Father Thomas J. Kaiser dies April 5 in Salt Lake City

Intermountain Catholic

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Father Thomas Joseph Kaiser

SALT LAKE CITY — Father Thomas Joseph Kaiser died at Christus Saint Joseph Villa on Saturday evening, April 5, 1008. He was 84 years old.

Thomas Kaiser was born July 4, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minn. to Walter and Erma (Maas) Kaiser, both deceased. He attended St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul Minn., and was ordained a priest on June 4, 1949 for the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Father Kaiser was always a parish priest who cared in a special way for the poor and those whose lives were on the fringes of society. He lived simply, with few material possessions. His was a profound faith that reflected his devotion to the Divine Mercy of Jesus and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was much admired by his many faithful friends.

During his early years of priestly ministry, he served at Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Ann Parishes in Salt Lake City. In 1955, he established Saint Pius X Parish in Moab and was its first pastor. Subsequently, he was pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Salt Lake City, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Magna, Saint Joseph Parish in Ogden, and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Salt Lake City and frequently ministered to young people at the Youth Detention Center.

Father Kaiser is survived by all of his siblings: Lloyd Kaiser, Bernard (Pat) Kaiser, Cary Fardette, Magdeline Peck, Hazel Brimi, Jody (Don) Miller and Ilene (Glenn) Marron. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who were very fond of Father Tom.

A viewing was slated for Tuesday, April 8, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, followed by a vigil. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, April 9, at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Burial was at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Funeral arrangements handled through Neil O’Donnell & Sons Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christus Saint Joseph Villa, 451 Bishop Federal Lane, Salt Lake City, 84115.