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Father Len Stegman Honored

Jose & Marilyn Garcia

On June 3, 2007, Father Len Stegman was honored at a large Mass and community celebration marking his 90th Birthday, and the 64th Anniversary of his Ordination into the priesthood. Over 300 people attended his celebration, held at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in San Antonio. The Mass was presided by Most Reverend Thomas Joseph Flanagan, DD, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of San Antonio. Msgr. James E. Sanner delivered the Homily in which he stated Fr. Len has lived his life as a “joyful priest”—in a genuinely caring and compassionate service to the Lord. The reception and dinner that followed was a wonderful celebration. Many groups were represented in the honors provided Father Len, including Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Each representative spoke of the gift that Father Len has been to them personally, and to the Church.

Fr. Len Stegman

Father Len Stegman was born on May 31, 1917 in Offerle, KS, son of Alex & Frances Stegman. He is one of 18 children, with seven brothers and sisters still surviving (his brother, Harvey Stegman of Colorado attended the festivities). Fr. Len was ordained a priest on June 23, 1943, at St. Mary’s Church in Marathon, WS.

In April, 1948, Father Len entered the U. S. Army Chaplain Corps. During his 29 year stellar military career, he served in Europe, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and at the Pentagon. He was widely decorated, receiving a Purple Heart, two Silver Stars, three Legion of Merits awards, a Bronze Service Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, and various other awards. He retired in 1977 as a full Colonel.

Fr Len celebrates Mass on the hood of a Jeep

After his retirement, he became actively involved with Worldwide Marriage Encounter in the Washington, DC, area. In 1988, he relocated to San Antonio, TX, where he continued to serve WWME in local area and Section 10 leadership roles. He has presented Weekends throughout the United States, including Hawaii; and he has presented Weekends in Europe and Iceland as well.

As a result of his service as Army Chaplain in Korea, he has been drawn to helping the Korean Community in San Antonio. One of the stories of his many contributions to the People of God while serving in Korea is a featured article found in the book “Blessings from the Battlefield,” edited by Thomas R. O’Brien, published by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing.

In addition to his current service to Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Father Len serves as Chaplain for many Veteran groups. He has served two terms as the President of the Military Chaplains, USA, and he is currently the National Chaplain Emeritus for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Father Len is loved by all who he comes in contact with, and especially by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter community throughout Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. His care and concern for others, and his quick wit and positive attitude are gifts he freely gives and make him special. His prayer, which he calls his ticket to Heaven, is:

Here I am Lord.
I seek to do your will
What would you like for me to do for you today?

We hope you pray Father Len’s special prayer daily, and that you also pray for Father Len. WE LOVE YOU, FATHER LEN! Thank you for the blessing you have been and continue to be to all of us.

This article is respectfully submitted by Jose & Marilyn Garcia who served with Fr. Len as Worldwide Marriage Encounter Section 10 Coordinators 2003-2006.

Jose & Marilyn Garcia and Fr. Len Stegman

Fr. Len Stegman and Jose & Marilyn Garcia

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