Msgr. Francis P. Friedl

Msgr. Francis P. Friedl died, Monday, September 18, 2017 at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, two months short of his 100th birthday. 

The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, September 25, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, Dubuque with Most Rev. Michael O. Jackels officiating. Visitation will be from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m., Monday at the church. Burial will take place after the Funeral Mass, at 4:00 p.m., in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Waterloo.

Msgr. Friedl was born on November 26, 1917, to Philip and Rose (Schares) Friedl in Waterloo.  He graduated from Loras College and took his theological training at Mount St. Mary of the West Seminary in Norwood, Ohio.

He was ordained April 26, 1943, at Sacred Heart Church, Waterloo, by Archbishop Francis J.L. Beckman.  After a brief assignment at St. Francis Parish, Dumont, he was named associate at Nativity Parish, Dubuque, in 1943.

He joined the faculty of Loras College in 1947, during which time he also served as chaplain at the Dubuque County Home and later as associate at St. Joseph Church, Dubuque.  In 1950, he entered Catholic University, Washington, D.C., and graduated with a Ph.D. in Psychology.

He returned to the Archdiocese in 1954 to become director of public relations at Loras College, where he was appointed vice-president in 1956.  He was named a monsignor in 1956.

In 1965, Msgr. Friedl became dean of studies at Loras and served as acting president from 1966 to 1967.  In 1971, he was appointed president of the college and dean of the Loras Deanery.

He was appointed pastor of St. Joseph, Elkader, in 1977 and St. Columbkille, Dubuque, in 1984.  He retired in 1987.

He authored “The Loras College Story – 150 Years,” for the college’s sesquicentennial observances in 1969. In addition he authored 12 other books on topics ranging from the priesthood, homilies, Loras College, and people of Dubuque.

Msgr. Friedl is survived by a sister, Mary Billings of California and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Philip, James and Thomas Friedl; and four sisters, Catherine Porter, Sister Mary Margaret, Rosemary Ralston, and Shirley Kapler.

Memorials may be directed to the Archdiocese of Dubuque Seminarian Education Fund.

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