Father Dennis Theodore Meulemans
1935-2025
Father Dennis Theodore Meulemans, 90, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Rib Lake Health Services, under the care of Hope Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Dennis will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Bishop James Powers officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Sunday July 20, 2025 from 4 p.m. until the time of a vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Father Dennis was born in Downing, on July 6,1935 to Ted and Anne (Olech) Meulemans, his older brothers being John and Richard, later joined by younger sister, Barbara. Ted and Anne rest in the joy of heaven, along with Richard. John and Barbara survive.
Father Dennis was attracted to the priesthood by the witness of two of his pastors, Father Henry Keil and Father Bernard Niggeman. After his years at grade school in Downing, Father Dennis entered Pontifical College Josephinum in Worthington, Ohio, where he completed high school, college, and theology studies. On Pentecost Sunday, May 21, 1961, Father Dennis (and 11 classmates) were ordained to the priesthood at Josephinum, followed by a Solemn Mass at St. John’s, Glenwood City, on Memorial Day 1961.
A summer parish placement followed at Christ the King Cathedral, Superior. Subsequent Associate Pastor assignments included: St. Isaac Joques, Mercer, St.
Anne, Boulder Junction, St. Joseph, Rhinelander, and Christ the King, Superior.
In 1969 Father Dennis became district director of Catholic Charites in Hudson. During this time The Hudson Daycare Center (still going strong!) came into existence, sponsored by Catholic Charities.
In 1971 Father Dennis became pastor at St. Bridget’s, River Falls. His stay was concluded after construction of a new St. Bridget’s church and the strengthening of parish life with a parish council.
Holy Rosary, Medford, was Father’s last assignment in the Diocese from 1985 to 2003. Preserving and strengthening the liturgy, the school and religious education-relying upon the help of many employees and volunteers- truly made the parish great. After a total parish effort, a new school was constructed in 20002003, replacing an old building, well deserving of rest, which served the parish well.
Father Dennis retired from the active parish ministry in 2003, but he continued to serve on weekend help outs in a variety of parishes throughout the Diocese of Superior for another several years while living in retirement in Rib Lake.
In 2020 health issues made care at the Rib Lake Health Center a new life journey.
Father Dennis had the privilege of serving on the Diocesan Presbyteral Council (including chairman), Diocesan Finance Council, Personnel Board, Vicar Forane of the North Central Deanery, and Diocesan Consultor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Father Dennis’ name may be given to Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 171514
