Guest Book for

Father Herbert Joseph Wellmeier


November 11, 2005

Dear Father Herb,
Oh, how we miss you. You were a part of our family for a very long time. You were the first Catholic Priest I ever met. When I went to the Cathedral for the first time with this man that would soon be(although neither of us knew it then) my husband. I thought I had gone to heaven without dying. It was that day that I decided that I would become Catholic. You gave me instructions (from the old catechism book). You baptised me, married us 46 years ago and always remained very close to our heart. After living away for many years we returned to Savannah, you hired me as your (parish secretary) at the Cathedral. You sponsored my husband to the Diconate Program and stood by him during and after until he
was ordained. You have been with us and with our family on occasions when we both had very close calls. It is ironic that "Deacon Lou" was the last person you anointed exactly one week before you left us. Thank God he is recovering now. I know you are in heaven because you always taught us to be ready when God calls. I know that you were ready, but we were not ready for you to go. We will always remember the very fond memories. The ribbing we gave you about recycled greeting cards and two for one dinner coupons and I could go on and on. It was all in fun and this became your trademark. We pray to you every night and we will always miss and love you. Rest In Peace.
Lou and Lou Andruzzi (Glennville, GA )
alouandru@coastalnow.net

November 9, 2005

I only knew Uncle Herbie during the twilight of his life, but during that time he influenced me profoundly and acted almost like my surrogate grandfather, since my actual one died when i was very young. Over the summer,my family and I were able to visit him in Savannah for the last time. He showed us around town, proving a very valuable tour guide. On a visit to the former sugar (or salt) factories in the Savannah area, Herbie drove us through a seemingly long-forgotten contraption that appeared to be a gate of some sort. When we drove over it, we were surprised with a free car wash, and I wondered just how many other people in Savannah could know about that little trick, how many people still remembered and could actually show us those little things, those things we don't always appreciate and frequently take for granted. Herbie frequently came to Dayton to visit, so much so that I usually failed to tell him how much I appreciated his company. My most vivid memory of Uncle Herbie is of the time when he invited me and my cousin Noah to be altar boys with him for a wedding in Cincinatti. The three of us drove down together and in the hotel room that night, I remember Uncle Herbie reading some of my "Jughead" comic books and laughing humorously. I couldn't believe that this old man, whom I barely knew, who always seemed such an authoritarian figure, was laughing at the same things I laughed at. In a way that was when he became for me Uncle Herbie and not Father Wellmeier the priest. He was always a guiding voice, and it still seems unreal that he will never again knock on our door, so unexpectedly and yet when we needed him the most.
Ben Dale (Beavercreek, OH )
bendale@woh.rr.com

November 6, 2005

Uncle Herbie was the best. He had a uncanny way of being both an uncle and spiritual advisor at the same time. Even though he was "family" you could tell him anything. He was there for me in many ways in my times of need. I will very much miss him and his annual visits to Dayton. He was truly the patriarch of our family. We will miss you.
Paul, Jill, Noah and Elijah.Paul Ervin (Kettering, OH )
pervin@woh.rr.com

October 29, 2005

Five family members drove to Savannah to be with Uncle Herbie during his last days. I was lucky to be one of them. My brother, Matt Ervin; my cousin Helen and her husband Rick McPherson; and her mom, my Aunt Lucille Weidner were joined by Herbie's good friends -Angela and Robert Cooper from Columbus, GA. We spent Herbie's last hours praying, crying and sharing our memories and love with Herbie. His death was quick and peaceful - ending with a smile and a tear, what Bishop Boland described as his seeing what was ahead of him and crying for those he was leaving behind. We experienced first hand what Herbie must have loved about Georgia these past 49 years - true southern hospitality and warm, loving friendships. He was a blessed man to have had so many friends who loved and respected him and we are very grateful that they shared their love for him with us, his family - Thank you to all! The funeral service and Mass in the Cathedral were testimonies to his service on earth - over 40 priests and hundreds and hundreds of friends attended - all extending their sympathies and wonderful stories. The services were led by his long time, dear friend, Bishop Boland, who returned to Dayton to celebrate his funeral Mass and burial with the family here. Herbie was my favorite uncle and friend, whom I loved and already miss.
Lynn Ervin-Dale (Dayton, OH )
 

