where, or how, Elmar but we’ll be there to join you in time, hopefully. Auf wiedersehen my cousin, joust until we see you again.

I always enjoyed when Fr. Elmer substituted and gave mass at St. Henry's Church. Loved his positive energy, his jokes and delightful personality. Always brought a smile to everyone. So sorry to all his family missing this wonderful man.

We feel so very blessed that you have been part of our lives. The memories of all the hours shared together will be with us forever. You will be missed very much. From your 1934 year-group and forever friends from school. Kempenich, Germany

We are parishioners from St Cecilia in Glen Carbon. It was always a treat when Fr Elmar was visiting our church. We loved his enthusiasm and enjoyed his sermons! RIP Fr Elmar.✝️

We always enjoyed having Fr Elmer fill in at our parish in Glen Carbon, he will truly be missed by everyone. God made a one of a kind, when he was born.

My fondest memory of Father Elmar was during one of the times he was serving mass for St. Cecilia's in Glen Carbon. I went in before the mass to go to confession. He was standing outside the church because it was locked and we were waiting for the person with the keys to the church to show up. We casually talked for a while but eventually he said "you know, you don't have to be in a church to confess your sins to God". We had confession right there amongst the flower garden at church. I will miss him greatly!

I truly remember you as the best school friend of my mother Christl who did call my mother at 3am just to have a little gossip in the birthplace's dialect. God bless you for all the good time you spend with my mother.

he was truly an amazing kind soul that God loaned to us ....when he was at Immaculate Conception Centreville my Dad and Father had a special bond the love of flowers... Dad was 6ft plus it would put a smile on your face when my dad was his Altar Boy...that was his gift he could make you smile conception

Fr Mauer was a beloved member of the family and church. It's been many years since we last saw each other and talked, but I'll always remember his warmth, genuine care and interest, and humor. When he filled in at St. Augustine, everyone was so happy to have the fun, "little priest". I have so many fond memories from my childhood- he gave me a lovely book of about friendship called "I Like You Just Because" and the loving messages of acceptance stay with me to this day. He was truly a man who embodied the love he taught and preached- he cared so much for everyone he encountered. He is loved and will be missed and remembered!

I look back on a 70-year friendship with Elmar. Thanks for that Rest in peace Wendelin Bell

It’s such a blessing the way people come into our lives and make such an impression. I met Fr. Mauer in the 70’s at the Shrine while working in the restaurant and then come to find out that my dad worked on his little red VW’s that always matched his little red socks. He encouraged me to do a TEC retreat and I was entrusted to his care on one such TEC weekend while my parents went out of town. He made sure I got home okay. Later, he performed my wedding in 1979. It is wonderful to see how many, many people his life has touched the way he touched mine. Rest In Peace dear Fr. Elmar. You will never be forgotten.

I’ll always remember Father Elmar as the Chaplin at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital where we worked together for many years and as a good friend to me and my son, who I adopted as a single mom. He would see me and loudly proclaim there is Kathy, the Mother of Matthew and preceded to tell the patient he was visiting about my adoption story. Years later, I invited him to my son’s first communion and he pushed his way into the parents reserved seating in church. to sit with us. At the luncheon he presented my son a gift bag from the Shrine gift shop with a rosary and many items related to Forst Holy communion including a prayer book and statue of a little boy making his communion. We met out to dinner with him a few times then later years picked him up we he no longer drove. He brought my son balloon’s tied to large bags of candy for his birthday and an gave him a gift bag of ice cream cones, dishes and toppings as a gift another time. He always laughed, wore his red socks for the Cardinals who he loved dearly to watch. I know he is watching over us and remembering each time he prayed for us, or went places with us or just talked Cardinals baseball. RIP Father Mauer. You have touched many lives and left many good memories with all those who knew and loved you.

