Classmates make extra effort to include everyone at reunion

By Renee Webb, Globe editor
Posted January 16, 2003

It is not uncommon for a special bond to develop among priests who are ordained in the same year.

Seven priests who are approaching their 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood this year on June 1 have held mini reunions occasionally through the years. These seven priests -Father Jerome Cosgrove of Estherville, Father James Fangman of Carroll, Father Larry McCarty of Sac City, Father Richard Ries of Manson, Msgr. Kenneth Seifried of Granville,

Father Thomas Topf of Kingsley and Father Gerald Zeman of Sioux City - were ordained on June 1, 1963 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

"We had a class get-together for supper about two months ago and Father Zeman was not able to join us. Father McCarty hosted the dinner in Sac City," noted Father Fangman.

At that November gathering, the priests had missed the presence of Father Zeman. He was unable to attend due to health reasons. The priest, who retired in July of 2001, had a stroke just a few months after retirement and now resides in Sioux City at Holy Spirit Retirement Home and has dialysis three times a week.

"The idea came up that maybe we could take him out for dinner sometime," said Father Fangman.

It didn't take them long to organize another gathering. One of the priests was aware that Father Zeman liked the Red Lobster, so they made arrangements to meet there on Jan. 5.

"One of the fellows made arrangements with the Sioux City Paramedics - to rent a van with a lift so we could take Jerry in his wheelchair," explained Father Fangman. "About three of us went down in the van and we met there at the restaurant."

He said all of the priests enjoyed the gathering.

"About everyone of them said they were glad we did this," said Father Fangman, who also retired in July, 2001. "It pleased Father Zeman so much. We felt good doing this for him."

And while they haven't gotten together on a regular basis throughout the years, he pointed out that as they get older the reunions become more meaningful.

"We get along very well together," said Father Fangman, who pointed out that he was the only delayed vocation among the seven. "It is an easy group to get along with. We are good friends."

They are planning another gathering this spring.