Rev. Louis P. Bracket

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - The Rev. Louis P. Bracket, the oldest priest in the Diocese of Marquette, 98, formerly of 307 Eddy St., in Wakefield, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, Nov. 7, 2019, at Bishop Noa Home for Senior Citizens in Escanaba.

He was born on June 10, 1921, in Wakefield, a son of Anton Louis and Anna Theresa (Frigo) Bracket. A love of the outdoors filled his early life with hunting, both big and small game, and fishing.

Fr. Bracket graduated from Wakefield High School in 1939, then went to St. Lawrence Seminary in Mt. Calvary, Wis., for three years and finished his seminary education at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

He was ordained by Bishop Thomas A. Welch on May 31, 1947, in St. Paul. Fr. Bracket celebrated his first Mass on June 1, 1947, at Immaculate Conception Church in Wakefield.

His first assignment was at Immaculate Conception Parish in Iron Mountain, a mainly Italian parish. He became an assistant at St. Mary's in Gaastra, Sacred Heart in Munising, and then at St. Ignatius Loyola in Houghton.

Fr. Bracket proudly served his country as a chaplain in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant on Nov. 30, 1956.

Fr. Bracket returned to Michigan and in December 1956, he became the administrator at Holy Rosary in Grand Marais and served as civilian auxiliary chaplain, radar base at Grand Marais.

On Dec. 11, 1957, Fr. Bracket was appointed pastor of St. Mary's in Calumet, on April 6, 1965, pastor of St. William's in Menominee, and on July 27, 1971, pastor of St. Cecilia's in Caspian. Along with these appointments, he served as moderator MDCCW – spiritual development and spiritual director – Legion of Mary.

On July 25, 1974, Fr. Bracket was appointed pastor of St. Sebastian Parish in Bessemer, where he served for more than 20 years. He retired from the active ministry on June 29, 1995. Fr. Bracket was co-chaplain for the Daughters of Isabella, Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle 746.

He served as priest emeritus for many years, and helped out at Immaculate Conception in Wakefield, at St. Catherine's in Marenisco, and celebrated Mass at the Ojibway Correctional Facility in Marenisco.

Fr. Bracket was a life member of the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084, where he faithfully served as chaplain for eight years. He was also a dedicated life member of the Ironwood Knights of Columbus Council 1396 for 72 years.

Fr. Bracket is survived by two brothers, James, Wichita Falls, Texas, and Dave, Ramsay; a sister, Virginia Coolidge, Hurley, Wis .; numerous dear nieces and nephews; many cherished great-nieces and great-nephews; and several special cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Br. Albert Bracket, OCSO and Rita (Howard) Meier; his brother-in-law, John J. Coolidge; his sister-in-law, Mary Bracket; a niece, Marcy Bracket; and a great-nephew, Anthony Bracket.

There will be a Rite of Reception of the body by the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, pastor, at Immaculate Conception Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m. CST. Fr. Bracket will lie in state at the church from 4 to 6 p.m., where a rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m., led by Fr. Agyapong.

Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, Nov. 15, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. CST, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Michael Woempner, Vicar General, presiding and the Rev. James Genovesi concelebrating along with other attending priests of the Diocese of Marquette. Fr. Genovesi will be the homilist. Also, in attendance will be members of the Pere Menard Assembly 471, Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be his nephews.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will be served at the Wakefield VFW Post 9084 following the military rites.

The Rite of Committal and interment will take place next to his parents at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, in the spring.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Fr. Bracket's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Bishop Noa Home for Senior Citizens for their compassionate and professional care given to Fr. Bracket, and the many kindnesses extended to the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.