Rev. Msgr. Mark C. Ernstmann, 86, of Springfield, MO passed away August 7, 2013. He was born in Wichita, KS to Frank B. and Minnie Smith Ernstmann. He graduated from Catholic University of America in 1951 and was ordained a priest June 2, 1951. Msgr. was the director of House of Studies for young seminarians for 15 years. He was also the principal of St. Agnes High School and the Superintendent for Springfield Catholic Schools for Springfield- Cape Girardeau Diocese. He was a pastor of many parishes in the diocese, including; St. Stephens, Kansas City, St. Peters, Joplin, St. Henry's, Charleston, Our Lady of the Ozarks, Forsyth (where he built the existing church), St. Lawrence, Monett and Holy Trinity, Springfield. Reverend Ernstmann received the title of Monsignor in 2008. After retiring he resided at Mercy Villa, where he said daily mass. Msgr. was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard; sister, Mother Anne Madeline; and nephew, Jacob Gunderson. He is survived by sisters, Mary O'Neal and husband, Bill and Jane Meyers and husband Bill; 17 nieces and nephews; 23 great-nieces and great-nephews; and 3 great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Funeral mass will be Monday, August 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Agnes Cathedral with Bishop James V. Johnston celebrant. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Prayer service will be Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral, with the visitation to follow. Arrangements are under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Priest's Retirement Fund, The Catholic Center, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806.