Monsignor Robert E. Hemberger, 74, passed into eternal life on Thursday, Nov. 8, in Florida. He was a priest of the Diocese of Wichita for 48 years. Robert was born to Herman and Marjorie (Youngers) Hemberger on Aug. 26, 1944, in Conway Springs, attended St. Joseph School, then studied for the priesthood at St. Gregory’s High School Seminary, Conception Seminary College, and Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He was ordained on May 30, 1970, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.
Fr. Hemberger served many roles and communities in his ministry. He was an assistant at St. Anne and All Saints parishes in Wichita, part-time associate pastor in residence at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, and temporary administrator of Holy Cross Parish in Hutchinson. Over the years, he served as chaplain at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Halstead Hospital, and Mt. St. Mary Convent. Early in his ministry he was named diocesan director of Marriage Encounter.
Fr. Hemberger served as diocesan liaison for health care. His earned a licentiate degree in Canon Law at Catholic University that enabled him to help those seeking annulments and was named judicial vicar of the Matrimonial Tribunal. Even in his retirement, Msgr. Hemberger continued his work to assist those healing from difficult marriages by working on annulment cases for the diocese of Wichita.
Father Hemberger was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness Pope John Paul II, or monsignor, in 2001. In 2002 Msgr. Hemberger was named moderator of the Curia, and vicar general for the diocese. He was twice elected by his brother priests to serve as Diocesan Administrator between bishops. Near the end of his career, Msgr. Hemberger guided the renovation of the diocesan cathedral, which was completed in 2013.
Msgr. Hemberger retired on June 11, 2014. He moved to Florida after retirement, enjoying life in his new community.
Monsignor Hemberger is survived by sisters Rosemarie (Gerald) Unrein and Virginia (Gerard) Kettenbach, brothers Glenn (Susan) Hemberger, Dale (Mary) Hemberger, David Hemberger, and Fr. Kent Hemberger, and nieces and nephews.
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