Fr. Tom E. Wehinger

Fr. Thomas E. Wehinger, age 78, died peacefully on May 23, 2014 in his home, surrounded by his dear friends and family. He was born on November 1, 1935 to Cecil and Mary Wehinger in Mansfield, Ohio. Fr. Tom was known for his gentleness, patience and dignity. In his early years of the priesthood he was involved with the Catholic Family Movement and ministering to the Spanish Speaking community. He was the first priest involved in Cursillo, the first priest to initiate Christ Renews His Parish in the Toledo Diocese 1977, and the first priest spiritual director for Teens Encounter Christ in Tiffin 1967-1968. Fr. Tom initiated Operation Love in 1967 and engaged 75 Tiffin Franciscan Sisters to minister to the migrants in Sandusky and Seneca Counties. His assignments included: Saint Mary Parish, Vermilion, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Toledo Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Toledo, Saint Joseph Parish, Maumee, Saint Mary Parish, Vermilion, Little Flower of Jesus Parish, Toledo, Saint Mary Parish, Tiffin, Saint Mary Parish, Leipsic, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Bono, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Defiance, Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, St. Michael’s Ridge, Saint Joseph Parish, Maumee, and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Toledo, where he retired in 2007. Fr. Tom also served as the Dean of the Defiance Deanery from 1976-1981 and was a member of the Alliance of Pastors for Parish Renewal in the 1970’s. Since retiring from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, he was active in ministering to the incarcerated men and to some women in the many prisons in Ohio and one in Michigan. Fr. Tom was the Celebrant of the Eucharist every weekend at St. John XXlll Catholic Community, and at the parishes of Genoa and Oak Harbor. He also frequently ministered the Sacrament of The Anointing of the Sick to those at hospice, and frequently visited those hospitalized and home-bound. Fr. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mary Wehinger and his two twin brothers Dick and Chuck. He is survived by his nephews Jim and Kenneth Wehinger, his niece Lisa Berber, uncles Richard and Frank Wehinger and many cousins. He is also survived by the Pollnow Family whom he has considered his second family for the past 37 years, and by many who loved him. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 27 from 3-8 p.m. at the Queen of Peace Chapel, 6832 Convent Blvd. in Sylvania, with a Scripture Service and a “Sharing of Memories” at 7. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28 at the Queen of Peace Chapel, with a visitation beginning at 9:30. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Those wishing to contribute in Fr. Tom Wehinger’s memory can donate to the Diocese of Toledo Priest’s Retirement Fund, Hospice of NW Ohio or the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania. Coyle Funeral Home is assisting with the funeral arrangements. Please view Fr. Tom’s tribute video, share a memory, or offer condolences at www.CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Fr. Tom E. Wehinger

November 1, 1935 - May 23, 2014