MENSTER, William J. - Revision history

Randylyon at 18:20, 14 September 2022

2022-09-14T18:20:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 14 September 2022
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	[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913--Apr. 14, 2007). Rev. Menster was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1938. His first assignment, in 1938, was Sacred Heart Parish in Waterloo, Iowa, during which time he joined the Naval Reserves. In 1943, he joined the Chaplains School in Norfolk, Va., subsequently attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He served as the only chaplain of a five-ship fleet during "Operation High Jump," -the fourth expedition to Antarctica by Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. (1)		[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913--Apr. 14, 2007). Rev. Menster was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1938. His first assignment, in 1938, was Sacred Heart Parish in Waterloo, Iowa, during which time he joined the Naval Reserves. In 1943, he joined the Chaplains School in Norfolk, Va., subsequently attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He served as the only chaplain of a five-ship fleet during "Operation High Jump," -the fourth expedition to Antarctica by Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. (1)

	Rev. Menster was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 as a U.S. Navy chaplain, Rev. ~~Hoffmann~~ was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus. In his capacity, Rev. Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services. (2) In 1949 he showed his motion pictures to members of the Dubuque AMVETS club. (3)		Rev. Menster was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 as a U.S. Navy chaplain, Rev. Menster was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus. In his capacity, Rev. Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services. (2) In 1949 he showed his motion pictures to members of the Dubuque AMVETS club. (3)

	In 1949 Rev. Menster, the archdiocesan director of Catholic charities, told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. In 1955 he traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant during the MGM filming of the movie "Ice Cathedral." (3) Rev. Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets. He was the first Dubuque resident to hold that position. (4)		In 1949 Rev. Menster, the archdiocesan director of Catholic charities, told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. In 1955 he traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant during the MGM filming of the movie "Ice Cathedral." (3) Rev. Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets. He was the first Dubuque resident to hold that position. (4)
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	3. "Amvets to See Films on Byrd Expedition," ''Telegraph-Herald,'' October 11, 1949, p. 3		3. "Amvets to See Films on Byrd Expedition," ''Telegraph-Herald,'' October 11, 1949, p. 3

	4. "Legion Post Planning to Honor Fr. ~~Hoffmann~~," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 2, 1954, p. 15		4. "Legion Post Planning to Honor Fr. Menster," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 2, 1954, p. 15

	5. Obituary		5. Obituary

Randylyon at 18:18, 14 September 2022

2022-09-14T18:18:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:18, 14 September 2022
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	[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913--Apr. 14, 2007). Rev. ~~Hoffmann~~ was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1938. His first assignment, in 1938, was Sacred Heart Parish in Waterloo, Iowa, during which time he joined the Naval Reserves. In 1943, he joined the Chaplains School in Norfolk, Va., subsequently attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He served as the only chaplain of a five-ship fleet during "Operation High Jump," -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. (1)		[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913--Apr. 14, 2007). Rev. Menster was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1938. His first assignment, in 1938, was Sacred Heart Parish in Waterloo, Iowa, during which time he joined the Naval Reserves. In 1943, he joined the Chaplains School in Norfolk, Va., subsequently attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He served as the only chaplain of a five-ship fleet during "Operation High Jump," -the fourth expedition to Antarctica by Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. (1)

	Rev. Menster was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 as a U.S. Navy chaplain, Rev. Hoffmann was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus. In his capacity, Rev. Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services. (2) In 1949 he showed his motion pictures to members of the Dubuque AMVETS club. (3)		Rev. Menster was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 as a U.S. Navy chaplain, Rev. Hoffmann was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus. In his capacity, Rev. Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services. (2) In 1949 he showed his motion pictures to members of the Dubuque AMVETS club. (3)
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	In 1949 Rev. Menster, the archdiocesan director of Catholic charities, told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. In 1955 he traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant during the MGM filming of the movie "Ice Cathedral." (3) Rev. Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets. He was the first Dubuque resident to hold that position. (4)		In 1949 Rev. Menster, the archdiocesan director of Catholic charities, told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. In 1955 he traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant during the MGM filming of the movie "Ice Cathedral." (3) Rev. Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets. He was the first Dubuque resident to hold that position. (4)

	Ordained on June 11, 1938, Rev. Menster joined the Navy during [[WORLD WAR II]]. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. ~~Mary~~'~~s Children's home~~ often involved playing guitar for the children.		Ordained on June 11, 1938, Rev. Menster joined the Navy during [[WORLD WAR II]]. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at [[ST. MARY'S ORPHAN HOME]] often involved playing guitar for the children.

