Fr. Rupert Dorn, OFM Cap., died Sept. 25 at the age of 90. A native of Waunakee, Wis., he was invested as a Capuchin Franciscan in 1943, perpetually professed in 1947, and ordained a priest in 1951.

Whether as provincial minister of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, a pastor, province secretary, prefect at St. Lawrence Seminary, local minister, or provincial councilor (1958-67), he brought a leadership style that empowered others to think of and create new approaches to religious life. His two terms as provincial minister (1967-73) immediately followed the Second Vatican Council, and through Fr. Dorn’s leadership, new models were created and new philosophies were adopted.

Bro. Dorn spent 27 years in Detroit, holding various provincial offices, assistant to the Secular Franciscans and local minister of St. Bonaventure Monastery. He would frequently assist at various parishes at weekend Masses, most notably at St. Germaine Parish in St. Clair Shores. He was proud of his association with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and The Kolping Society, where he met many people who became good friends until the end.

Bro. Dorn is survived by his siblings Betty Ripp of Waunakee; Raymond Dorn of Portage; and Henry Dorn of Waunakee; many nieces and nephews; and the friars of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, with whom he lived, prayed and ministered. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes.

A funeral Mass was Oct. 2 at St. Lawrence Seminary Chapel in Mt. Calvary, Wis. Burial is at the Capuchin Friar Cemetery, Mt. Calvary. A public Memorial Mass will be offered at St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit at 5 p.m. Oct. 16 with a reception to follow in the Solanus Casey Center.  Memorials to the Capuchin Friars.