Father Conrad (Carlton) Henry Stoegbauer, 84, a priest of the Diocese of Camden for over 30 years, died Nov. 6.
Born in Rhinelander, Wis., on Dec. 6, 1930, he made first vows as a brother of the Salvatorian religious community in 1953, working with them in Blackwood before being ordained a priest of the Diocese of Camden on May 29, 1982.
His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Saint Peter Parish in Merchantville, where he served from 1982-85. He also served at Saint Luke, Stratford (1985-89); Saint Bernadette, Northfield (1989-92); Sacred Heart, Vineland (1992-94); Queen of Heaven, Cherry Hill (1994-2000); and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Absecon, from 2000 until his retirement in 2005.
Father Robert Smith was pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton when Father Carlton, as he was then known, was ministering to the community there, and recalled a “quiet, gentle, joyful, unassuming” priest who was “always willing to do what God asked of him” at the parish.
“Father Carlton’s only aspiration was to be of humble service, and present and available to parishioners,” he said, through “faithfully celebrating the Eucharist, administering sacraments, and visiting schools and hospitals.”
“He was always very happy and content,” Father Smith, now retired, said.
In addition to his work in the parish, Father Carlton also served as a Pre-Cana Moderator.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 9 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden. Interment took place privately in Wisconsin.