Fr. Austin Albers, O.F.M.
Fr. Austin Albers, O.F.M., age 80, of St. Vincent’s Home, Quincy died at 3:43 a.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 in the home. Fr. Austin was born July 7, 1936 in St. Louis, MO, a son of Anthony and Margaret (Wienstroer) Albers.
Father Austin was the youngest of 10 children. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his brother Fr. Edwin, and became a Franciscan priest. He entered the Franciscan Order on June 21, 1956, and was ordained a Franciscan priest on January 19, 1964. His whole priestly life was dedicated to serving in various parishes throughout the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart. He served as an associate pastor for thirteen years before assuming the responsibilities of being a pastor for thirty-five years. His love for people endeared him to many.
Parishioners loved his homilies for they were down to earth and spoke to people where they were at. He loved accompanying people on their faith journey and encouraging people to use their gifts and talents to build up the parish community. The last four years of his life were spent in retirement due to the physical diminishment of his health, but he never lost his Franciscan passion to become Christ for others.
Survivors include his sister, Shirley Schallom; his brother, Fr. Edwin Albers, O.F.M. both of St. Louis, MO; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Fr. Roland Albers, MSF; Melvin (Gloria) Albers, Maurice (Loraine) Albers, Antoinette (George) Ulses, Luella (Marvin) Tebeau, Francis “Bud” Albers, Norman Albers and Art Albers.
A visitation for Fr. Austin will be held this Thursday, August 11, 2016 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy. There will be a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3140 Meramec Street, St. Louis, MO. Visitation will be prior to the Mass of Christian Burial from 8:30 a.m. until 9:55 a.m. Interment will be in will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Province, St. Anthony Friary, 3140 Meramec Street St. Louis, MO 63118-4399
Funeral arrangements in Quincy entrusted to the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
I have known this man since I was 15 years old. He was a curmudgeon who I totally connected with. He would slap extra holy water on me every time he got a chance and sometimes he would make a sizzling sound when he did it. He baptized my daughter, he performed her marriage ceremony and baptized my granddaughters. RIP Father Austin. Also thank for letting us smoke in your religion classes!
The Church and its people has lost a wonderful priest. I shall miss our occasional chats in the halls and elevator at QU. Rest in peace