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  Charged Onalaska Priest Umberger Dies Today of Cancer

LaCrosse Tribune
November 30, 2010

http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_eb3b3f5a-fcd4-11df-ac5c-001cc4c03286.html

A Diocese of La Crosse priest charged with having child pornography died this morning.

The Rev. Patrick Umberger, who resigned in late July as priest at St. Patrick's Catholic Parish in Onalaska, died at Meadow Wood Assisted Living in La Crosse of cancer, said his attorney, Keith Belzer. Umberger was 60.

John Staut, grand knight of the St. Patrick's Parish Knights of Columbus council, said Umberger had been ill and his death did not come as a surprise.

"He's in God's hands," Staut said. "For everything that happens, there is a reason."

Staut said Umberger's leadership had been missed since he was removed from the ministry in July.

"Not only because of the situation but because of his illness he was constantly in our prayers and thoughts," he said. "Our prayers are with him and his family."

La Crosse County prosecutors in July filed a possession of child pornography charge against Umberger after state agents discovered three sexually graphic pictures of nearly nude children on his computer.

A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf to the charge. The criminal charge will be dismissed in light of his death.

 
 

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