Rev. Monsignor Cleo Schmenk

Rev. Monsignor Cleo S. Schmenk

   Rev. Monsignor Cleo S. Schmenk, 90, died Friday, June 16, 2017 in Melbourne, FL. He was born March 20, 1927 in Glandorf to the late Henry and Christina (Schroeder) Schmenk.

   Rev. Cleo was a priest for the Diocese of Toledo and an associate at St. Joseph Parish, Palm Bay, FL. He received his BA at Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus,  Masters in Divinity at Pontifical College Josephinum, and his Doctorate in Ministry at United Theological Seminary, Dayton.

   He did additional undergraduate study at Pius X School of Liturgical Music, graduate study at the University of Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin, Sacred Heart Seminary in Shelby, University of Toledo, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, and the American College in Rome. Rev. Cleo had many articles published including programs of Education and curriculum for the Diocesan Ministry and Diaconate.

   He taught at several schools throughout the diocese, St. Wendelin High School, Lima Central Catholic, Mary Manse College, Cardinal Stritch High School, Lourdes College, and Defiance College,  specializing in administration, theology, music, counseling, and rite of Christian initiation. He was involved in many service activities including Chaplain of the Civil Air Patrol, Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, designed programs of education, served on the Bishop's Education Council, cofounder of the NAPD (National Association of Permanent Deacon Directors), and Diocesan Personal Director for Deacons. He received the Diocesan Teacher of the Year award in 1974 and the Philbin Award in 1966 (an award for significant contributions toward the development of the permanent Diaconate in the United States).

      Rev. Cleo was both the assistant pastor and pastor at many parishes in the Toledo Diocese including St. Charles, Lima, St. Francis de Sales Parish, Toledo, St. Patrick Parish, Providence, St. Michael Parish, Toledo, and Regina Coeli Parish, Toledo. 

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m.Thursday, June 29, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glandorf with the Most Reverend Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, celebrant and Most Reverend Robert J. Baker, con-celebrant.  Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday at ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, GLANDORF.  Burial will be in St John the Baptist Cemetery, Glandorf.  A scripture service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  Memorials may be made to Deacon Council for the Diocese of Toledo.

  Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, OTTAWA where condolences may be expressed at:  www.lovefuneralhome.com

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