	After his retirement, Rev. Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also ~~filled in~~ for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.		After his retirement, Rev. Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also substituted for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.

	Father ~~Hoffmann~~ was a member of the Navy League, American Legion Post 6, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Chaplain's Association, Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council 510 and Catholic Daughters of America for many years, and a lifetime member of the Amvets serving at local, state and national levels. (5)		Father Menster was a member of the Navy League, American Legion Post 6, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Chaplain's Association, Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council 510 and Catholic Daughters of America for many years, and a lifetime member of the Amvets serving at local, state and national levels. (5)

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Randylyon at 18:57, 2 November 2021

2021-11-02T18:57:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:57, 2 November 2021
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	[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913--Apr. 14, 2007). ~~As a Catholic priest,~~ Rev. ~~Menster~~ was the first ~~clergyman to visit Antarctica~~. In ~~1946 Menster~~, ~~a U.S~~. ~~Navy chaplain~~, ~~was assigned to~~ the U.S.~~S. Mt. Olympus and~~ "Operation ~~Highjump~~" -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. In his capacity, Rev. Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of five Navy ships ferrying 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services. In 1949 he showed his motion pictures to members of the Dubuque AMVETS club. (1)		[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913--Apr. 14, 2007). Rev. Hoffmann was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1938. His first assignment, in 1938, was Sacred Heart Parish in Waterloo, Iowa, during which time he joined the Naval Reserves. In 1943, he joined the Chaplains School in Norfolk, Va., subsequently attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He served as the only chaplain of a five-ship fleet during "Operation High Jump," -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. (1)

	In 1949 Menster told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. He traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant ~~when parts~~ of the ~~book were featured in a 1955 ABC television documentary, ''The Secret Land''~~. ~~From that experience~~ Rev. Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets. He was the first Dubuque resident to hold that position. (1)		Rev. Menster was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 as a U.S. Navy chaplain, Rev. Hoffmann was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus. In his capacity, Rev. Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services. (2) In 1949 he showed his motion pictures to members of the Dubuque AMVETS club. (3)

			In 1949 Rev. Menster, the archdiocesan director of Catholic charities, told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. In 1955 he traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant during the MGM filming of the movie "Ice Cathedral." (3) Rev. Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets. He was the first Dubuque resident to hold that position. (4)

	Ordained on June 11, 1938, Rev. Menster joined the Navy during [[WORLD WAR II]]. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children.		Ordained on June 11, 1938, Rev. Menster joined the Navy during [[WORLD WAR II]]. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children.

	After his retirement, Rev. Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.		After his retirement, Rev. Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.

			Father Hoffmann was a member of the Navy League, American Legion Post 6, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Chaplain's Association, Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council 510 and Catholic Daughters of America for many years, and a lifetime member of the Amvets serving at local, state and national levels. (5)

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	Source:		Source:

	1. "Amvets to See Films on Byrd Expedition," ''Telegraph-Herald,'' October 11, 1949, p. 3		1. Obituary, ''Telegraph Herald'', April 16, 2007, p. 4D

			2. "Dubuque County Chaplain Reports on Trip to Pole," ''Telegraph-Herald'', April 27, 1947, p. 1

			3. "Amvets to See Films on Byrd Expedition," ''Telegraph-Herald,'' October 11, 1949, p. 3

			4. "Legion Post Planning to Honor Fr. Hoffmann," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 2, 1954, p. 15

	1. ~~"Legion Post Planning to Honor Fr. Hoffmann," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 2, 1954, p. 15~~		5. Obituary

	[[Category: Religious Leader]]		[[Category: Religious Leader]]
			[[Category: Firsts]]

Randylyon at 18:08, 2 November 2021

2021-11-02T18:08:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:08, 2 November 2021
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	[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913-Apr. 14, 2007). Catholic priest ~~who~~ was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus and "Operation Highjump" -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. In his capacity, Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of five Navy ships ferrying 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services.		[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913--Apr. 14, 2007). As a Catholic priest, Rev. Menster was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus and "Operation Highjump" -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. In his capacity, Rev. Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of five Navy ships ferrying 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services. In 1949 he showed his motion pictures to members of the Dubuque AMVETS club. (1)

	In 1949 Menster told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. He traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant when parts of the book were featured in a 1955 ABC television documentary, ''The Secret Land''. From that experience Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets.		In 1949 Menster told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. He traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant when parts of the book were featured in a 1955 ABC television documentary, ''The Secret Land''. From that experience Rev. Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets. He was the first Dubuque resident to hold that position. (1)

	Ordained on June 11, 1938, Menster joined the Navy during [[WORLD WAR II]]. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children.		Ordained on June 11, 1938, Rev. Menster joined the Navy during [[WORLD WAR II]]. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children.

