Tuesday, January 5, 2010

A Mass of Christian Burial for Franciscan Father Marne Breckensiek, who devoted his life as a friar to parish ministry in Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky, was celebrated on Jan. 2 at St. Clement Church in St. Bernard. Father Breckensiek, 71, died Dec. 29 at St. Margaret Hall.

Father Marne Breckensiek (Courtesy photo)

A native of Batesville, Ind., he graduated from St. Francis Seminary High School in Cincinnati in 1956 and completed his studies for the priesthood at St. Leonard College in Centerville, where he was ordained in 1965.

Father Breckensiek’s first assignment was to the faculty of Roger Bacon High School in St. Bernard. After a year there as an instructor, he moved to St. Stephen Parish in Hamilton for 12 years, teaching at Badin High School and serving as assistant pastor and pastor.

In 2004 ill health forced Father Breckensiek’s retirement to St. Leonard Center in Centerville. He moved to St. Margaret Hall earlier this year to receive additional care.

Interment was in St. Mary Cemetery in St. Bernard.