Fr. John Ostdiek, OFM, former St. Francis Village friar and college professor, dies at 102

Father John Ostdiek, OFM, 102, passed away Oct. 12 at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was the oldest friar in the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the time of his death.  

The Franciscan priest resided in the St. Maximilian Kolbe Friary at Saint Francis Village in Crowley from 1993 – 1997 and again from 2005 – 2006.

During those years, he celebrated Mass at many parishes in the Diocese of Fort Worth, substituting for priests in their absence and widely regarded as a dynamic preacher, according to Bishop Michael Olson.

Father Bob Sieg, OFM, who served at Saint Francis Village from 2012 – 2018, lived and served with Fr. Ostdiek in Missouri and Illinois. He said Fr. Ostdiek was a teacher and a scientist who never stopped learning. “He knew science and medicine in and out, but he knew a little about everything — and he was always correct,” he said.

Fr. Ostdiek was generous with his time to his students, parishioners, and fellow friars, Fr. Sieg remembered. “He was a compassionate priest who would do whatever he could to help.”

Born in Lawrence, Nebraska, at home on the family farm, Fr. Ostdiek was the oldest of 10 children. He was inspired to join the Franciscans by his uncle, the late Father Arthur Rempe, OFM.

He was received into the Order of Friars Minor on Aug. 19, 1942, made simple vows on Aug. 20, 1943, professed solemn vows on Aug. 20, 1946, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 1949.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Quincy College (now Quincy University) in Illinois, and he studied at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, before earning master’s and doctorate degrees at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Upon completing his doctorate in 1960, Fr. Ostdiek began a long teaching and administrative career primarily at Quincy University, but also two years at Mundelein College in Chicago.

Beginning in 1983, his ministry shifted to parishes, friaries, and retreat houses.

Fr. Sieg said that Fr. Ostdiek slowed down, but he never stopped.

He semi-retired in 2006, but he continued serving as a supply priest in Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri and engaged in writing ministry until recently.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Nov. 17, 2024, in the Quincy University Chapel.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This obituary was originally published by Duker and Haugh Funeral Home and revised by NTC staff.