Father Ron Gagne retires after 40 years of service

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After four decades as a Catholic priest with a quarter of it spent serving Nashwauk, Pengilly and Keewatin the Rev. Ron Gagne will retire. For the past 10 years Gagne served as priest at churches including St. Cecilia’s, St. Mary’s and St. Kevin’s touching many lives in the community.

During his tenure, he ministered many sacraments including weddings, First Communions, confirmations, baptisms, and about 300 funerals. To Gagne it has meant a lot to be a part of the parish and the community. “I certainly enjoyed the people,” he said. “We went through joyful times and sad times, but certainly all with love.”
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Gagne’s direction in life was influenced as a youth by his own pastors including, at the time, two newly ordained priests, the Rev. Frank Perkovich [the world famous "Polka Padre"] and the Rev. Patrick McDowell [still possessed of the greatest head of hair, ever], as well as Monsignor Michael Hogan, the superintendent of Duluth Cathedral High School, which Gagne attended. Hogan suggested he go into the seminary. [snip] Hibbing Daily Tribune