William McNiff

Father William "Bill" McNiff, O.S.C., age 88, of Crosier Priory in Onamia, MN, passed away Tuesday, July 03, 2007, Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 6:30 P.M. Friday, July 6, 2007 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia, MN.Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. until the hour of service at the church on Friday. Interment will be Saturday morning in Crosier Cemetery, Onamia, MN, and beginning with prayers at the church 9:30 A.M. followed by a procession to the cemetery. Father William "Bill" Thomas McNiff was born on November 5, 1918 in Vallejo, CA, the only child of William Thomas and Julia (Hylla) McNiff. After his parents' early death while Bill was 10 years old, he was raised by his uncle and aunt, Frank and Kate (Hylla) Kulig of St. Wendell, MN. He attended Crosier Seminary at Onamia 1931-1937; professed vows as a Crosier August 28, 1938, Hastings, NE; and ordained a priest, May 29, 1943, Hastings, NE. In 1948 Father Bill obtained from the Catholic University in Washington DC his MA in English Literature, with a Minor in French Literature. At Onamia for 64 years he served as English teacher, rector, pastor and illustrious Crosier confrere. As Rector of Crosier Seminary he twice served as President of the Minor Seminary division of the National Catholic Education Association and successfully accredited the seminary with the University of Minnesota. Father Bill was honored in 1980-81 edition of The American Catholic Who's Who. For 31 years Father Bill recorded books for Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network, recording 177 volumes. A Scholarship for Education has been established in memory of Father McNiff. Memorials are suggested to the Crosier Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 500, Onamia, MN 56359-0500.