May 19, 1993
Father Francis Wassinger
Father Wassinger was born in Victoria, KS on May 14, 1924. He served as a United States Marine during World War II before studying for the priesthood at St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, KS and Kenrick Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Bishop Carroll ordained him at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Wichita on May 28, 1953. He was an assistant at All Saints Parish in Wichita for four years before he became a chaplain in the United States Air Force for eighteen years serving in Vietnam, Japan, England and the United States. Upon his return to the diocese in 1974 Father Wassinger was pastor in Iola for twelve years before going to his last assignment at Mary Queen of Angels Parish in Fort Scott. Father Wassinger was Vicar Forane for the Parsons and Pittsburg Deaneries. After his death in Fort Scott on May 19, 1993 a Mass of Christian Burial was held at Mary Queen of Angels Parish and he was buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Fort Scott. Father Joseph Tockert said of Father Wassinger, “He was quite faithful in his duties and very conscientious. He loved being a priest and loved life.” (The Catholic Advance, May 28, 1993)