Former Pennings principal dies

Fr. George Jackson Feldman, O.Praem., who for 15 years served as principal of Abbot Pennings High School, De Pere, died Aug. 5. He was 84.

Reception of the Body/Vespers of the Dead Service for Fr. Feldman will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at St. Norbert Abbey. Visitation will follow until 9 p.m. and will continue from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Abbey Church. Abbot E. Thomas De Wane, O.Praem., will preside.

Burial will be in the St. Norbert Cemetery.

Fr. Feldman was born June 9, 1918, in Wilmington, Del., to Elmer and Agnes (Schoenwald) Feldman. His home parish was St. Paul Parish, Wilmington, Del.

In 1936, he graduated from Archmere Academy, Claymont, Del. He received a bachelor's in philosophy from St. Norbert College, De Pere, in 1940 and a master's in education from Villanova University, Philadelphia, in 1954.

He entered St. Norbert Abbey Aug. 28, 1937, and was vested as a novice. He professed simple vows June 18, 1939, and solemn vows on June 18, 1942. He was ordained to the priesthood July 2, 1943.

Fr. Feldman taught at St. Norbert High School, De Pere; Southeast Catholic High School, Philadelphia; and Archmere Academy, Claymont.

He was appointed principal at Pennings in 1958 and served in that position for 15 years. Fr. Feldman also did parish work in Clearwater, Fla., and was house superior of St. Joseph Priory, De Pere. In his late retirement years, he was involved with priestly ministry at both St. Joseph Priory and St. Norbert Abbey.

In 1962, Fr. Feldman was elected president of Wisconsin Catholic Secondary School Principals. He had a lifetime membership in the Knights of Columbus -- Abbot Pennings Council No. 3955. In 1972, he received the St. Norbert College Alma Mater Award.

He was director of development at Abbot Pennings High School and was executive director of the Pennings High School Foundation.

Fr. Feldman was an affable, gregarious and active member of the Norbertine community, noted for his great sense of humor. He served on several Order committees including the Abbot's Council and was noted for being conscientious, dependable, and committed to his ministries.

Surviving in addition to the Norbertine Community are 11 nieces and nephews: Nyra Maguire, Vincent Maguire, Michele Lank, Cathy Maguire, Michael Maguire, Joseph Maguire, Paul Maguire, Mary Maguire, Gerard Maguire, Agnes Maguire, and Margaret Ganakis; and Kathy Maguire, the wife of his deceased nephew, Jack Maguire.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Nyra Maguire; a brother, Paul; an aunt, Sr. M. Dorothy; an uncle, Arthur Feldman; and a nephew, Jack Maguire.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is in charge of the arrangements.