Bio: Bertz, Edward J. (Ordained - 1955)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bertz, Hannan

----Source: Loyal Tribune (Loyal, Clark Co., Wis.)   05/12/1955

Bertz, Edward J. (Ordained - 14 MAY 1955)

Deacon Edward Joseph Bertz, 28, son of the late Edward C. Bertz and Mrs. Florence Hannan Bertz, will be one of a group of 16 to be ordained into the priesthood this coming Saturday, May 14^th at Holy Cross Seminary, La Crosse.

His Excellency, the Most Rev. John B. Treacy, Bishop of La Crosse, will confer the sacrament of Holy Orders upon the 16 deacons in ceremonies beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The 1955 ordination class represents the largest class of aspirants to the priesthood being ordained for the Diocese of La Crosse in the 87 years history of the diocese.  Following the ordination and the subsequent first solemn Masses of the young neophytes, the 16 priests will receive from Bishop Treacy their assignments within the diocese of La Cross.

The newly ordained Father Bertz will celebrate his first solemn high mass in St. Anthony’s Church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.  Father Basel Reuss, O. Praem, St. Norbert college, will deliver the sermon.  Father King will assist at the mass and Father Aloys Zinthefer, former pastor of St. Anthony’s will be deacon and Father James McDonald of Wis. Rapids will act as sub-deacon.

William McKenna and Jerome Hoeser, students at Holy Cross Seminary, La Crosse, will act as Thurifers, and the master of ceremonies of the Mass will be his brother, Thomas Bertz.  Acolytes will be LeRoy Merlak and Milan Matanic Jr.

Deacon Edward Bertz was born at Marshfield on Aug. 4, 1926.  He is a member of St. Anthony’s Parish and his pastor is Father Norbert E. King.

One of seven children, his brothers and sisters include: John R., Geny, Carole, Connie, Thomas and Mary Ellen.

Father Bertz undertook his elementary education at St. Anthony’s School and attended the Loyal Public High School, from which he graduated.  Thereupon, for his collegiate work he spent two years at Marquette University, Milwaukee.  At this time h joined the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater, spending two years in the Navy.

During one of those years he studied radar electronics.  He finished his collegiate study at St. Nobert’s College, West DePere and one-half year at Oklahoma A & M.  He received his bachelor of science degree in mathematics at St. Norbert’s College, and then entered the teaching profession and taught mathematics and physics for three years.

Father Bertz studied theology at St. Norbert’s College, West De Pere for two years and spent his final two years at St. Francis Seminary (Major) , Milwaukee.

A banquet will be served by the ladies of the parish after the Mass Sunday to all invited guests.  Father Anthony Wegener, Editor of the La Crosse Register, will be the toastmaster.

At 3 p.m. Solemn benediction with the most Bl. Sacrament will be given by Father Bertz, and a reception will be held after this services with a lunch.  The public is invited to attend the Mass, Benediction and reception.