	After his retirement, Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.		After his retirement, Rev. Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.

			---

			Source:

			1. "Amvets to See Films on Byrd Expedition," ''Telegraph-Herald,'' October 11, 1949, p. 3

			1. "Legion Post Planning to Honor Fr. Hoffmann," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 2, 1954, p. 15

	[[Category: Religious Leader]]		[[Category: Religious Leader]]

Randylyon at 03:32, 13 March 2010

2010-03-13T03:32:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:32, 13 March 2010
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	[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913-Apr. 14, 2007). Catholic priest who was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus and "Operation Highjump" -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. In his capacity, Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of five Navy ships ferrying 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services.		[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913-Apr. 14, 2007). Catholic priest who was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus and "Operation Highjump" -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. In his capacity, Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of five Navy ships ferrying 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services.

	In 1949 Menster told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. He traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant when parts of the book were featured in a 1955 ABC television documentary, ''The Secret Land''. From that experience Menster became involved in veterans work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets.		In 1949 Menster told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. He traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant when parts of the book were featured in a 1955 ABC television documentary, ''The Secret Land''. From that experience Menster became involved in veterans' work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets.

	Ordained on June 11, 1938, Menster joined the Navy during ~~World War~~ II. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children. After his retirement, Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.		Ordained on June 11, 1938, Menster joined the Navy during [[WORLD WAR II]]. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children.

			After his retirement, Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.

	[[Category: Religious Leader]]		[[Category: Religious Leader]]

Randylyon at 03:37, 23 December 2008

2008-12-23T03:37:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:37, 23 December 2008
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	Ordained on June 11, 1938, Menster joined the Navy during World War II. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children. After his retirement, Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.		Ordained on June 11, 1938, Menster joined the Navy during World War II. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children. After his retirement, Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.

			[[Category: Religious Leader]]

Randylyon at 04:12, 5 August 2008

2008-08-05T04:12:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:12, 5 August 2008
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	MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913-Apr. 14, 2007). Catholic priest who was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus and "Operation Highjump" -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. In his capacity, Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of five Navy ships ferrying 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services.		[[Image:menster.gif\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Rev. William J. Menster]]MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913-Apr. 14, 2007). Catholic priest who was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus and "Operation Highjump" -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. In his capacity, Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of five Navy ships ferrying 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services.

	In 1949 Menster told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. He traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant when parts of the book were featured in a 1955 ABC television documentary, ''The Secret Land''. From that experience Menster became involved in veterans work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets.		In 1949 Menster told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. He traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant when parts of the book were featured in a 1955 ABC television documentary, ''The Secret Land''. From that experience Menster became involved in veterans work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets.

	Ordained on June 11, 1938, Menster joined the Navy during World War II. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children. After his retirement, Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.		Ordained on June 11, 1938, Menster joined the Navy during World War II. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children. After his retirement, Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.

Randylyon: New page: MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913-Apr. 14, 2007). Catholic priest who was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned...

2008-07-28T04:30:09Z

New page: MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913-Apr. 14, 2007). Catholic priest who was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned...

New page

MENSTER, William J. (Rev.). (Cascade, IA, Feb. 10, 1913-Apr. 14, 2007). Catholic priest who was the first clergyman to visit Antarctica. In 1946 Menster, a U.S. Navy chaplain, was assigned to the U.S.S. Mt. Olympus and "Operation Highjump" -the fourth expedition to Antarctica of Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. In his capacity, Menster blessed the last of the world's seven continents. The expedition of five Navy ships ferrying 2,000 men-Catholics, Protestants, and Jews made Menster a pioneer in administering ecumenical religious services.

In 1949 Menster told the adventure in his book ''Strong Men South''. He traveled to Hollywood as technical consultant when parts of the book were featured in a 1955 ABC television documentary, ''The Secret Land''. From that experience Menster became involved in veterans work and served several years as national chaplain of the Amvets.

Ordained on June 11, 1938, Menster joined the Navy during World War II. After twenty-five years as a Navy chaplain, he retired as a full commander and served parishes in Waterloo, Corwith, Monona, Waverly, Clarion, and St. Donatus. In Dubuque he served nine years as director of Catholic Charities. His work at St. Mary's Children's home often involved playing guitar for the children. After his retirement, Menster carried his musical entertainment to residents of Dubuque nursing homes. He also filled in for parish priests as needed and several times each year boarded a cruise ship where he served as chaplain to vacationers of all faiths.