October 27, 2005

  I was away from home serving in the military most of my adult life and wasn't 
  able to see Father Herb when he visited Ohio. I had just a vague memory of him 
  from when I was a child and just recently on September 26, picked up the phone 
  to call him and talk about family genealogy and his trips to Germany. Father 
  Herb sounded so energetic and enthusiastic over the telephone that it seemed 
  as though I was talking to a much younger man. I know that everyone who knew 
  him was proud of the way he served the lord and there are so many he touched 
  with his kindness and generosity. When I went to Father Herb's viewing, I just 
  looked at him, saw how young he still looked and just thought that he passed 
  way too soon and should just get up and leave with us. Now that I'm a little 
  older, I appreciate family more and understand what a great loss we've experienced. 
  Let me be a little more like him.

  Brian Wellmeier (Dayton, OH)

  wellmeier@hotmail.com

October 25, 2005
The annual German Picnic in Dayton, OH will not be the same without our wonderful Polka Mass celebrant! Fr. Herb brought a special German flavor to the celebration every year. He will truly be missed by his "Dayton congregation." Ruhe in Frieden, Fr. Herb.
Judy and Carl Schneider (Kettering, OH)

October 25, 2005
I am one of Fr. Herb Wellmeier's first cousins (there were a total of 31 grandchildren). My mother, Leona Wellmeier Mauch, was a sister to Fr. Herb's father, Clarence Wellmeier. My husband, Joe, and I recently had the pleasure of spending the afternoon chatting with Fr. Herb in the parlor at the Cathedral, and then sharing dinner with him at a restaurant on River Street in Savannah. We had never been in Savannah before, but were vacationing in the South, and had made arrangements with him for the visit. It was such a pleasure discussing many things such as family history, church matters, current events, people we used to know, and Scouting, etc. We are very grateful to have had that opportunity, and never in the world could we have guessed that four weeks exactly from that date, September 26, we would be attending his funeral in Dayton. It must be true that God works in mysterious ways.

I spoke with him on the evening of October 15th, notifying him of the death of my sister, Mary Lou, on October 14th. He had already known of the death of another sister, Lois, two weeks earlier, on September 30th. There are now two daughters left of the original four (no sons) of Leona and Edward Mauch. He was very sympathetic to us, and we conversed for awhile. From the information we've learned about his death, it is possible that I was the last person to talk with him before he was stricken. With his passing, three first cousins were gone within eighteen days. We will miss him celebrating Mass at the German Picnics in Dayton every summer, as well as at family reunions. May God bless his soul.
Virginia Mauch Wade (Dayton, OH)

October 23, 2005
We are going to miss UNCLE HERBIE, He was the best.It is hard to let go of some one so dear & kind, He helped us through our hard times & we loved him more than ever. He will be missed greatly BUT we are sure that the gates were wide open for him to enter Heaven to be with God! We miss you & we love you always,We will never forget you & all you done for us...
BiIIy,Chris,Nick,Renae Weidner (Dayton, OH)


October 22, 2005
I remember Fr. Wellmeier when I was a student at Cathedral Day School. He was well liked and had the respect from the student and the Sisters. I spoke with him several years ago, and found him very easy to talk to and I did enjoy that brief conversation. I am sorry that he has passed on and left us, but has gone on to be with our Savior. God Bless You, Fr. Wellmeier.
Joseph Coffey (Garden City, GA)
mrjoe66207@yahoo.com

October 21, 2005
As the youngest child of Edward Joseph and Dorothy Wellmeier, I have the most FONDEST of memories with Father Herb. !!! A Kindred Spirit and Gentle Soul !!! I must re-itterate others observations, The Constant Wellmeier "Smile". He was always a JOY to be around!!!! WOW I!!! What a "gift the lord gave to us, thru father Herb"
MaryBeth Wellmeier (Ponce Inlet, FL)

October 21, 2005
I was Pete's (Marie's) mother-in-law and fortunately had the opportunity to be with "Herbie" as we called him on several occasions. We was truly a man of God and a great gentlemen.
Pat Owen (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

October 21, 2005
Fr Wellmeier was very important to our family. It seems like he never forgot a face. He performed the wedding ceremony of our daughter, Joyce and Clifford Hardwick, April 12, 1971 at Most Pure Heart of Mary. We will miss him as will all his friends whom we saw at the Cathedral today. GOD BLESS!
Lester & Constance Johnson (Savannah, GA)

