Msgr. Roy Martin Klister

Monsignor Roy Martin Klister, 73, Wrightstown, died peacefully at a local nursing home on September 25, 2016, following a long illness. Born on August 22, 1943, in Wrightstown, he is the youngest son of the late Elzear and Matilda (Van Eperen) Klister. Monsignor enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. He attended Sacred Heart Seminary, Oneida and St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he earned a B.A. in Philosophy as well as a M.A. in Teaching of Science from St. Thomas University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained a priest on May 31, 1969 by Bishop Aloysius J. Wycislo at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay.

He continued to value education throughout his life. In 1974, he received a certification in French Language and Culture from Sorbonne University, Paris, France. In 1976, he earned an S.T.L. degree from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute at St. Anselmo, Rome, Italy, and, in 1977, a J.C.L. degree in Canon Law at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. In 1992, he earned a Doctorate in Sacred Liturgy from the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy, Rome.

Father Klister’s first appointment was Assistant Pastor at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Green Bay. From 1970 to 1976, he was a member of the faculty at Sacred Heart Seminary, Oneida, where he taught science and music and served as Associate Dean of College Students. In 1976, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor, and from 1977 to 1981, he served as Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese of Green Bay. In 1977, Pope Paul VI raised him to the dignity of Papal Chaplain with the title of Reverend Monsignor. He served in many capacities at the Diocese, including serving terms as a member of the Priest Personnel Board, the Diocesan Board of Consultors, and the Presbyteral Council. He served as Director of Personnel, and as Judge of the Marriage Tribunal in the Diocese of Green Bay and the Inter-diocesan Tribunal of the Province of Milwaukee.

In 1987, he was appointed President of the National Catholic Bio-Ethics Center in Braintree, Massachusetts. In 1991, he was appointed the Dean of Studies at Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland in charge of graduate programs in theology.

In 1993, Monsignor Klister returned to the Diocese of Green Bay and was appointed Pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Green Bay. In 1999, he was appointed Rector of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and St. John the Evangelist Parish, Green Bay.

In 2003, he served as Director of graduate programs at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois. From 2005 until 2010, he returned to serve as Rector of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Pastor of SS. Peter & Paul Parish, Green Bay. After entering senior priest status, Monsignor Klister served as Priest Celebrant for several Green Bay parishes including Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Jude and St. Patrick. His commitment to God was first and foremost in his life as he humbly served his parishioners and the community throughout the years.

Monsignor Roy is survived by three loving siblings, Floyd (Mary) Klister, Green Bay, Paul (Betty) Klister, Wrightstown, and Myrna (Gary) Ebert, Wrightstown; thirteen adoring nieces and nephews, Todd (Jackie) Klister, Jeff Klister, Paula (Ken) Boylan, Mark (Joan) Klister, Paul (Mary Jane) Klister, Julie Handrich, Kathleen (Larry) Svabek, Steven (Susan) Klister, Bradley (Karen) Klister, Korey (Lori) Klister, Theresa (Mike) Reynders, Diane (Steven) Diny, and Dan (Lynda) Ebert; numerous great nieces and nephews; and his beloved friend, Sister Francesca Koller.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister-in-law, Virginia Klister; and his great nephew, Jonathan Diny.

Reception of the body by the Regional Vicar, Very Reverend Richard Getchel, will take place on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 139 S. Madison Street, Green Bay, at 2:25 p.m. Visitation will be in the Bishop Wycislo Center at the Cathedral from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. led by Father Thomas Farrell. Visitation will continue on Friday morning at the Cathedral from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral.

The Funeral Liturgy, expressing our faith and our hope in the promised glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, will take place on Friday, September 30, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral at 11:00 a.m., with Most Reverend David L. Ricken as Celebrant, and Very Reverend Richard Getchel as Homilist. Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery, Wrightstown. Malcore (East) Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral services, 432-5579.

In lieu of other expressions of other expressions of sympathy, memorials can be sent to Relevant Radio, Paul’s Pantry, John Paul II Medical Research Institute, or Seminarian Collection in his name.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Angel’s Touch Assisted Living.