Father James Fanrak, 79, dies Oct. 29

Published: November 4, 2022

Father Gregory Luyet, judicial vicar, released the following letter regarding the death of Father James Michael Fanrak on Friday, Oct. 29, 2022.

"Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
"With faith in eternal life that comes through our Lord Jesus Christ, I announce the death of Father James Michael Fanrak on Friday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
 
"Father Fanrak was born to Thomas Francis Fanrak and Helen Theresa Potts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 1943. He attended Catholic parochial and high school in Philadelphia before going to Lewiston, New York, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Niagara University in 1968.

"Toward the end of his college education, Father Fanrak began to discern a vocation to the religious life in the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. He wanted to be a teacher. He attended seminary at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His Eminence, John Cardinal Krol, ordained Father Fanrak to the priesthood on June 5, 1971.
 
"After ordination, Father Fanrak taught at the Salesian High School in Wilmington, Delaware, and at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 1971-1980. He served in parish ministry as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales in Virginia and Pennsylvania.
 
"In an interview with Arkansas Catholic on the occasion of his 50th ordination anniversary, Father Fanrak recalled hearing about the Diocese of Little Rock from the Most Rev. Francis I. Malone of Shreveport and the late Msgr. Bernard Malone about priestly ministry in the Diocese of Little Rock. In April 1991 he came to Arkansas and served as associate pastor of St. Peter the Fisherman in Mountain Home.

"His first pastorate was St. Agnes in Mena, All Saints in Mount Ida and St. Jude in Waldron (1991-1995). In November 1992, Father Fanrak became incardinated as a priest of the Diocese of Little Rock. Other pastorates included: St. Elizabeth in Eureka Springs and St. Anne in Berryville (1995-2001); St. James in Searcy and St. Albert in Heber Springs (2001-2002); St. Peter the Fisherman in Mountain Home and St. Mary in Mountain View (2002-2010); and Mary, Mother of God in Harrison, and St. Andrew in Yellville (2010-2022).

"In addition to parochial assignments, Father Fanrak served on the diocesan Presbyteral Council and as dean of the North Ozark Deanery. On June 12, 2022, Father Fanrak transitioned to senior status.
 
"Father Fanrak was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Francis Fanrak and Helen Theresa Potts, and two brothers, Larry Fanrak and Thomas Fanrak.  
 
"The vigil and rosary will be at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, at Mary, Mother of God Church in Harrison, Arkansas. The Mass of Christian Burial will occur at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at Mary, Mother of God Church in Harrison, Arkansas. Burial will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the Priest Circle at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.
 
"Priests of the Diocese of Little Rock are asked to please offer three Masses for Father Fanrak.

"'You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.' (Heb. 7:17)"
 
In Christ,
Father Gregory T. Luyet