ELKHORN, Wis.—Father Bernard J. Mullane died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, at Holton Manor Care Facility here. 

 

Father Mullane was born on Nov. 14, 1930, in Rockford to Cornelius Mullane and Sarah Harnett.   

 

He attended St. Thomas High School in Rockford from 1944 to 1948. He then attended St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, Wis., 1948-1950, and St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Md., 1950-52, where he also studied theology, 1952-56.

 

He returned to St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, where he received a doctorate of ministry in May 1983.

 

He was ordained by Bishop Martin D. McNamara at St. Joseph Parish in Aurora on May 26, 1956.  

 

His first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Sycamore, June 1956-September 1957. He then was assigned as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford, September 1957-August 1961. He was assistant diocesan master of ceremonies from May 1958 through the end of his service at the cathedral.

 

His next assignments were: parochial vicar at St. Mary, Freeport, August 1961-June 1965; and vicarius adjutor, August 1963-August 1964.

 

He was parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist, Savanna, June 1965-June 1968; and parochial vicar at St. Bridget, Loves Park, June 1968-June 1969.

 

He was then assigned as pastor for St. Mary Parish, Pecatonica, June 1969-July 1974; pastor, St. Monica, Carpentersville, July 1974-July 1986.

 

Father Mullane was then assigned to two diocesan positions, including director of Personnel and Continuing Education for permanent deacons, March 1980-March 1984; and as a pro-synodal judge  in the Diocesan Tribunal for a time beginning in March 1983.  

 

He was assigned as pastor of St. James, Rockford, July 1986-September 1990; pastor, St. Andrew, Rock Falls, September 1990-September 1995, as well as police chaplain for the Rock Falls Police Department in June 1994. 

 

He then was assigned as pastor at St. James, Belvidere, September 1995-December 2000.

 

Father Mullane retired from active ministry on Dec, 1, 2000. He assisted at many parishes in his retirement, including as parochial administrator at St. Patrick in McHenry, November 2002-September 2003.  

 

Father Mullane is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Thomas and John; and his sister, Mary Frances.   

 

The funeral Mass was at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, at St. Patrick Parish in McHenry.

 

Interment was at St. James Cemetery in Belvidere.