Home On The Range- Father Fahnlander

Father Fahnlander Remembered in Selected Stories & Photos

SENTINEL BUTTE, ND:

In March 2001, North Dakota and the nation mourned the passing of Father William J. Fahnlander. At 80 years of age, Fahnlander was synonymous with Home On The Range, the Sentinel Butte ranch for homeless and troubled children. A book celebrating his life has been released to note the March 27, 2002, anniversary of his death.

"From the time his death was announced, I heard stories about Father Bill," says Rev. David G. Morman, who conceived of and financed the project. Morman serves as pastor in Beach and Golva, a portion of Father Fahnlander’s former territory, and is secretary of the Home On The Range Board of Directors. "In visiting with people at the Ranch, in the parish, around Golden Valley County, on the phone, and up through the funeral service, they all had something to say about him. I thought that bringing these stories together in a book was a way to honor the stories and honor the man."

"An Ordinary Disciple of Christ" contains stories and photos gathered from more than 60 individuals who knew Father Fahnlander throughout his life. Excerpts from an abundant collection of letters and articles he left behind paint a poignant picture of his daily routine as a father to hundreds of boys who called the Ranch "home."

Father William J. Fahnlander was a notable figure within the state of North Dakota for most of eight decades. His athletic prowess as a high school and college basketball star gave him notoriety early in life. But, it was his years spent as a parish priest, and superintendent of Home On The Range, that people remember most profoundly. "In the time I’ve spent as pastor in Beach and Golva, and through my involvement with Home On The Range, I came to see how Father Bill lived his life and the legacy he left," says Morman.

"His kindness as a pastor was so evident. And he had the ability to keep a vision alive, to make Fr. Cassedy’s vision a reality. I can’t help but think of all those who found a home at Home On The Range and a father in him."

Besides the obvious references to Fahnlander’s life, Morman sees the book having another mission: "It is my conviction that we encounter God’s goodness through people. In part I hope it helps us remember people who have graced our lives and gets us reflecting on that. If anything, this book is testimony of God’s goodness exhibited in one person."

Profits from the sale of the book are being donated to the Father Fahnlander Endowment within the Home On The Range Foundation. The fund supports religious activities, which are vital to the Ranch’s curriculum. Rev. Morman remembers when the endowment was established: "When the fund was set up Father Fahnlander said, ‘You can name it after me if it goes for religious programming.’"

The 155-page soft-cover book sells for $17.95 and is available by mail. Those wishing to order the book should send $20.20 ($17.95 plus $2.25 postage) to "Fr. Bill Book" Dept. WEB, HOTR, 16351 I-94, Sentinel Butte, ND 58654

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