Fr. Wilfred Fangman (1924-1999)

Cletus Fangman was born in Seneca, Kan., March 7, 1924.  The George Fangman family lived along Highway 178, a few miles south of St. Mary’s Church, St. Benedict, Kan.  The area became known as “Wildcat” because of the creek there was so named for the abundance of those animals around it.  The Fangman family farmed on land near their home and Cletus graduated from the St. Mary’s Grade and High Schools.  Cletus came to St. Benedict’s College, entered the community as Frater Wilfred, professed first vows as a member of the Abbey August 15, 1944, and was ordained December 17, 1949.  While a cleric he was the Abbey infirmarian, and a prodigious farm worker as were his confreres, Edwin, Alphonse and Hilary.

After ordination Father Wilfred was sent to Maur Hill where he taught, was infirmarian, and commuted across town to the Abbey to finish his theology. He taught English, was dramatics instructor, moderator of the yearbook, and student chaplain.  As a teacher of develop-mental reading he helped many students.  Perhaps more importantly he was the older monk many of the younger monks and new faculty respected and looked to for fresh ideas and ways to implement them.  He was a man ahead of his time.  In 1969 he took up parish work at St. John’s Burlington, Iowa, then St. Benedict’s, Atchison, as co-pastor with Father Roderic Giller.  He served at St. Benedict’s, Kansas City, Kan., from 1984 until his death.

Father Wilfred faced back and neck problems with courage forcing himself to serve the people of his parishes. He also spoke what was in his heart and held considered opinions that were not always universally popular.  He was a great homilist, concrete and to the point.