Charles W. Elmer

Msgr. Charles W. Elmer died on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011, at the age of 88. He was born on May 19, 1923, in Aurora, Wisconsin. He had three siblings. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II and received the rank of Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. He attended St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee and the North American College in Rome. He received the S.T.L. from the Pontifical Gregorian University, the M.Ed. from Texas A&M University, and the S.T.D. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was ordained for the Diocese of Marquette on December 20, 1952. He transferred to the warmer climate of the Diocese of Austin for health reasons. He served at St. Mary’s in College Station and was the founding pastor of St. Theresa’s in Austin. He served for many years in the formation of priests, as Assistant Superior of the Casa Santa Maria of the North American College, Business Manager of the North American College, Director of the Casa Santa Maria, spiritual director then rector of Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas, and spiritual director at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. He was named an Apostolic Protonotary by Pope John Paul II. The Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, Sept. 9, at the Chapel of St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. The Vigil will take place at 7:00 pm on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Chapel of St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. His body will be buried next to his parents in Iron Mountain Cemetery in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Arrangements are being made through Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Austin with the assistance of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors in Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M University, 603 Church Avenue, College Station, TX, 77840 . For those who would like to pay their respects locally, a Book of Condolences will be available to be signed at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas or at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com At the conclusion of all services, the book will be given to Msgr. Elmer’s family.