Funeral services for Monsignor Thomas Edward DeBacker, 75, of Pierce, will be held at 10am Friday, March 14, 2003, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norfolk. Archbishop Eldon Curtiss will officiate. Interment will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Pierce.

Visitation will be (today), Thursday, March 13, 2003, from 4-8pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norfolk, with a wake at 7 pm Stonacek Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Music will be provided by organist, Pat Smejkal and the "Bound for Glory Choir" along with soloist, Thomas DeBacker.

Casket bearers will be Father Joel Dierk, Father Jerry Connealy, Father Jim Keiter, Father Frank Parrinello, Paather Paul Ortmeirer and Father Jim Buckley. Honorary bearers are Father Harold Buse, Father Donald Clear, Father Jim Kramper, Father Dan Kampschneider, Father Frank Kubart and Father Tim Lange.

Thomas Edward DeBacker was born June 2, 1927, to Gustave and Dorothy (Crennen) DeBacker in Brookings, SD. He attended Parkston South Dakota Elementary for one year and Scotland South Dakota Public Elementary through the eighth grade. He graduated from O'Neill St. Mary's Academy in 1945.

After graduation he entered the United States Navy where he served as a Seaman 1st Class. In 1946, he attended the College of St. Benedicts in Atchison, KS, before going to St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He also attended Kenrick College in St. Louis, MO, for one year.

He was ordained in June of 1954, and elevated to Monsignor in September of 2001. He served as pastor at St. James Catholic Church in Wynot, St. Mary's and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches in Norfolk, St. John's Catholic Church in Howells, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wisner, St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City and St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierce. He retired in 1998.

Father Tom enjoyed traveling and playing golf. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. He passed away March 10, 2002, at the Heritage of Bel Air Nursing Home.

Survivors include his brother, Daniel and his wife, Donna DeBacker of Norfolk; his sister, DiAnn and her husband, Gene Hendrix of Littleton, CO, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierce, or sacred Heart Parish "Continue the Vision."

`