Rev. Herbert R. “Father Bert” Woolson
Rev. Herbert R. “Father Bert” Woolson, 69, of Winamac, passed away Friday, Sept. 29, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.
Bert was born on Jan. 17, 1948, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to the late John and Betty (McLellan) Woolson. He was a graduate of Brunnerdale High School Seminary and Walsh College both of North Canton, Ohio. He received a Masters of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and was ordained on June 12, 1982, in Celina, Ohio. Fr. Bert was currently serving as pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church in Monterey and St. Ann Catholic Church in Kewanna. He was a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, Monterey Assembly.
For many years, Fr. Bert had served as Chaplain for St. Joseph Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, Indiana Canine Assisted Crisis Team, Indiana State Police, Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Pulaski Memorial Hospice and Pulaski County Coroner’s Office. Along with his trusted dogs, Rain and Leisel, he was an active member of the Indiana Department of Mental Health. Most recently, his dog Zeke was being trained to join the department. Fr. Bert enjoyed serving others, wherever the need was. He had a gentle demeanor and brought a calming peace to those around him. Fr. Bert will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
He is survived by his sister Anne [Gary] Campbell of Allen, Texas; sister-in-law Milagros Woolson of Centerville, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Betty (McLellan) Woolson; sister Catherine Woolson; and brothers: John Woolson Jr., and Richard Woolson.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Frain Mortuary (305 E. Main St., Winamac). A scriptural wake service will be held at 2 p.m. and Knights of Columbus service will be held at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at Frain Mortuary. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at St. Peter Catholic Church (402 N. Market St., Winamac) with Most Rev. Bishop Emeritus William L. Higi and priests of Lafayette-in-Indiana Diocese officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery (9001 Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240) with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. Interment will be at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis.
Memorial contributions may be made in the form of Mass Intentions to a Catholic church or as general donations to a Catholic church of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — Oct. 4, 2017)