Rest in Peace Fr. Jim Himmelsbach

Our retired and beloved pastor Fr. Jim Himmelsbach went home to be with our Lord on Ash Wednesday, February 17, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Fr. Jim retired after serving as our pastor from 2006 to 2015. Prior to that he served as pastor of St. Joseph’s in Waconia for four years, as an Army Chaplain for 21 years, and as associate pastor for three years at the Cathedral after his ordination to the priesthood in 1977. His faithful service to our men and women in uniform was a foundation of his priesthood. He gave of himself generously, and with commitment and determination, always responding to the call of our Lord, the call of duty, and the call to support those serving our country in their spiritual need. He was a kind and welcoming soul who lived his life with love, faith and trust in God. He was a devoted priest who loved Christ, the Church, and God’s people. A smile readily came to his face, as he enjoyed the presence of whomever he was conversing with. He was an avid downhill skier and instructor, he loved the outdoors especially kayaking in the Boundary Waters. He loved the time he spent here at Annunciation and often spoke highly of our parish and parishioners and thus wanted his funeral Mass to be celebrated here.

Archbishop Hebda will preside at his funeral Mass here at Annunciation on Friday, Feb 26 at 11:00am Visitation one hour beforehand. It will be livestreamed on our Annunciation Facebook page and can be viewed live, or later.

Please continue to pray for Fr. Jim and his family. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

View Fr. Jim Himmelsbach Obituary