Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2009 / Fr. Zeeb remembered for dedication, prayerfulness
Fr. Zeeb remembered for dedication, prayerfulness
by Robert Delaney of The Michigan Catholic
Published September 18, 2009
Detroit - Fr. Charles M. Zeeb was "a very dedicated priest, a very hard-working priest," said Fr. James O'Leary, a senior priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit who had been a seminary classmate since high school days.
Besides being a good handball player in his seminary days, Fr. Zeeb was also a skilled woodsman, being able to accurately predict just where a tree would fall when tasked with cutting one down on the seminary grounds, Fr. O'Leary recalled.
But the important thing about him was "his sincerity that certainly inspired all of us," his long-time friend and classmate continued.
Fr. O'Leary said Fr. Zeeb's greatest personal quality "was his tremendous dedication and generosity in the service of the Church."
"I remember, when I retired, the advice he gave me was, 'Don't get yourself too involved,' and here he was involved in things all over the diocese," Fr. O'Leary added.
Another priest ordained the same year as Fr. Zeeb, Msgr. James Moloney, pastor of St. Anselm Parish in Dearborn Heights, also praised him as a "good and prayerful priest."
He said Fr. Zeeb served as the unofficial record keeper of the ordination class. "He was very good at keeping us all together, keeping track of who was sick and where we all were, and getting us together for reunions - even those who had left the priesthood," Msgr. Moloney said.
He also spoke of Fr. Zeeb's love of the outdoors, and of hunting and fishing.
Fr. Zeeb died Sept. 9 following a short illness at Henry Ford Hospital (formerly St. Joseph Hospital West), Clinton Township, where he had helped as a chaplain for many years. He was 89.
Born Aug. 26, 1930, in Chelsea to Walter and Ruth (Ray) Zeeb, the Charles Michael Zeeb attended Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, and St. John's Provincial Seminary, Plymouth Township.
He was ordained June 2, 1956, and celebrated his first Mass at St. Mary Church, Chelsea.
After ordination, he served through the summer and into that fall at the Catholic Youth Organization camps in Port Sanilac, before being temporarily assigned as an associate pastor at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Detroit.
He also served as an associate pastor at St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish, Warren (1957-62); St. Matthew Parish, Detroit (1962-66); and St. Rita Parish, Detroit (1966-70).
Fr. Zeeb was named administrator of SS. Peter & Paul Parish, North Branch in 1970, and then became its pastor (1972-86). While there, he also served as vicar of the old Thumb Vicariate (1985-86).
He served as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Erie (1986-87); and of St. Isidore Parish, Macomb Township (1987-92).
He was released to serve in the Diocese of Gaylord at St. James Parish, Whittemore, and St. Pius Parish, Hale (1992-93); and at Holy Rosary Parish, Cedar, and St. Joseph Parish, Maple City (1993-95).
He was granted senior priest status July 1, 1995, early because of his health. He nevertheless continued to serve as a hospital chaplain at St. Joseph West/Henry Ford Hospital, Clinton Township; and to help out at St. Peter Parish, Mount Clemens; and minister to the residents of St. George Tower, Clinton Township.
Fr. Zeeb is survived by three sisters: Margaret (Frank) Novess and Rose Ann Williams, both of Jackson, and Doris Dawkins of Williamsburg, N.M.; a sister-in-law, Sandra Zeeb (widow of his brother Walter); and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, Sept. 14, by Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss.
Burial was in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, North Branch.
Memorials to Fr. Charles M. Zeeb Endowment Fund (for the education of seminarians for the Detroit Archdiocese), c/o Archdiocese of Detroit, 1234 Washington Blvd., Detroit 48226.
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