October 21, 2005
I met Father Wellmeier when I was in the 4th grade at Cathedral Day School in the late 50's. I often remember how he would take me and a fellow classmate swimming on a Sunday afternoon at the old DeSoto Hotel. He sat on the side of the main altar at the Cathedral during my wedding in 1973 and I always gave him a hug on St Patrick's Day after mass. I will miss his smile and pray that he watches over me from heaven as I always felt he did while on earth. Peace be with you always.
Paulette Kaluzne Morris (McRae, GA)

October 21, 2005
Father "Herbie" was a dear and special friend to our family. Our rather large, Irish family became friends of our German friend "Father" in 1956, when he was fresh "out the shoot" as a newly ordained priest. He was so kind to us in so many ways, way back then. We were students at the Cathedral Day School, which at that time, was a huge parish full of many, many large families. He loved to drop in on us and cause us to scurry like mice to "straighten up". Truth was, he was not there to be "house patrol" but to see us. He was very humble and was always welcome to share a meal with us, albeit meager sometimes. We were very aware Father Wellmeier was raised in an orphanage in Ohio, and it always surprised us he would be so attracted to large families. Maybe he loved our spirit of game man ship, as we continually had "tournaments" that lasted for weeks at a time for almost any kind of game. He loved to bring us games and our favorite one was the awesome rocky, "hockey" game. I think we were the only family in the South in the 50's with a hockey game from Canada. Or, were we? How many other families were also the recipients of his thoughtfulness? Gee, that hockey game was made so well with metal, hockey players that spun with turn handles on each end. If we only had that game, we could still play it today, because that is how well it was manufactured. He also loved to tease in a very kindly way, and we loved to tease back, if possible, for instance, he always remembered our family nicknames. His love of our Lord and the priesthood were always his visible personas. We feel so very blessed to have known Father Wellmeier, and are thankful to have known him for all these years, and that God shared him with us, especially when we were young and had someone pay so much attention to us. What a lovely mentor Father probably was to those interested in the priesthood. He had sterling character and was a "diamond in the rough" when it came to his goodness and spirituality. We feel triply blessed Father Wellmeier visited our beautiful, aging Mother just a few short weeks ago, while she was hospitalized. She was so fond of Fr. Herbie, as were we all, but his visit surely brightened her misery from surgery. This small synopsis is just one tiny glimpse into the "window of life" of Father Herbert Joseph Wellmeier, and our family wished to fondly share this with everyone who was close to Fr. Wellmeier. With Love in Christ, Respect, and Fondness, The Siblings/Family of Theresa C. Saunders (and Arthur Lloyd Saunders, Jr. deceased).
Therese Saunders-Leonard (Savannah, GA
leonard@savannahpha.com

October 21, 2005
It was such a joy to have known a great and outstanding man. You served your communities with great enthusiasm, dedication and care. While being Pastor at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, I remember the time when you took all the Alter Boys to the beach for doing such a great job throughout the year. Thank You! I also remember all the times you and I talked throughout my adult years and how you provided guidance and leadership to make me a better person as well as grow closer to God. Thanks again! My mother, father, sisters, and brothers always felt that you were an integral part of our family. I will miss your smile and will always love you. I express my deepest sincerity to your sisters in Dayton, Ohio.
Craig Cleveland (Atlanta, GA)
mba401-04@mindspring.com

 

October 21, 2005
Father Wllmeier was a great person of faith and will be greatly missed by the Catholic Community of South Ga.
The Halligans (Savannah, GA)

October 21, 2005
I met Father Herb through my neighbors when I lived in Richmond Hill. We had dinner with friends on some Sunday's and he was such a delight. Whenever I saw Father Herb he alway's said "Are you the young lady who used to be Catholic?" I just wanted to let him know that I will get back into church.
Jennifer Penn (Pooler, GA)
Jennifer.Penn@sas02.usace.army.mil

October 20, 2005
I met Father when my mother Johnnie Mae Snider worked at the Cathedral of St John. When I would call there he or Mrs Lou would answer the phone. He always had a smile for me and usually some candy.I can remember when he helped my mother with groceries and goodies for us. Every Christmas we were always blessed with toys and clothes because of him. My family will always be forever grateful for him for everything he has ever done for us.
April Snider (Savannah, GA)

