Fr. Stanley Francis Wieser

     Reverend Stanley Francis Wieser was born on June 25, 1942, in Wheaton, MN. He was the son of Robert and Margaret (Crooks) Wieser. Father Wieser attended the Wheaton Public Schools through 9th grade, and Saint John’s Preparatory School, Saint John’s University, and Saint John’s Seminary, Collegeville, MN. Father Wieser was ordained on June 3, 1968, by The Most Reverend George H. Speltz at Ave Maria Church, Wheaton, MN. 

     Father Wieser served in the following pastoral assignments: as associate pastor at Assumption, Morris, June 1968-June 1970; St. Anthony, St. Cloud, June 1970-June 1973; Assumption, Morris, June 1973-July 1977; as pastor at St. Anthony, Fairmont, ND (Diocese of Fargo) October 1980-July 1981; St. Charles, Herman and St. Theresia, Donnelly, July 1981-June 1983; St. Francis Xavier, Sartell, June 1983-July 1985; St. Leonard, Pelican Rapids, July 1985-September 1986; St. Gall, Tintah and St. Joseph, Foxhome, July 1989-July 1994; St. Mary, Breckenridge, July 1994-December 1994; St. Thomas Kent, as administrator December 1994-September 1995, as pastor September 1995-July 1999; pastor at St. Peter, Dumont, July 1999-June 2004; Ave Maria, Wheaton, July 1999-June 2007, St. Anthony, Browns Valley, July 2003-June 2007; St. Elizabeth, Elizabeth, and St. Leonard, Pelican Rapids, June 2007-June 2012. He retired on June 26, 2012.

     Father Wieser served as a missionary priest in the Diocese of Maracay, Venezuela, July 1977-July 1980 and September 1986-July 1989. He served as dean of the Morris Deanery, October 2001-October 2007, and as consultor for the Saint Cloud Diocese from January 2003-December 2012. He also served as chaplain at St. Francis Medical Center, Breckenridge, from 1994-1999, and in Hispanic Ministry in the Breckenridge area.

     Father Wieser's hobbies included: golfing, camping/hiking, bicycling, attending sporting events and most importantly Socializing. He was an avid biker and rode for many years in MS TRAM, "The Ride Across Minnesota" to raise money for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. He loved to tell stories of these adventures and of the many long lasting friendships that he developed.

     Father Wieser was a well known and loved faithful servant of God whose ministry was an inspiring witness of his love for God and his fellowman. He will be remembered for his kindness, acceptance and, of course, his sense of humor.

     Father Wieser died on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Traverse Care Center, Wheaton, MN. A Vigil service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Church of Ave Maria, Wheaton, MN. 

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Ave Maria, Wheaton, with The Most Reverend Patrick M. Neary, C.S.C., presiding. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton, MN.

     Father Wieser is survived by his sisters, Joyce Katlack, Otsego, MN, Joan (Mike) Schramm, St. Joseph, MN, and Elizabeth (Brian) Rinke, Wheaton, MN, and brother, Stephen of Wheaton, MN, and brother-in-law, Mike Larson, Wheaton, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Janice and Kathleen, and brother-in-law Joe Katlack.