Date of death: 5/29/2024
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1978
In your charity, please pray for the repose of the soul of The Rev. Stephen E. Naas, formerly of Battle Creek, who died Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo. Father Naas was born on July 26, 1948, in Illinois; the eldest child of the late Philip and Norma (Goodley) Naas and brother of the late Philip David Naas. He is survived by his sister Marcia Naas, two brothers Mark and Eric Naas, and many nieces and nephews. The family came to Battle Creek in 1951 and were members of St. Joseph Parish where the children attended parish school. Father Naas was a 1966 graduate of Lakeview High School and attended Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana and St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained into the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Atlanta at the Cathedral of Christ the King on June 10, 1978. He returned to Michigan serving in the Diocese of Kalamazoo and retired after serving St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshall for 13 years. He enjoyed his garden, cooking, and woodworking, and was a prolific reader.