Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen died in the peace of the Lord he loved and served so well on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at his home in Helena, Montana, surrounded by members of his family.
Archbishop Hunthausen was the last remaining American bishop to have participated in the Second Vatican Council. He attended all four sessions from 1962 to 1965. From 1962-1975, he served as Bishop of Helena, Montana, and from 1975-1991, as Archbishop of Seattle.
Raymond Gerhardt Hunthausen was born to Anthony and Edna (Tuchscherer) Hunthausen in Anaconda, Montana, on August 21, 1921, the oldest of seven children. He graduated with a degree in chemistry from Carroll College in Helena in the spring of 1943 and studied for the priesthood at St. Edward’s Seminary in Kenmore, Washington. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Helena at St. Paul’s Church in Anaconda on June 1, 1946 by Bishop Joseph Gilmore.
Following his ordination, he began teaching at Carroll College and during the summers pursued graduate studies in chemistry at Notre Dame University, Fordham University, Catholic University of America, and St. Louis University. In addition to his teaching duties, Hunthausen became the athletic director for Carroll College where he coached football, basketball, baseball, track and most other sports. His teams won several titles and in 1966 he was named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, the only member of the American hierarchy ever so honored. He served as president of Carroll College from 1957-1962. Carroll College honored him by naming its new sports and student center after him in 2017.
In July, 1962, he was appointed Bishop of Helena by Pope John XXIII, and consecrated at St. Helena Cathedral on August 30, 1962. Significant parts of his first four years as bishop were spent at the Second Vatican Council in Rome, and the Archbishop always said the Council was his “on the job training” for being a bishop. During his years as Bishop of Helena he was noted for vigorously implementing the teachings of the Council and was especially passionate about ecumenism, liturgy, and collaborative ministry. He began the youth camps at Legendary Lodge and founded a diocesan mission in Guatemala, one of the first American bishops to do so.
In February, 1975, Pope Paul VI appointed him Archbishop of Seattle, where he was installed on May 22 of that year. Known for his strong commitment to issues of peace and justice, Archbishop Hunthausen’s leadership emphasized quality pastoral care for the people of the archdiocese, with particular emphasis on training and equipping lay women and men for ministry. In 1980, he wrote what is believed to be the first pastoral letter by an American bishop identifying steps the church should take to value the gifts of women equally with those of men. His dedication to shared responsibility and to inclusiveness brought the archdiocese into a new era marked by bold strides in ecumenism and multiculturalism. Under his direction in 1988, the Archdiocese of Seattle became one of the first dioceses in the nation to implement a policy to address child sexual abuse by priests and church employees.
His passion for peace became known around the world when he protested the proliferation of nuclear weapons, including the housing of Trident missile submarines on Puget Sound. So convinced was he of the immorality of the buildup of nuclear arms, that he began to withhold one-half of his own income taxes in 1982. Not long after, in 1983, the Vatican undertook an apostolic visitation to look into the Archbishop’s ministry, including some of his pastoral practices and public positions. The visitation, while difficult and divisive, served to highlight Hunthausen’s unfailing trust in God, his prayerfulness, and his unswerving dedication to the Church. When the visitation was concluded in 1987, he welcomed the appointment of Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy as his coadjutor.
Revered as an outspoken advocate for the poor and the marginalized, Archbishop Hunthausen was also a great advocate for women and their role in Church and society, as well as for women religious. So deeply was he committed to the Church’s ecumenical mission that many clergy of other denominations referred to him as “their bishop.” Always known for his “common touch,” Archbishop Hunthausen had little use for the titles or trappings of office, always preferring to walk among the people as one of them, a leader who was very much in touch with his people.
Despite his enormous responsibilities as a bishop of the Church, the Archbishop always maintained a warm and close relationship with his family. Among his siblings and his beloved nieces and nephews and his great-nieces and great-nephews, he was affectionately known as “Dutch” and his happiest times were those he shared with them at family gatherings where he could always be counted on to know the names of scores of family members down to the very youngest. A natural athlete and lover of the outdoors, the Archbishop took great delight in skiing, golfing, hiking, fishing, and relaxing with family and friends at his humble mountain cabin at Moose Lake.
Shortly after his retirement in 1991, he chose to spend more and more time with his family in Montana, but even so, he continued to help out in parishes and was much sought after as a retreat director and confessor. For the last several years of his life, he lived in a nursing facility in Helena alongside his brother Father Jack Hunthausen, where they celebrated Mass daily and welcomed a steady stream of visitors, both family and friends. Keenly interested in the Church and its mission to the last, he took particular joy in the election in 2013 of Pope Francis, whose vision and priorities in so many ways echoed his own.
