Redemptorist Father Gregory Schmitt, 81, died June 30 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was still preaching with the Unbound ministry and involved with the social services programs at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Redemptorist Church at the time of his death.

Born in Wisconsin, he professed first vows as a Redemptorist in 1964 and began his theological studies. He professed his perpetual vows in 1967 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1969.

After earning master’s degrees in divinity and religious education, he ministered in Missouri, Minnesota and North Dakota. In 1978, he joined the mission team stationed at St. Alphonsus Parish (Wellington Avenue) and traveled throughout the country for six years.

He then ministered in parishes in Michigan and Missouri, while taking on leadership responsibilities for his community.

Father Greg served as a pastor, local superior and retreat center director in Washington, California and Louisiana before joining the mission team at St. Michael Parish (Cleveland Avenue) in 2011.

He returned to Kansas City as a missionary in residence in 2018.