Tribune: Umberger charges dropped in light of death

A Diocese of La Crosse priest who resigned from his parish after being charged with child pornography died Tuesday morning.

The Rev. Patrick Umberger, who re-signed in late July as priest at St. Patrick's Catholic Parish in Onalaska, succumbed to cancer at Meadow Wood Assisted Living in La Crosse, attorney, Keith Belzer said. He was 60.

John Staut, grand knight of the St. Patrick's Parish Knights of Columbus council, said Umberger had been sick 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 has been missed.

"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.

Umberger, who also taught at St. Patrick School and was chaplain at Aquinas Middle School, was arrested almost one year after a family and two Wisconsin Dells Noah's Ark Water Park employees said they saw Umberger follow several young boys into a bathroom by a children's pool area July 22, 2009, according to a Lake Delton police report. Park officials revoked his season pass and placed him on a watch list.

St. Patrick's member Joe Chilsen said parishioners he talked to were saddened by the news of Umberger's death but relieved at not having to endure the emotional turmoil of his trial.

"We didn't find out what the truth was, but we also don't have to open a wound," Chilsen said. "We're just starting to heal."

At the same time, he said, the parish has lost someone who once was highly respected.

"It's in a sense like there were two deaths here: one was the death of respect and the other was physical death."

The diocese is saddened by Umberger's loss, spokesman Stan Gould said. Diocese officials met Tuesday with Umberger's family and are expected to issue a statement today.

Details on Umberger's arrangements were not available.

Tribune reporter Chris Hubbuch contributed to this report.

 La Crosse Tribune