George Kinzie Fitzsimons

George Kinzie Fitzsimons (September 4, 1928 – July 28, 2013) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of Salina in Kansas from 1984 to 2004. Fitzsimons previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri.

Biography

Early life George Fitzsimons was born on September 4, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, to George K. and Margaret Mary (née Donavan) Fitzsimons. The family worshipped at St. Francis Xavier Church and Fitzsimons its elementary school He then attended Rockhurst High School, followed by Rockhurst University, both in Kansas City. Over the years, the diocese assigned Fitzsimons as associate pastor in parishes, as well as a high school teacher and college chaplain. Bishop Charles Herman Helmsing eventually named Fitzsimons as chancellor and vicar general of the diocese.

Bishop of Salina Fitzsimons was named the eighth bishop of Salina on March 28, 1984. He was installed by Archbishop Strecker at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, Kansas on May 29, 1984.

Retirement and death After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, Fitzsimons resigned as bishop of Salina on October 21, 2004. He then moved into the rectory at St. Patrick Parish in Ogden, Kansas. In 2008, his lower left leg was amputated due to a severe infection; he then used a prosthesis. Fitzsimons died at age 84 in Ogden on July 28, 2013.