October 20, 2005
I was so sorry to hear of Father Herb's passing. I was fortunate to have known him and my daughter always looked up to him. He was the Priest at St. Annes when my daughter made her First Holy Communion. He will be missed and we were all blessed to have know him. he made a difference in many people's lives. God Bless
Gina Foss-Morgan and Family
Gina Foss-Morgan (Pembroke)

October 20, 2005
Peace be with you. Thanks for all the things you did for all of us
T Scott Hampton (Columbus, GA)
tsh1158@bellsouth.net

October 20, 2005
Father will be greatly missed. He was my rock during my mother's illness, and subsequent death. The last time I saw him, I gave him a Lladro of the Virgin. It was my mother's and I knew he would cherish it. My only wish was that he could meet my new husband and bless our marriage. He was always looking forward to me getting married, but he knew, as my wedding was the 15th in Detroit. He knew in his heart. A very special man who was a gift from God, to everyone who knew him.
Kathleen Heaphy Patz (Richmond Hill, GA)
kmheaphy1@yahoo.com

October 20, 2005
My sympathy goes to all the friends and family of Father Wellmeier. He was beloved by all who knew him. He was a blessing from the Lord to me and my family. To have known him was to love him. Heavens gain is our loss. Peace Father Wellmeier. MaryAnne Pace Albany Ga.
MaryAnne Pace (Albany, GA)
pace2248@bellsouth.net

October 20, 2005
When our daughter died, her children age 6 and 8 went to live with their father at Richmond Hill. We met Father Wellmeier at that time. He was an angel to our grandchildren and helped them through a very difficult time. He was a wonderful priest and friend. We along with our grandchildren will miss him deeply.
Joe and Dolores Kuhn (Celina, OH)
kuhncln@aol.com

October 20, 2005
Fr. Wellmeier you will be missed greatly. I didn't know you well but you would say mass at our lady of Lourdes sometimes.You are very much loved and will greatly be missed.May you rest in peace.
Rose Brookshire (Garden City, GA)
rshire@bellsouth.net

October 20, 2005
Father Wellmeier will always have a special place in the hearts of our entire family. He offered us a warm welcome to St. Anne's when we moved to Richmond Hill over seven years ago. We mourn for our loss, but celebrate the gift of his life, and are comforted by the knowledge he is at his eternal rest with God.
Michael & Jennifer Mock (Richmond Hill, GA)

October 20, 2005
God bless you Fr.Herb and thank you for being there for all of my family, but especially in my hour of need. R.I.P.
Lisa Rahn Payne (Sparta, IL)

October 20, 2005
Fr. Wellmeier never forgot a face and had such an impish glowing smile. I believe he is with His Lord. Good and faithful servant. Peace is with you! Blessings to his family.
Anne Antol
Anne Antol (Savannah, GA)

October 20, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Father Wellmeier. I have known Fr. Wellmeier since age 6 I am now 41. I have had the pleasure of communicating with Fr. Wellmeier often in recent years. Distances were no obstacle. I would often call him to tell him and remind him of something he told me about God when I was a small kid in Savannah. I will miss him immensely. My last conversation with him was on the Saturday before his death. When I called him he was preparing to serve Mass so that a fellow priest could be off. I told him that he was a very busy retired priest; his response was "I like to help my fellow priest". I was deeply touched by his love for the Gospel and his fellow man. I never left a conversation with him without being enlightened personally and theologically. I can just imagine the words he heard upon arrival to heaven. Job well done my faithful priest!
Charles Samuel
Charles Samuel (Tulsa, OK)
sportsnewstoday2@aol.com

20 October, 2005
I have no doubt that the trumpets sounded for Herbie on the other side.
Peter Flannery
Peter Flannery (Ireland)

20 October, 2005
Father Herbie was our pastor at Saint Michael's and soon became a part of our family. He will be missed by the entire Powers clan. Rest in peace, Herbie. Say hello to Peanut for me when you see him in heaven.
Therese Willis (SAVANNAH, GA)

