Father Walter M. Phelan January 29, 1925 - December 8, 2010

Father Walter M. Phelan Fr. Phelan was born January 29, 1925 on a farm near Greeley, NE to Frank and Kate (Noonan) Phelan. When he was 10 years old his family moved to Spalding. He graduated with the class of 1942 from Spalding Academy. His seminary training was received at St. John's Seminary in Little Rock, Ark. He was ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral, Grand Island, by the Most Rev. Edward J. Hunkeler, D.D. on June 7, 1949. His priestly life was spend serving the people in various parishes in the Grand Island Diocese, including time spent at Wood River St. Mary's in the mid 1980's. He also served various organizations of the diocese. He was the Chaplain for the V.A. Medical Center and the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island. He retired from active ministry in 1995 but continued to serve as chaplain at the V.A. Medical Center, receiving recognition for 20 years service. He had a great love of celebrating the Eucharist and the sacraments. He was completely devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, lived his life for her and died on the church feast of Her Immaculate Conception (December 8, 2010.) He enjoyed being with family and friends, traveling and playing cards. He was known for playing a great hand of bridge, and was a fan of 10 point pitch. A favorite memory of his time in Wood River were the family celebrations on News Years Eve, gathering for friendship and to welcome the new year. A named fund was established to honor Father Phelan's service to St. Mary's Wood River.