May 11, 1936

Father Engelbert Coolen

Father Coolen was born on March 15, 1865 in Holland. He studied for the priesthood at Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN and the Provincial Seminary, Milwaukee, WI and was ordained for the Leavenworth Diocese by Bishop Fink on January 23, 1888. As one of the pioneer pastors in Kansas he served at Lansing, Pittsburg, Frontenac, Neodesha, Fredonia, Augusta, Topeka and Florence. From 1913 until his death on May 11, 1936 he was assigned to Schulte with Clonmel as a mission. In 1930 Bishop Schwertner appointed him an Examiner of Junior Clergy. Fr. Coolen suffered a heart attack while celebrating Mass in Schulte and he died in the rectory soon after. His funeral Mass was celebrated in Schulte by Father Schaefers with Bishop Schwertner in attendance. Father Coolen was buried in the parish cemetery in Schulte.