Father Albert Langheim

Fr. Albert Langheim, O.F.M. Fr. Al was born in Girard, IL April 9, 1927 to Henry and Elizabeth (Sommer) Langheim. He was one of ten boys and is survived by a brother, Bernard (and Patricia) Langheim of Salem, VA and his sister-in-law, Peggy Langheim of Virden, IL and several nieces and nephews. Fr. Al was preceded in death by his mother and father, and brothers Lawrence, Harold, Ernest, Henry, Aloysius, Paul, Francis and Norman. Fr. Al joined the Franciscans in 1948 and was ordained in 1955 and celebrated his first Mass in Virden. Following that he earned a MA in Counseling and Certification as a Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor. He worked in the area of psychological counseling and in hospital chaplaincy for over twenty years and a number of those years he helped with the formation of many young men pursuing vocations to religious life and the priesthood. He was one of pioneers in integrating theological studies with the behavioral sciences and an early leader in the establishment the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. One of his proudest achievements was the founding of The Museum of L’Arbre Croche History in 1995. It is located on the grounds of the church Fr. Al pastored in Cross Village, Michigan. It is filled with artifacts and resource material of local Native Americans and the earlier explorers and settlers of northern Michigan. There will visitation at Sacred Heart Church in Virden beginning at 10:00 AM, Saturday December 12. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Donations can be made to the Retirement Fund for the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart, 3140 Meramec St., St. Louis, MO 63118. The Airsman-Calvert Funeral Home in Virden is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsmancalvert.com. With COVID restrictions in place online tributes are very much appreciated