The Archbishop was preceded in death by his father, Anthony G. Hunthausen and his mother, Edna T. Hunthausen; his brother, Art Hunthausen; his sister, Marie Walsh. He was also preceded in death by his sisters-in-law Donna Kane Hunthausen and Harriett Wetherill Hunthausen; his brothers-in-law Pat Walsh and John Stergar; his nephews Pat Walsh, Ed Walsh, Jack Walsh, and Ray G. Hunthausen; and great-nephews; Patrick Thomas Walsh Kelly, Robert Scott Miller, Joseph Gerard Hunthausen, Walt Woodrow Hunthausen. He is survived by his brothers Tony and (Father) Jack, both of Helena; and his sisters, Sister Edna, of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas; and Jean Stergar of Anaconda; and by his 34 nieces and nephews, 101 great-nieces and nephews and 64 great-great nieces and nephews.
Archbishop Hunthausen will lie in state beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. A reception will follow the Mass in the Brondel center of the Cathedral.
Archbishop Hunthausen will have additional services in Seattle, WA. Viewing will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a vigil service to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31st at St. James Cathedral, 804 9th Avenue, in Seattle. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1st at St. James Cathedral. A public reception will follow the Mass.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Hunthausen Fund in Helena at Good Samaritan Ministries, 3067 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601 and the Hunthausen Fund at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, 804 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Archbishop Hunthausen.
Service Schedule
Lying In State
9:00 a.m.
Friday July 27, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday July 27, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59301
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday July 27, 2018
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Lying In State
9:00 a.m.
Friday July 27, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday July 27, 2018
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59301
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday July 27, 2018
Brondel Center
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Sherri Anderson says
To a wonderful man of Christ who gave of himself to serve our Lord and Blessed Mother. Your soul is now at peace and you are now with all your loved ones who has gone one before you to set the banquet table in heaven. Thank you for you service and dedication to so many
Robert Morgan says
Condolences to all of the Hunthausen family. The Archbishop was a very bright light to many in the communities of Helena and Seattle. It was our good fortune to have him in our presence for so long.
Mary Kay Bennett says
Moose Lake will not be the same without Dutch & Jack..
George will miss his early morning coffee time with
both of you.
Farewell friend & may peace be with you & your extended family.
Mary Kay & George Bennett
Kathy Brothers says
Dutch was a very caring thoughtful person. He signed my 8th grade diploma from Immaculate Conception in Butte. I had the honor of taking care of him and Jack at Aspen Gardens. He always had a smile on his face. He alway’s wanted to know how I was doing and my son John. Rest In Peace Dutch. You well be missed.
Sister Mary Laura Huddleston, SCL says
With a grateful heart for having known Archbishop Hunthausen and his family especially Sister Edna.
I pray that the loving Lord bless and console them . Their faith and his heavenly presence will enhance their peace. Having Archbishop Hunthausen , the world has been a better place for his family and all who were influenced by his life.
Eddy Birrer says
I am pleased to have known such a great man who served us all so well. In the 1960s Bishop Hunthausen offered the Bishop’s mansion in Helena to a group of nuns while he chose to live in an apartment–a testament to his humility.
Rev. Michael Weiler, S.J. says
A man of the Church and a true servant of the people of God.
Rev. Gregg D Wood, SJ says
My first meeting with Archbishop Hunthausen was at house at Lake Sammamish where he prayed and ate and shared with a group he would ordain to Priesthood the following day. Throughout my priestly life, he has been an inspiration in so many ways. The tears I shed at his passing express joy at his completion of his first life journey and the beginning of his new life with the Lord. Quyana Agayun (Thanks be to God).
Chris Love says
A true man of God, and a man before his time! I did not know him personally, but through his public life, and through my friend, his late nephew Patrick Walsh. Truly loved and respected by all. God bless your journey, Archbishop. Caring thoughts to all the family.
Nancy Adkins says
I taught in the Cathedral School and lived near the Bishop. There I got to know him and his mother. Later I met his sister, Edna. When I was at Carrol we went on a summer trip. I think it was Legendary Lodge on Seely Lake. A friend , Rosemary, locked herself in the bathroom and Bishop Hunthausen , helped her get out. Later I moved to Seattle where I met Archbishop on many occasions. His stand on peace and justice influenced me and my husband and I became involved as did many of my friends. I was also unwillingly involved when he was reported to Rome. Dark days but Dutch always had joy and a smile on his face. He loved everyone… and I am proud to say that he represented the best of Montana which he dearly loved. I know that he will continue to guide us but in a different way. Thank you to the Hunthausen family for giving him to all of us.
Pete Henriot, S.J. says
Thank God for this graced predecessor of Pope Francis! Please pray that we priests follow his example of joyful and fearless sharing of the Good News of Peace, Justice, concern for the poor, respect for women, humility and courage. Our country, our Church, needs that so much now!
