Father John Joseph Wetmore
Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Born May 7, 1947, Ordained by Cardinal John J. Carberry at the Cathedral Basilica May 19, 1973.
Loving son of the late Charles H. and Loris J. Wetmore; dear brother of Marie Sprengnether (the late Tom), Betsy Sausville (Tony), Jim Wetmore (Ann), the late Leon Wetmore, and the late Charley Wetmore (Melba survives); loving uncle, great-uncle, cousin, godfather, and friend to many.
Father Wetmore donated his body to Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: St. Louis University High School, Cardinal Glennon College, Kenrick Seminary
Ordination: May 19, 1973, at the St. Louis Cathedral by Cardinal John J. Carberry
Service in the Archdiocese:
Associate pastor, All Souls, Overland, May 22, 1973
Part-time associate pastor, St. Hedwig, St. Louis, and teacher at Bishop DuBourg High School, June 2, 1975
Associate pastor, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Charles, Nov. 3, 1982
Associate pastor, St. Francis de Sales, St. Louis, Jan 21, 1987
Pastor, Visitation-Holy Ghost, St. Louis, June 20, 1990
Associate pastor, St. Stephen Protomartyr, St. Louis, June 25, 1991
Senior associate pastor, St. Joseph, Manchester, June 11, 1997
Pastor, St. Clare, St. Clair, March 15, 2005
Senior associate pastor, St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Louis, Feb. 2, 2015
Retirement with residence at St. Joachim, Old Mines, July 1, 2018
Retirement, December 2018
Service outside of the Archdiocese:Appointed to Latin American Apostolate, Bolivia, May 25, 1977
Services: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 676 West Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119 at 9:30 a.m. A reception will follow after Mass in the Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences(4)-
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Reverend Jim C Sheehan says
August 27, 2026 at 8:59 pmI met Fr. John Wetmore only once when I visited a priest friend of mine in the parish.
What a nice outgoing priest-friend John was, and he certainly was dedicated to a church from a simpler age. !
May he help us all give witness to the Risen Lord, and His Mother.
– A Priest from the Archdiocese of New York
Carolyn Buckner says
August 27, 2026 at 8:22 pmMy sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Fr. John Wetmore. I knew him at Holy Trinity Parish (St. Ann MO) . I remember his beautiful reverent offering of the Holy Mass, excellent homilies, and his kindness and wisdom as a confessor. I am very grateful for all he did for us at Holy Trinity. May God grant him eternal rest.
Cathy Smentkowski says
August 24, 2026 at 1:43 pmOn behalf of the St. Louis Regional Senatus of the Legion of Mary, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Father John Wetmore. Before his retirement, Fr. Wetmore was a beloved Spiritual Director for several praesidia in the North County Curia. May the souls of our departed legionaries and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Randy Guber says
August 24, 2026 at 11:47 amJohn and I attended Cardinal Glennon College in the late 1960s. He was rather studious and loved studying Latin. He enjoyed music and playing the trombone. Thus, many of us nicknamed him”.Bone”We had many discussions about the role of celibacy and the possibility of married priests. He mentored me and was a role model.to my potential priestly formation We worked two summers at Camp Don Bosco with special needs children. Needled to say the campers loved John. Father Wetmore loved being a priest, but he did face many challenges on his journey.I also still have some road blocks to explore. John may the Lord bless you and give you His everlasting Peace! May your memory be ever lasting. Shalom, Guber