Fr. Kirtz was born to the late Fred and Sadie (Fortney) Kirtz in Wabasso, MN, on December 17, 1931. He professed his first vows as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate in 1953 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1958.
His ministry included missions in the Philippines. He also served as pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes (Pine River, MN), Holy Cross Parish (Orr, MN), St. Catherine’s (Sisseton, SD), and Immaculate Conception (Nett Lake, MN). His latter assignments included serving on the Oblate Preaching team at King’s House of Retreats in Belleville, IL and at Christ the King Retreat House in Buffalo, MN. He also served as an Associate Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish (International Falls, MN). He continued his retreat ministry at Christ the King Retreat House in Buffalo MN until he retired. He retired at the Benedictine Living Community in Belleville, IL where he resided at the time of his death.
Fr. Kirtz was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brothers and a sister. Surviving him are many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also in the prayerful remembrance of his approximately 3,500 fellow Oblates of Mary Immaculate in over 60 countries.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 9480 N. DeMazenod Drive, Belleville, IL 62223. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community Chapel (726 Community Drive, Belleville, IL 62223) at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, August 18th, 2022 at the Benedictine Living Community Chapel (726 Community Drive, Belleville, IL 62223) at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Il.
Burial will be at St. Henry’s Oblate Cemetery in Belleville, IL.