Most Rev. Kenneth Untener, bishop of Saginaw
August 3, 1937 - March 27, 2004

Michigan Catholic Conference president and chief executive officer Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., on the death of Bishop Kenneth Untener, S.T.D., D.D.:

“Bishop Untener brought hope to the despaired, joy to the sad, strength to the weak and compassion to the lonely. A man who will forever be remembered by the Michigan Catholic Conference as a scholar, lover of the Church and lover of the people. Bishop Untener’s kind heart, kindred spirit and dedication to the Lord will forever be etched in the annals of this organization. The Michigan Catholic Conference extends deep condolences to the family of Bishop Untener and the thousands who mourn the passing of a great and wise man.”

While bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw since 1980, Bishop Untener was an active member of the Michigan Catholic Conference board of directors – attending several Michigan Catholic Conference staff events and offering his counsel on numerous matters of church and state.

Funeral Mass - will be celebrated Thursday, April 1, 11 a.m., at St. Stephen Church, 2711 Mackinaw St., for Bishop Kenneth E. Untener, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. Bishop Joseph L. Imesch of the Diocese of Joliet, Ill, will be the main celebrant of the funeral liturgy. Concelebrating will be Thomas J. Gumbleton, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and Walter J. Schoenherr, retired auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Visitation Times - Public viewing of Bishop Untener is scheduled at St. Stephen Parish on:

• Tuesday, March 30, 1-9 p.m.; Evening Prayer will take place at 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; a Vigil for the Deceased will be held at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Apr. 1, visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.