I knew Fr. Elmar very well . I belong to St Pancratius for over 33 years. I served Mass for him I lectored for him did communion with him . I also open and closed the church for the parish for over 23 years. I really enjoyed having Fr. Elmar for mass. He was a wonderful priest and man. I will really miss Fr. May God have mercy on his soul

Fr Mauer & I became friends in the mid 1970’s after he forgave me for booking a 100 piece high school band in the two banquet rooms at the Shrine Restaurant next to the room where he was conducting a high school retreat. We maintained that friendship long after we had both retired from the Shrine. He was a wonderful priest & a treasured friend. May he Rest In Peace.

We have known Fr Elmer for years beginning with his time at St Philip parish. He would always visit with the quilting ladies. Our 2 daughters would often go with my Mom on those days. They always enjoyed that time, Over the years our paths would often cross. He always remembered my Mom Lucy Weissert and remembered we were part of her family. When our Mom was turning 100 we had a poster for family and friends to sign he was the first one to sign it!! Rest in peace dear friend. I know many of the quilters will be there to welcome you

Fr Elmar was the most gentle soul I have ever met , Rest In Peace my friend,

I first met Father Mauer through the Teens Encounters Christ Retreat while in high school. I then saw him again after I started working at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. He would see me down the hall almost every day for years and yell at me "RAY- GHEE-NA! How are you today?" His smile was infectious. He came and said prayers for my newborn son and also prayed over my sick patients. He will be dearly missed. Until we meet again Father Mauer.

Fr. Elmar would often say in his homilies - a grateful heart is a happy heart - I am grateful to have known him. RIP in God’s loving embrace.

My condolences to the Mauer Family. I worked with Fr, Elmar when I was at GIbault at Todd Hall and saw him quite often at St Henry's in Belleville. May he rest in peace. A very kind and gentle man. Frank Cange

Fr. Elmar spent many Sundays with us at Immaculate Conception Lithuanian Chapel. His homilies were full of love and inspiration. Each Sunday, when I'd walk into the sacristy prior to mass, he'd sing, "Annie Get Your Gun" to me. He could make me smile just knowing he was going to be at church. Rest well in HIS arms, Fr. Elmar. A job well done.

I first meet Father Mauer when he became instrumental in her becoming catholic. We were so impressed with him that when it was time for My husband Kent and I to get married we ask Him to marry us. It was a great wedding he even told my in-laws that they could put their Methodist knees on our kneelers and lighting wouldn’t strike.. He wore his red socks and wasn’t fazed when one of my bridesmaids fainted at the alter. The best part was that after 43 years every time he saw us he told us what a great job he did when he married us because we were still together. He was a wonderful man and a great Priest. We will miss him and I will thank him everyday.

Father Elmar will be missed by many for he was a very special person. Rest In Peace.

Fr. Elmar was our “Little Fire cracker” with red socks and an infectious laugh at St. Pancratius. He will be missed very much. RIP Father Elmar and let perpetual light shine upon you.🙏🙏🙏

My heart goes out to the Mauer family. Father Mauer, I always enjoyed going to your masses. You blessed my grandparents on their 50 wedding anniversary. May you be at peace in Heaven. Sending many prayers 🙏 ❤️. With sympathy and love, Stephanie Berry

Rest in peace little traveler. Will miss you; until we meet again...

My Prayer Sympathy goes out to the family & Parish members & friends that knew the late +Father Elmar Mauer, OMI May Eternal rest grant unto him. May God comfort the ones that knew him. Karen

I WAS LUCKY TO SERVE MASS. WITH FR RED SOCKS ! I LOVED HIM SINCE I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL. I WILL MISS YOU !

I first met Fr. Mauer back in 1978. He was always joyful and full of Christ's love! He was truly Christ's light in this world! Perfect example of following Christ! A blessing in my life! He will be truly missed!

Father Elmar never met a stranger... He seemed to have a special aptitude to remember names and relations. An amazing man, who will be missed by us. We are sure that he is in Heaven visiting with his old friends. God bless him.