Reverend Father D. Timothy Grimme

Rev. D. Timothy Grimme, 73, Pastor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish went home to the Lord Friday at UPMC Altoona after an extended illness. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Robert C. and Lucy (Jorkasky) Grimme. 

Surviving are two sisters: Michaelene Miles (Wayne Nelson) of Lodi, Calif., and Maureen Haller of Altoona; two brothers: Patrick (Rose) Grimme and Shawn (Kathy) Grimme of Altoona. 

Father Grimme attended Saint Mark Elementary School in Altoona, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School in Altoona. His seminary formation occurred at Saint John’s University School of Divinity in Collegeville, Minn., and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. 

He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on May 28, 1977, at Saint Mark Parish in Altoona. His early assignments included Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona, Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown, and Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Bellefonte. He was also a Religion instructor at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School from 1977-84. 

Father Grimme served as Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Renovo from 1989-93 and Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Bellefonte from 1993-2002. 

He was appointed Pastor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish on July 24, 2002, the faithful community he led until his passing. 

On the diocesan level over the years, Father Grimme served on the Presbyteral Council, Priests’ Personnel Board, Finance Council, College of Consulters, and Liturgy Committee. He was also a former Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Northern Deanery (Centre/Clinton Counties). Chaplin for UPMC Altoona, State Chaplin for the Daughters of America, Chaplin for the CDA Court # 2625 Prince Gallitzin, and a member of Knights of Columbus. 

A Reception of Body will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, by the Very Rev. Lubomir J. Strecok, Vicar Forane (Dean), followed by visitation from 3:30 to 7 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. after the viewing. 

A viewing will also be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Church, 411 Wopsononock Ave., Altoona. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. by the Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, JCD, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, Celebrant. Diocesan and religious priests will concelebrate. Homilist will be the Rev. Carl A. Spishak. Deacon Thomas J. McFee will serve as deacon for the funeral Mass. Committal will be at Ss. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Cemetery. 

Arrangements are by Stanley J. Krish Funeral Home Inc., 1204 17^th St., Altoona. 

Family wishes are no flowers. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made in memory of Father Grimme to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, 2301 Fifth St., Altoona, PA 16601.