20 October, 2005
Blessings and peace to Fr. Wellmeier's family, including his brother priests and bishop. Fr. Wellmeier witnessed my parent's wedding in 1958 and remained a family friend to all of us. I particularly remember his kind words of comfort and consolation when my Dad passed in 2001, and his heartwarming letters since then. He is now with Jesus and is praying for us. God's richest blessings always.....
Love,
Steve Kujawa
(Raymond & Jessie's eldest son)
Steve Kujawa (Houston, TX)
skujawa@houston.rr.com

20 October, 2005
I am so sorry to hear of Father Wellmeier's death. I know he with his Lord in Heaven. Father was one of the best people I have ever known. He was kind and considerate and loved his faith, which he served well. He always had a smile on his face and something nice to say. I will miss him as will many others. I send my condolences to his family and wish them well. So long, Father, we will all miss you and your wonder personality and concern for all. My love to you always. I hope to join you in Heaven someday. God always chooses the best and he chose well.
Ellen Coburn (Rincon, GA)
ehcoburn@comcast.net

20 October, 2005
Herb, I'm sorry I lost contact with you, but you were always in my thoughts and admired. Pray for me.
Cal
Calvin Schwenk (Phoenix, OR)
morisy@connpoint.net

20 October, 2005
St. Anne's Parish in Richmond Hill was truly a family and Fr. Herb the beloved Head. Our love and prayers go with him. He will always be remembered fondly by the Grenville family.
Lorraine Grenville (Valrico, FL)
lgrenville@tampabay.rr.com

20 October, 2005
I knew Fr. Wellmeier when her was a seminarian at Camp Villa Marie and when he was at Sacred Heart in Augusta and have always had fond memories of him. May he rest in peace.
Sara Andrews (Marietta, GA)

20 October, 2005
Father Wellmier was a very special Priest. He helped me through some very difficult times in the past years.He was alway's there when you needed him. He has alway's held a special place in my heart. God Bless You Father Wellmeier.
Marjorie Forbes (Fayetteville, NC)
maggymay56@aol.com

20 October, 2005
Robert and I knew Fr. Herb from St. Ann's in Richmond Hill. Our son, Brian Skibicki and his family are parishioners. What a wonderful priest and a great person. He will be greatly missed.
Carole and Robert Skibicki (Newark, DE)
CSkibicki@comcast.net

20 October, 2005
Joseph Rahn (Nashville, TN)

20 October, 2005
Lewis Harvey/ Eddie Blount (Cancun, Mexico)

20 October, 2005
Fr. Wellmeier was a great priest to all he met. I was a stranger when I met him and we departed as friends for many years. He really was the "happy Irish German Shepherd" for the Diocese. Can you imagine the Welcoming Party when he "crossed over"? Let's celebrate because he was!!!
Patricia Barbee (Pembroke)

20 October, 2005
i was deeply saddened to hear of fr. herb's death. he was a very special friend to my family over the many years of his ministry in savannah and we became close friends during his pastorship at st. michael's, tybee. fr. herb continued to stay in touch after we moved to lima, ohio in 1971. in the summer of 1974, while on vacation in dayton, he drove an hour north to lima for a surprise visit, since we had not talked for several months, only to knock on our door and find we had moved to pittsburgh a week earlier. we often enjoyed laughter about thatfor a long while. yes, fr. herb was a true friend to countless numbers and remained a friend to all forever. he will be sorely missed, but god has called a gem of a real great person to be with him and mary immaculate, for all eternity, a reward fr. herb earned daily as a priest for almost 50 wonderful years. may he rest in peace. jack and judy
jack daniels (wexford, PA)
tybee@stargate.net

20 October, 2005
I only met Father Wellmeier a couple of times but he was very nice to everyone he met. He will be missed. God bless his family.
Robert Osbourne (Savannah, GA)
rmosbourne142@aol.com

20 October, 2005
Franklin Forbes (Fayetteville, NC)
fforbes@nc.rr.com

20 October, 2005
Well done thy good and faithful servant. My children and I will miss our 'German Shepherd'. R.I.P.
Theresa Rahn (Marietta, GA)

20 October, 2005
But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest
Wisdom 4:7.

May the light of God surround the Wellmeier family

Darrell Jordan
Baghdad-Iraq
Darrell Jordan (Savannah, GA)

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