Rev. Fr. Gilbert Norman Neurohr

Escanaba, MI
Rev. Fr. Gilbert Norman Neurohr, age 90, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 2, 2014, at his home in Escanaba.

Fr. Neurohr was born September 20, 1923, in Escanaba, the son of Fred and Helen (Gerou) Neurohr. He attended grade school in Powers, Ford River Switch, Bark River and Brampton, graduating from the 8th grade from a one room school house. Fr. Neurohr went on to attend and graduate from Gladstone High School in 1942.

In March of 1943, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Force where he served during WWII until June of 1946. While in service, he trained and furthered his education at Lowery Field in Miami Beach, FL, Billy Mitchell in Denver, CO, Richmond Air Base in New York, Will Roger in Virginia, USAA Base in Oklahoma and Muskogee, Oklahoma, serving in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 55th Army Air Force Units. His squadron, photo reconnaissance, shifted to the South Pacific where he served at Brisbane, Australia, Holland, New Guinea, Biak Island, Luzon, Philippines, Okinawa and Tokyo. His squadron earned eight battle stars, seven medals, Presidential Citation and Philippines Presidential Citation in the 5th Air Force. Additionally, Fr. Neurohr received medals of accommodation which included, the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon with 1 Silver Battle Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, 2 Oversees Service Bars and the Good Conduct
Medal.

Fr. Neurohr returned home in 1946 where he continued his education at Marquette University and St. Francis Major Seminary, both located in Milwaukee, WI. He was ordained a priest on June 5, 1954, in St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette, MI, by the Most Reverend Thomas L. Noa, bishop of the Marquette Diocese. He continued on to receive his Master of Theology from St. Mary Seminary in San Antonio, TX and his Doctorate of Ministry from St. Mary Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD. Originally, Fr. Neurohr was determined to pursue his studies, in medicine. Following the sound advice of the Jesuit Priests at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Fr. Neurohr came to the conclusion that the soul was more permanent and the body was temporary and becoming a doctor of the soul was the choice to make.

In 1982, Fr. Neurohr returned home and served as Temporary Associate at St. Joseph Church in Perkins, assisted at All Saints Church in Gladstone, St. Anne, St. Patrick and St. Joseph Parishes in Escanaba, plus many additional local parishes when needed. From 1990 to 2004, he served as Chaplain at Bishop Noa Home and most recently, he served and assisted his fellow parishes in the local area. Additionally, Fr. Neurohr served as the Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and is a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Catholic War Vietnam, Escanaba Elks and the Association of Military Chaplains. He is also a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

Throughout his life, there have been nine Bishops to serve the Diocese of Marquette. His 40th Ordination Anniversary was celebrated at St. Anne Parish, 50th at St. Anthony and his 60th, this year at St. Thomas Parish, all in Escanaba.

Fr. Neurohr