Rev. James Lantsberger, OMI

Print Obituary
Rev. James Nicholas Lantsberger, OMI, 89, died in Belleville, IL, on Monday, October 9, 2017. He was born on July 25, 1928, in Watertown, SD, to Walter and Ida, nee Volk, Lantsberger.

Fr. Jim was an avid baseball player in his younger years, as a strong left handed pitcher in amateur baseball.  He had great mechanical abilities,  and was often found  taking things apart and working on them.  These abilities led him to a lifelong interest in clocks and clock repair. He achieved certification as a master clock maker. His home was filled with the sounds and chimes of many clocks over the years, and many benefited from his repair work and clock restorations.

He began his education at St. Henry’s Seminary in Belleville, IL, and Our Lady of the Snows in Pass Christian, MS. He also received education at Our Lady of the Ozarks, in Carthage, MO.  He professed his first vows as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate at the Oblate Novitiate in Godfrey, IL in 1952, and was ordained a priest on May 30, 1957, at Our Lady of the Snows in Pass Christian, MS.

His ministry began at St. Casimir Parish in St. Paul, MN, where he was an assistant Pastor for one year. He then served at King’s House of Retreats in Belleville, IL, for 11 years as the Bursar and later Director. He then moved to California in 1971, and was a hospital chaplain for six years at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, CA. He continued as a Chaplain at the Napa State Hospital for 40 years in Napa, CA, before coming to the Apartment Community at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL, where he resided at the time of his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard; and a sister, Lorraine.

Rev. Lantsberger is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Lane;
many nieces and nephews;
and Oblate brothers.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 12, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2017, at the Apartment Community Chapel at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:15 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2017, at the Apartment Community Chapel at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.

 

Condolences:

6 Comments on Rev. James Lantsberger, OMI

Catherine said : Guest Report Apr 21, 2021 at 4:13 PM

Father Jim baptized me when I was a child and he will always hold a dear place in my heart. He had an incredible talent for restoring clocks including enormous grandmother and grandfather clocks and it was always wonderful to see him bring an antique clock mechanically back to life. I stayed in contact with Father Jim throughout my life, but wish I had spent more time with him in the latter part of his life. I am grateful for the time I was granted and for his spiritual guidance. I miss you Father Jim. God bless you.

  • Dana Point
  • Ca
Marilyn Boyle said : Guest Report Sep 16, 2018 at 5:55 PM

I heard of Father Jim's passing only today--now Sept 2018; near a year ago. He repaired/cleaned my two antique pendulum clocks intermittently through the years. He was referred to me from a friend in Napa who knew him from his chaplain days at Queen of the Valley. I recently stopped by his old home in Benecia because it was "time for my clocks again" and I had found the phone line "no longer in service". We always took the time to talk for awhile when I picked up my clock or two. I remember him telling me that he spoke with his sister daily. A mutual friend thought his memory was failing him seriously and I always meant to call and take him out for lunch-but my life became very busy with an ill family member. I am so sorry for your loss and that I did not know until today. He certainly was a "clock whisperer" and proud that he had earned his Master status. God be with you, Jim. and condolences to your sister and family members.

  • Hercules
  • California
Shirley & Don Reed said : Guest Report Nov 02, 2017 at 11:34 PM

So sorry to hear about Father Jim's passing. He was such a wonderful priest and gentle man. He was the chaplain for St. John's 26 YLI in Napa, California and very supportive. He also worked with Don at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa. We are so grateful for his friendship and will miss him so much. May he rest in peace with Our Heavenly Father.

  • Red Bluff
  • California
GERTRUDE AGCAOILI said : Guest Report Oct 22, 2017 at 2:17 AM

FR. JIM WAS MY SPIRITUAL COUNSELOR, COMES ON SUNDAYS TO GIVE ME COMMUNION SINCE IRETIRED IN NAPA STATE 2011. HE WAS VERY KIND, GENEROUS AND I WILL MISS HIM I WOWRK IN NSH IN 1978 AS A PSYCHIATRIST

  • NAPA
  • CA.
gertrudeagcaoili,m.d said : Guest Report Oct 22, 2017 at 2:04 AM

MY DEEPST CONDOLENCE TO A DEAR FRIEND, SPIROITUAL DIRECTOR SINCE 1978. I HAVE ALL HIS CLOCKS THAT I BOUGHT. HE BROUGHT ME THE EUCHARIST EVERY SUNDAY. I WILL MISS HI RESTIN PEACE FR. JIM I WILL MISS YOUR KINDNESS,

  • 1149 cayetano dr.napa ca 94559
  • NAPA, CA 94559l
Susan Jette said : Guest Report Oct 12, 2017 at 4:49 AM

To the family and friends of Father Jim, He was a beloved member of our Napa State Hospital community and gave so much of himself over so many years. He offered comfort and counsel, wisdom and a warm smile. My heartfelt condolences to you on your loss. He was a very special man. May he Rest In Peace. Susan Jette, Music Therapist Napa State Hospital

  • Vallejo
  • CA

Add Public Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.