Fr. LeRoy John Moreeuw, CPPS, died June 23, 2024, in Clinton Township at the age of 87.
A priest of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, Fr. Moreeuw, a native of Detroit, entered the society in 1963 and was ordained on May 18, 1968. He has been involved in parish ministry, vocation work and teaching during his years as a priest.
After his ordination, Fr. Moreeuw became an instructor at Brunnerdale, the Society’s former high school seminary in Canton, Ohio, from 1968 to 1972. In 1972, he was appointed associate pastor of St. Peter Church in Harper Woods, Mich. He first came to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Cleveland as an associate pastor in 1975, and served there for seven years at that time.
In 1982, Fr. Moreeuw was appointed formation director for the Missionaries. He was named pastor of Precious Blood Church in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1983. In 1996, he returned to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Cleveland as its pastor. He served there until 2010, when he moved to Old St. Mary’s Church in Detroit, where he was senior priest in residence. In addition to celebrating daily Mass, he gave spiritual direction to priests and seminarians.
Born into a loving family, he was the beloved son of the late Everest and Virginia Moreeuw, a cherished brother to Nancy and her husband David Bialy, and the late Suzanne, with her devoted husband James Roland standing by. His light shone brightly upon his nieces and nephews, Jennifer Schmitz, Eric Roland, Paul Bialy, Mark Roland, and Jenee' Jones, who will carry forward his spirit of kindness and compassion. As will his great nieces and nephews; Jacquelyn, Katelyn, Madelyn, Claire, Joseph, Olivia, Ryan, and Elyse.
A man of profound faith, Fr. Lee dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and the betterment of his fellow man. In addition to his service, he was actively involved in "Worldwide Marriage Encounter" for 32 years, helping to enrich communication between husbands and wives. His words were a balm to the weary, his prayers a fortress in times of need, and his actions a testament to the love he bore for his Savior. Fr. Lee's presence was a gift to us all, a reminder of the grace and mercy that flow from a life well-lived in Christ.
Visitation for Fr. Lee will take place on Monday, July 1, from 3 m. to 7m. at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church, 646 Monroe Avenue, Detroit. He will lie instate on Tuesday, July 2, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of his funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church, 646 Monroe Avenue, Detroit. Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Fr. Lee's name to Missionaries of the Precious Blood.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
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