Pat Prendergast says
My mother Darlene McDonald Prendergast was in one of the first nursing classes from the Saint James Nursing program in Butte to attend Carroll College It was in the late 40’s when Archbishop Hunthausen was a priest and Chemistry teacher at Carroll. My mother shared two stories. One was that one of the other priest on the faculty at Carroll stood up and told the nursing student in no uncertain terms in a very forceful way that Carroll College was a “mans college” and the they (the nursing students) were not welcome. Specific to Archbishop, was that he was a very handsome young man and priest and that the women in the nursing program in his Chemistry class were enamored and constantly feigning over him. My mom said that some of the girls would deliberately pour a little acid on their hand so that the Archbishop would have to come to their desk, hold their hand and administer First Aid. My mom said that the Archbishop often blushed when this happened.
Father L. Michael Pope, S.J. says
I join my heartfelt sorrow at the passing of Archbishop Hunthausen to that of his beloved family and friends and the vast number of those to whom he ministered and with whom he shared the journey of faith in Christ. It was my privilege to have been ordained by him in 1981 in St. James Cathedral and to have served in his archdiocese from 1982-1986. He has always been one of my heroes as a Christian and as a priest. I was especially inspired by the manner in which he dealt with the sufferings he endured with grace and humility. Our Church and world are temporarily impoverish by his death, but from his place in heaven among the Apostles he succeeded, I know he will be an even more powerful advocate for the Gospel and the Christian virtues which made him the great and holy man he was. May the mercy of God bring you, Archbishop, to eternal life. -Father L. Michael Pope, S.J.
Catherine Zylstra says
Dutch was our Archbishop for many years in Seattle. He befriended everyone he met. There was a man with a mental health disability whom Dutch became friends with, and one day he cleaned his apartment; that simple act of love, service, and friendship when so many in our Archdiocese considered that man with the disability as a social outcast — speaks volumes to me about Dutch. We who knew him on many different levels miss him, but we are also happy for him because he longed to be with the Lord, and we look forward to seeing him again.
Richard E Carl says
My condolences to the entire family. Spent many summers at Legendary Lodge, one of his finest inspirations. Many of his nieces and nephews are among some of finest and best friends that I ever had. He inspired us in so many ways. This was a great blessing. Thank you Dutch…
Mark Mlekush says
I was in grade school when Raymond G. Hunthausen was the 6Th Bishop of Helena but I have heard and learned many things about this man in the past few days from friends who knew him and his family. I am going to ask my dear friend Mother Dolores Hart and the sisters of The Abbey of Regina Laudis to pray for Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen and his family. I too will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all
Diane Egan says
My condolences to the Hunthausen family and all who were blessed by Archbishop Hunthausen’s presence in their lives.
I first heard him address Catholic women and probably some men who were divorced and looking for wisdom, having been shunned and ignored by the Catholic Church. He listened with an open mind and heart. It was clear this was the first time he stepped into the world of divorced Catholics. Much like Christ he turned no one aside and sought to find a place for them in liturgy. His
seeds of wisdom continue to bless all who knew him now.
It was a pleasure to get to know him and embrace his caring wisdom.
Diane Egan
Jean Eakins says
Condolences and love go out to all , grieving and celebrating Archbishop ‘s life at home with our loving God. My little story is I was hired by Archbishop at the chancery, and was so privileged to work there. Our second son was a baby when I got to do the reading at the Rite of Election in 1988. Before Mass, Archbishop came around the church greeting people and got to see our family. Don’t know who was more thrilled! So many memories, grateful for them and his part in the life of our church in Western Washington. He continues to be my inspiration! I celebrate the joy in heaven!
Linda McDaniels says
Archbishop Hunthausen changed my life. He was the catalyst that turned me into a young activist and helped me believe that you can work together to make the world a better place. He was such an amazing and humble leader who did not have all the answers, but tried hard to ask the right questions. He will live in my heart always.
Maryrose(Balkovatz) Groce says
My prayers will definitely have Dutch in them. The reason I used the name Dutch is because I went to St. Peter’s High with him for four years. He had a lot of humor and I remember one occasion when one of the Sisters (Dominican) saw him with a pack of cigarettes in his hip pocket she asked him if it wouldn’t be better if he spent the 10cents to buy a quart of milk instead. His later remark to us was “How would I look like with a qt. of milk in my back pocket?”He lived a long FULL life and now I wonder if any of our 38 classmates are alive at this age. Perhaps I am the only one. I am sure God will be kind in judging him.
Mary Anne Roe says
Father Hunthausen and my father atte see Carroll college together and remained friends until my dad’s passing. Father Hunthausen baptised me, confirmed me and also married me in 1973.
John and Sandra O'Rourke says
We wanted to express our gratitude for having had Archbishop Hunthausen (Dutch) in our lives. His kindness and friendship with Rita O’Rourke all those many years was very much appreciated. We also followed his journey with great appreciation and awe for the example he showed us all. Blessing and gratitude to the whole Hunthausen family.