Father Thomas J. McInnis, at the age of 84 and a priest for 58 years, died on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire. Father McInnis was born on July 15, 1931, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Thomas and Catherine (née Fisher) McInnis. He attended St. Patrick Elementary and High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa (Bachelor of Arts-1953), St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin (Master of Science Degree-1965), St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois (Master of Art-1971), and University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin (Doctor of Philosophy-1973). Father McInnis was ordained a priest on May 18, 1957, at Christ the King Chapel at Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse by the Most Reverend John P. Treacy. Father McInnis' first assignment following ordination was as an Instructor, Counselor and Athletic Director at Columbus High School in Marshfield, with residence at Sacred Heart Parish. In 1959, he was appointed as Assistant Pastor at Saint Joachim Parish in Pittsville. On June 28, 1960, Father McInnis was assigned as a full time Instructor at Aquinas High School with residence at St. James Rectory in La Crosse. Later that year, he was appointed as Instructor at Newman High School in Wausau with residence at Saint Therese Parish in Rothschild. On June 17, 1970, Father McInnis was appointed as Assistant Pastor at Saint Mary Parish in Wausau. He was then appointed as Pastor of Saint Bridget Parish at Ettrick and Saint Kevin Parish at Melrose in 1980, where he served until he was granted the status of senior priest on July 1, 2001. Fr. Thomas was a Chaplain and member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6487 in Galesville. He was also a Chaplain and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly #1752 in Arcadia, Wisconsin. In retirement, Fr. Thomas enjoyed writing non-fiction books and poetry, photography and especially daily walks. Fr. Thomas is survived by his sister, Betty McInnis of Eau Claire; brother, Patrick McInnis of Minneapolis; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Jane Garnett, Sr. Catherine A. McInnis OSB, Eileen Bruer and Margaret "Mardie" McInnis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Joseph's Priest Fund, 3710 East Avenue South, PO Box 4004, La Crosse, WI 54602-4004 or Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220 The family wishes to thank all those that cared for Fr. Thomas Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 322 Fulton Street in Eau Claire, with Reverend Monsignor Michael J. Gorman as the main celebrant and Reverend Monsignor Richard W. Gilles will be the homilist. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

St. Patrick's Cemetery 2000 Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Thursday, February 11 2016 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

St. Patrick's Catholic Church 322 Fulton Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, February 11 2016 11:30 AM

St. Patrick's Catholic Church 322 Fulton Street Eau Claire WI 54703