TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1
THURSDAY JUNE 26, 2025
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JUNE 26, 2025
Farewell, Mons Joe By Mary Anne Gill
Te Awamutu’s Catholic community is in mourning following the death of their much-loved former parish priest, Monsignor Joe Stack. The 76-year-old monsignor retired to Te Puke last year but regularly returned for mass at St Patrick’s Church and visit prisoners at Waikeria Prison. Parish Council members said some of his most impactful work was done at the prison. One member noted Stack’s unique ability to blend humour with empathy and compassion endeared him to everyone he met. Nick Prendergast said Stack would be watching with interest tomorrow (Friday), when a requiem Mass will be held in Te Awamutu. “His forte was funerals,” he said. “He had a way of combining humour with reverence that made them truly special for families and friends.” Hamilton Diocese bishop Richard Laurenson told The News Stack had a particular heart for those at the margins. “Just last week he was visiting Waikeria as part of his ongoing ministry as a priest. “Mons Joe was never an official prison chaplain, but like many priests, he had a supernatural ability to engage with those who suffer confinement and like many of those priests, it was such a natural part of them that no one really noticed, and they never advertised the fact.”
When Stack missed his regular visit last week, concerned friends raised the alarm. He was later found at his home in Te Puke, having died of natural causes. “Joe’s love and care for his fellow priests is legendary. His passing has deeply touched many of us,” Laurenson said. One of his closest friendships was with former Cambridge parish priest Mons Len Danvers. The two were like brothers, recalled The News senior writer Viv Posselt, who interviewed them for their joint 50th anniversary as priests. “Once they warmed up, they were very amusing,” she said. “Their banter was easy and familiar — clearly the product of many years of friendship.” Their resemblance — both with grey beards and receding hairlines —often led to confusion among Waipā parishioners. Retired Anglican deacon Norris Hall said Stack had been his spiritual leader for many years. “He was a humble person with a delightful sense of humour and we enjoyed each other’s company.” With Jewish heritage through his mother, Hall also shared customs with Stack. “If anyone didn’t get on with Joe, they had a problem.” Parishioner Betsy Reymer, now in her 90s has seen priests come and go but rated Stack among the best. “No fancy frills with him. He was always very friendly and remembered people’s names.”
Mons Joe Stack had a great sense of humour as evidenced in Cambridge last year at his friend Leonard Danver’s jubilee Continued on page 2 celebration. Photo: Rekord Ltd.
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