Sad we have lost a beautiful person as Fr. Gary. Enjoyed when he was St. Patrick Tiptons Catholic Church.
Fr. Gary Gummersheimer

The Reverend Gary Paul Gummersheimer, 71, of Murphysboro, IL, formerly of New Athens, IL, passed away Friday evening January 6, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, IL. He was born on September 22, 1951. He was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ by The Most Reverend William M. Cosgrove on June 1, 1979.
Father Gummersheimer was generous in his service. He served as an Associate Pastor at St. Dominic in Breese, IL and the Cathedral of St. Peter. He taught several years at Althoff Catholic High School. He was the Director of the Newman Center at SIU-C and he served as pastor of several parishes, most notably at St. Andrew in Murphysboro, IL where he served from 1997 until his retirement. He was also active in Engaged Encounter, the Knights of Columbus and the Sons of the American Legion.
Father Gummersheimer is preceded in death by his parents, Albert F. and Arlene (nee Steinheimer) Gummersheimer.
The Reverend Monsignor Dennis R. Schaefer, Vicar Forane for the West Vicariate, will receive the body of Father Gummersheimer at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 724 Mulberry Street, Murphysboro, IL and visitation will continue until 7 p.m.
On Thursday January 12, 2023, there will be visitation in the morning prior to the Liturgy of Christian Burial, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Agatha Catholic Church, 205 S. Market Street, New Athens, IL.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at St. Agatha Church in New Athens, IL. The Most Reverend Michael McGovern will be the principal celebrant and the Reverend Robert Flannery will be the homilist. A luncheon will be served in the parish center immediately after the interment in the parish hall. Burial will follow in St. Agatha Cemetery.
Memorials in Rev. Gummerscheimer’s honor may be made to St. Andrew Parish or St. Agatha Parish.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
5 Comments
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Eileen Curran on 01/08/2023 at 6:54 am
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Michael and Marie Buss on 01/08/2023 at 1:31 pm
We are so saddened at the passing of Father Gary. He was a wonderful friend, American Legion family volunteer, confessor and priest.
I had the honor and privilege to have worked with him in our American Boys Nation and National Oratorical Contest programs. Upon the conclusion of the National oratorical contest Father Gary would share the Irish blessing:
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
We will miss you friend: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
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David King on 01/09/2023 at 11:39 am
We have lost a true friend, but Heaven has gained a faithful servant. May he rest in peace.
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Joe & Debra Casleton on 01/10/2023 at 3:07 pm
At St. Andrews Father Gary performed his priestly duties with true fervor, commitment, &constancy for over 20 years. His homilies were always “to the point” and enlightening for those who heard and learned from them. His booming singing voice filled the church bringing spirited joy to our Eucharistic celebrations! As a good and faithful servant of God and God’s people, Father Gary has entered into the eternal light of God’s eternal home! Thank you Father Gary! Rest in eternal peace and joy! Amen! Alleluia!
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Joe McCraith on 01/12/2023 at 4:09 pm
Fr Gary was one my best friends. We worked together at American Legion Premier Boys State program for 40 plus years and the Boys Nation program for many years. I was ay him ordination, 25 a 40 anniversary of his priesthood. He presided at the funeral of both my parents. He was part of our family. I will truly miss him. God bless you Gary.
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Fr Gary was one my best friends. We worked together at American Legion Premier Boys State program for 40 plus years and the Boys Nation program for many years. I was ay him ordination, 25 a 40 anniversary of his priesthood. He presided at the funeral of both my parents. He was part of our family. I will truly miss him. God bless you Gary.
At St. Andrews Father Gary performed his priestly duties with true fervor, commitment, &constancy for over 20 years. His homilies were always “to the point” and enlightening for those who heard and learned from them. His booming singing voice filled the church bringing spirited joy to our Eucharistic celebrations! As a good and faithful servant of God and God’s people, Father Gary has entered into the eternal light of God’s eternal home! Thank you Father Gary! Rest in eternal peace and joy! Amen! Alleluia!
We have lost a true friend, but Heaven has gained a faithful servant. May he rest in peace.
We are so saddened at the passing of Father Gary. He was a wonderful friend, American Legion family volunteer, confessor and priest.
I had the honor and privilege to have worked with him in our American Boys Nation and National Oratorical Contest programs. Upon the conclusion of the National oratorical contest Father Gary would share the Irish blessing:
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
We will miss you friend: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Sad we have lost a beautiful person as Fr. Gary. Enjoyed when he was St. Patrick Tiptons Catholic Church.