January 10, 1979
Father Joseph Gorentz
Father Gorentz was born on February 19, 1936 in Arma, Kansas. After attending grade and high school in Arma and Pittsburg State University he graduated from college at Conception Seminary, Conception, MO in 1959. For his theological training he attended Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis, MO and St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, IN. Bishop Byrne ordained him for the Diocese of Wichita at St. Mary’s Cathedral on March 26, 1966. As an assistant Father Gorentz was assigned to Coffeyville, Hutchinson, and Pittsburg. In 1970 he was appointed chaplain at the St. Pius X Newman Center in Pittsburg and in 1974 was appointed chaplain at the St. Paul Newman Center in Wichita. Following a five-month illness due to cancer he died on January 10, 1979 at forty-two years of age. Msgr. Charles Walsh was principal celebrant and homilist of his funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on January 13, 1979. Burial was in Frontenac following a Mass of burial on January 15th with Father Eugene Grabner as principal celebrant and homilist at St. Joseph Church in Arma.