Fr. Frank Stempfle was called home to our Merciful Father on Friday, May 13, 2022, at his home in Edmonton. He was 95 years old. He was predeceased by his parents, Karl, and Josephine; siblings: Carl (Ruth), Peter, and Mary. He is survived by his niece, Lori (Larry) Bruce, nephews: Brian (Donna), Al (Laurie), Paul (Brenda) Michael, and their families. He is also survived by his caregiver and close friend, Gwen, and her family Patrick (Laura), and their children, Gemma and Brennan.
Fr. Frank was born in Strome, Alberta in 1926 and raised on a farm near Provost, Alberta. He went on to St. Anthony’s College for high school and then onto St. Joseph’s Seminary. He was ordained a priest at Rosenheim Historical Church (near Provost) in 1952. A good and faithful servant, he served many parishioners in numerous parishes in the Archdiocese of Edmonton for 66 years. 39 of those years were at St. Patrick’s Church where he made many friends and found immense satisfaction and joy in saying Mass and bringing the sacraments to the people.
Fr. Frank led a very active life that included flying planes, water skiing, serving as a military chaplain, and playing many sports (especially golf). He was also very active in the Knights of Columbus and the Uncles and Aunts organization.
Even after his retirement at 91 years old, he continued his priestly duties by officiating at weddings and baptisms, administering to the sick and saying Mass whenever he was needed. He was especially fond of both his immediate and extended family and looked forward to every opportunity to get together and spend time with them.
Prayers will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Basilica, 10044 113 St., Edmonton, Alberta. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the same location. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14611 Mark Messier Trail, Edmonton, Alberta.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed at any one of these links.
ArchEdmonton Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHgyFYkwB7w
ArchEdmonton Live Youtube: www.youtube.com/archedmonton/live
Lincoln Ho Productions: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty10Gs_32v8
ArchEdmonton Facebook: www.facebook.com/archedmonton/live
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Reverend Francis Stempfle 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta