Retired La Crosse Bishop Dies at Age 87

The Most Rev. John J. Paul, who died Sunday in La Crosse at age 87, is remembered by colleagues as a personable and well-loved bishop devoted to his congregation.

John Paul, bishop emeritus of the La Crosse diocese, died at 7:20 a.m. at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center. The bishop’s death was announced at Sunday morning Masses in the La Crosse diocese. Arrangements for the Vigil and Mass of Christian Burial will be announced later.

He was born, ordained as priest and installed as bishop, all in La Crosse. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of La Crosse on May 17, 1977, and was installed as bishop of the diocese on Dec. 5, 1983.

John Paul replaced Bishop Frederick Freking, who later died in 1998. John Paul retired as bishop in 1994, and was replaced by Bishop Raymond Burke.

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