Fr. Ernest Louis Gauthier

July 8, 1937 - May 26, 2023

Kansas City, Missouri.

Father Ernest L. “Ernie” Gauthier passed away May 26th at Brookdale-Wornall Place Assisted Living in Kansas City, Missouri. Father Gauthier was eighty-six years old and served the Church with great distinction for sixty-one years in priestly ministry. Father Gauthier was ordained on April 7, 1962, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City. Father served as Associate Pastor at St. James, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Gabriel, St. Stephen, St. Michael, St. Augustine, and Assumption Parishes, Kansas City; and St. Ann Parish, Independence. He served as Parochial Administrator at St. Stephen and St. Gabriel Parishes, Kansas City. He served as Pastor at St. Michael Parish, Kansas City; St. Patrick Parish, Holden; and Holy Trinity Mission, Urich.

In addition to his parochial duties, Father Gauthier served as Chaplain to Little Flower Camp, and 10 years as Campus Ministry Chaplain at Avila University in Kansas City; Assistant Director for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Youth; and Chaplain for Jails and Correctional Institutions in Jackson County.

Fr. Gauthier’s Catholic education included St. John’s Catholic Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by College Seminary at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and was ordained to priesthood in 1962. He received additional education and certifications in Substance Abuse Counseling, and was dedicated to helping prisoners in jail, and others in programs for alcohol abuse, and support for those released from incarceration to return to a productive life and employment.

He was preceded death by his parents, Henry Griffin and Louise Sylvia Lebecq Gauthier and brother, Dr. Paul Dennis Gauthier.

The visitation will be June 1st at 5pm followed with a Rosary at 7pm. The Mass of Christian Burial is to be celebrated June 2nd at 11am at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 777 NE Blackwell Rd., Lee's Summit, Missouri 64086. Graveside Services and Burial to be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Raytown. Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to St. Margaret of Scotland Parish or Catholic Charities of Kansas City, Missouri for programs to assist those released from incarceration to return to a productive life and employment.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilleySheil.com for the Gauthier family.