Father Gerald P. Vosen , Age 87


April 16, 1934 --September 27, 2021

Father Gerald P. Vosen, age 87, entered eternal life on Monday, September 27, 2021.

Fr. Vosen was born on April 16, 1934, to Carl and Alice (Frantz) Vosen of Merrimac, WI. He is survived by his sister Patricia Wilson and was preceded in death by his brothers Francis, Dan, Jim, Don, and sister Estelle.

During the 60 years of Fr. Vosen's ministry, being in a parish was closest to his heart to know his people and be present to them. The highlight of each week was coming together with the people to hear and share the Word of God and to participate in the mystery of the Eucharist.

In 1972, with the help of family and friends, he established a youth club called "I Get the Window." Their motto was: "Through the visible, we see the Invisible." Over a span of twenty years, hundreds of young people were helped to see the Invisible.

After retirement, Fr. Vosen continued to reach out to people through the many books that he wrote. Through his numerous stories he shared the experience of others in discovering and seeing God and becoming sensitive to God and aware of His powerful presence in our daily lives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Fr. Vosen touched and enriched many lives throughout his 60 years of ministry and will be deeply missed.



Condolences

BERNICE A SEEP September 28, 2021

Long time dear friends of Fr. Reedsburg , Wisconsin

We will dearly miss Fr. on every Christmas, on every Thanksgiving, every Easter, every April 16th when we would celebrate Joey and Father Vosen's birthday together. All my kids grew up with Fr. being with us. We loved him and he was truly a part of our family. We would have cook-outs every Sunday and watch football games or horse races. We certainly have so many wonderful memories with our dearest friend and will miss him tremendously.

Carolyn Marquardt September 28, 2021

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

I always enjoyed seeing Father Vosen and listening to his soft spoken voice and his jokes. He was not only a a WONDERFUL PRIEST but a FANTASTIC CARING MAN! He will be forever missed! He has left a footprint in the hearts of those who knew him! Heaven has gained a very special angel! RIP Father Vosen!

Berni Mueller September 29, 2021

Former Sacred Heart church member Hood River , Oregon

I am saddened to hear of Father Vosen's passing. Soft spoken but having the ability to speak loudly through his insightful and pertinent homilies is how I will always remember Father. He definitely spoke from the heart and his messages always touched my heart. May he rest in peace.

Greg Layton September 29, 2021

long time friend and staff member Green Bay , Wisconsin

I had worked with Fr. Vosen for over 16 years, first as a Director of Religious Education in Reedsburg and then as a Pastoral Associate in Baraboo. I was always impressed with the amount of time that he put into his weekend homily, his goal was that people would remember them well into the next week and beyond. (Who can forget his Phone call from God). He was the driving force to get air conditioning and the much needed addition to the church. Father rarely talked about money, his theory was that if we fed them spiritually they would give freely. Father did have a fun side among which he always instructed me to have the basketball pool ready for the NCAA tournament . My wife Nancy and I enjoyed our visits with him and having lunch at Quindts. We will deeply miss him as he has greatly impacted our lives.

Jim Daniels September 29, 2021

608 778 0825 Cazenovia , Wisconsin

My deepest sympathies to the family of Father Vosen. I had the privilege of knowing Father Vosen and was truly blessed. My parents, too, thought the world of Father and greatly appreciated their relationship with him. I recall the times he asked my Father to work on various mini bikes he used at the I Get the Window Club. I, too, remember with fondness the field Masses at Haas' Hacienda. His gentleness, kindness, and deep sense of service to others will remain with me and many others. Thank you, Father.

Nancy Layton September 30, 2021

friend Green Bay , Wisconsin

I first met Fr. Vosen in 1985 when he married my husband and me. Over the pastt 36 years, we have enjoyed a special mutual friendship. Father was not only our dear friend, but was "family," as well. Spending time with Father became more difficult when Greg and I moved away from Baraboo. We traveled to Baraboo as much as possible for visits (and to share a toast of Crown Royal!). I was privileged and honored to have assisted Fr. Vosen as he wrote and published five books in which he continued to share his gift of storytelling and ability to bring God's word to others. We will forever hold tight the numerous wonderful memories Fr. Vosen has given us. I will truly miss hearing, "Hi, Greg and Nancy. Father calling." Rest in Peace, Father Vosen.

Marlene Powell September 30, 2021

friend baraboo , Wisconsin

I also sorry to learn of father's passing. He was a dear priest to me and my family. He celebrated our family funerals, baptisms,marriages. God bless you. He was on my prayer list everyday. Rest his soul. Marlene

Art & Deb Stevenson October 01, 2021

Friend REEDSBURG , Wisconsin

Father Vosen was a True Blessing to Art & I as he married us and as he helped us ,and our 4 children deal with the loss of both of our spouses early on in our lives. Our children all cried when he said he was leaving Sacred Heart. His sermons always helped us through our weeks!! We will always have Father in our Hearts! With Love and Sympathy, Art & Deb Stevenson