Elmer F. Pfeil
Died January 7, 1996
Died January 7, 1996
Fr. Elmer Pfeil, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, died on January 7. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1942 and in 1948 he was appointed professor of music at St. Francis Major Seminary, a position he held for the next thirty-three years. In those years he also served as the music director in Milwaukee's Office of Worship, where he published the fine music newsletter Gemshorn, and served as a consultant to the Music Subcommittee of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. He was instrumental in launching NPM, contributing his "Commentary" to the early issues of Pastoral Music. Because of health concerns, Father Pfeil retired from active ministry in 1981. On September 17, 1995, St. Francis Seminary honored him as a distinguished graduate with its annual Annecy Award.
Tribute prepared by NPM staff, published in Pastoral Music, February-March, 1996, pg. 10. Reprinted with permission.