Brother Paschal (born Myrle John Metzger) Metzger OFM Conv.

October 25, 1931 - August 6, 2021

Brother Paschal (born Myrle John Metzger) Metzger OFM Conv. died on August 6, 2021 at The Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, IL at the age of 89. He was born in Hannah, ND on October 25, 1931, to Roman and Theresa (nee´ Koehmstedt) Metzger. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959. Upon completion of his service to his country, he entered the novitiate of the Conventual Franciscans in Lake Forest, IL, making his Temporary Profession of vows as a Franciscan friar on May 4, 1962 and Solemn Profession on May 6, 1965. From 1962-1979, he worked in the printing press at Marytown in Kenosha, WI. In 1979, he accepted the call to serve at the friars’ new mission in Mexico, working among the indigenous Amuzgo people in the state of Guerrero. His time in Mexico was divided mostly between the missions of Tlacoachistlahuaca and Xochistlahuaca, with some time also spent at the Franciscan friary in Acapulco, which the Franciscans acquired in 1991. Br. Paschal was proficient in many areas of work. He was a mechanic, mason, carpenter, and electrician. He was a very hard worker, putting in 12-13 hours of work a day. Advancing age necessitated Br. Paschal’s return to the U.S. in 2012. Br. Paschal spent most of the remainder of his life at the Franciscans’ National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe (“Marytown”), where he spent many hours in prayer in the shrine’s Perpetual Adoration chapel. Declining health required Br. Paschal’s move to a skilled care facility a couple of months prior to his death. Br. Paschal is survived by a sister, Merona, and a brother, Dewey, both of San Jacinto, CA as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 5pm-7pm at the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe (“Marytown”) (1600 W. Park Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048) followed by a Franciscan Wake Service at 7pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at Marytown on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 10am, followed by interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery (3801 S. 6th St. Milwaukee, WI 53221).