George Henry Speltz

George Henry Speltz (May 29, 1912 – February 1, 2004) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Winona in Minnesota (1963–1966) and as bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud in Minnesota (1968–1987).

Biography

Early life George Speltz was born in Altura, Minnesota, one of seven children of Henry and Josephine (née Jung) Speltz. He attended Holy Trinity High School in Rollingstone, Minnesota, and then studied at St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1932. Speltz continued his studies at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul.

Priesthood Speltz was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Francis Kelly on June 2, 1940. He then served as assistant pastor of St. John's Parish and superintendent of Loretto High School in Caledonia, Minnesota, until 1941.

Returning to Minnesota, Speltz served as vice-chancellor of the Diocese of Winona (1944–1947) and superintendent of diocesan schools (1945–1949).

Coadjutor Bishop and Bishop of Saint Cloud On April 6, 1966, Speltz was appointed coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud by Pope Paul VI.

Retirement and legacy On January 13, 1987, Pope John Paul II accepted Speltz's resignation for health reasons as bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud. George Speltz died at St. Benedict Senior Community in St. Cloud on February 1, 2004, at age 91.