Fatal stabbing of Catholic priest in church rectory shocks small Nebraska community he served

By James On Dec 11, 2023

FORT CALHOUN, Neb. — The fatal stabbing of a Catholic priest in the parsonage where he lived has shocked members of the small eastern Nebraska parish he led for the past 11 years.

Pastor Stephen Gutgsell was attacked during a burglary early on Sunday morning and the 65-year-old died despite being rushed to a nearby hospital. Washington County sheriff's deputies arrested a suspected burglar at the parsonage of St. John the Baptist Church when they arrived six minutes after the priest called 911.

“Many people heard about Father Gutsgell's death when they showed up for Mass and found the church circled with police tape,” church deacon Jerry Mapes told the Omaha World-Herald on Monday.

On Sunday evening, the congregation held a vigil at the church in Fort Calhoun, a town of about 1,000 residents 20 minutes north of Omaha.

Kelly Tegels said she had just seen Gutgsell at Mass on Saturday night, so his death didn't feel real yet. Services at Fort Calhoun were canceled Sunday morning, but Archbishop George Lucas met with parishioners to comfort them after leading a special Mass at a nearby church in Blair with a message of hope and love.

“It's going to be difficult. I'm bringing flowers tonight because he always decorated this altar with flowers, and I know he would appreciate it,” Tegels said during the wake. She has been attending the church of approximately 250 families for thirty years.

Everett Kingrey told KETV that the priest's death was “a real blow.”

“Something you don't expect. Especially here in a small town, but you know, terrible,” Kingrey said.

Officers arrested Kierre L. Williams, 43, of Sioux City, Iowa. He may not appear in court for the first time until Tuesday, where he will be charged with murder and weapons possession, and therefore he does not yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf. Prosecutors did not immediately respond Monday to a message about when formal charges will be filed.

The Archdiocese of Omaha asked for prayers in a statement Sunday regarding the “invasion of the rectory of St. John the Baptist Parish at Fort Calhoun.”

Archdiocese officials did not immediately respond to messages Monday morning and calls to the church went unanswered.