Rev. Richard Klingeisen Retires!
The End of An Era
June 30th, 2022 marks Rev. Richard Klingeisen's well-earned retirement from the priesthood, following 50 years of faith and service. Ordained in 1972, Rev. Klingeisen has been a pastor and educator at St. Mary Parish, Clarks Mills and St. Michael Parish, Whitelaw (the combined grade school is called St. Mary/St. Michael). Klingeisen has participated in the healthcare ministry and has served on many boards. His nonprofit activity is well documented, as is his tireless charity involvement. Richard Klingeisen is a pillar of his community, respected and beloved. He has helped thousands of folks locally and countless people all over the world.
On the topic of his retirement and where he expects this new chapter of life to take him, Rev. Klingeisen has stated plainly: "I'll listen to the spirit of God."
Rev. Klingeisen's life and faith is also being celebrated today with the release of a special, retrospective legacy episode of his acclaimed podumentary series, A Life of Giving. It is a broad, sweeping look back at nearly four years of the show, during which time Rev. Klingeisen has covered many topics including crime, right to life issues, religious liberties, the pandemic, and so much more. His calm, self-assured, never-judgmental tone has drawn in visitors from all parts of the globe. In this installment, Klingeisen fields questions about each past episode, updating and informing the audience on a variety of topics for these modern times. Avid and casual fans of the program will find a lot to like about this very special episode.
Facing retirement, Rev. Klingeisein's day-to-day duties will naturally get scaled back a bit, but his show will only continue to develop as he prepares for a third season after this current one ends. Overall, Klingeisen's devotion to his faith and helping others is always on full display---it is his life's work---and will remain so as he enters this exciting, new phase of life.
Christmas in Times Square
Always Influential
Another amazing Times Square promotion occurred in the name of Rev. Richard Klingeisen, the charities he loves, and the new online series he helms. Visit the media page for the full experience, including video!
The Look of Influence
This is a breathtaking shot of a total stranger in New York City stopping to look at information about Rev. Klingeisen's new podcast documentary, A Life of Giving.
About Fr. Dick Klingeisen
"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
Coordinator of Health Services at the Diocese of Green Bay, and Pastor at St. Mary's Clarks Mills and St. Michael Whitelaw, Rev. Klingeisen has worked in the clergy since 1972. Throughout his illustrious career, Rev. Klingeisen has attained extensive expertise in support and vision of Catholic education, as well as supporting and counseling the families of the sick and dying. In his current capacity, Rev. Klingeisen facilitates meetings, and is a consultant for medical/ethical issues as well as end of life issues.
"We need to build a civilization of love in the midst of a culture of death," Rev. Klingeisen said. "We can do this by supporting the dying and their families spiritually through prayer and in practical ways, like a visit or a phone call. Today there are so many ways to make dying easier whether the person is at home, or in a long-term care facility, or an acute-care hospital. Working with physicians and nurses, we can show respect and love as we provide palliative (comfort) care."
Throughout the course of his educational pursuits, Rev. Klingeisen obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy at The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. To further advance his professional career, Rev. Klingeisen is an esteemed member of several prominent organizations including the Catholic Medical Association as well as the Local Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, and the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.
Charitable to various organizations, Rev. Klingeisen sits on the local board to facilitate recruitment and support for the volunteers from the diocese of Green Bay who wish to help St Vincent Mission in Eastern Kentucky with home repair and youth outreach.
When not working, Rev. Klingeisen enjoys working on a dairy farm with his younger brother, playing golf and reading particularly in the winter.
Career Highlights & Memberships
20 year Chaplain of Knights of Columbus
35 years recognition for home repair, St. Vincent Mission, David Kentucky.
A lifetime of faith and service.
National Association of Catholic Chaplains (member)
Catholic Medical Association (member)
Truncated Work History
Parochial Vicar, 1972-1981
Clinical Pastoral Education, 1981
Chaplain, Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, 1981-2008
Parochial Vicar, St. Francis of Assisi, Manitowoc, WI, 2008-2012
Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills and St. Michael, Whitelaw, 2012-present
Coordinator of Health Services, 2008-present
Regional Vicar, Vicariate V, Southeast Region, Dioese of Green Bay, 2008-2017