2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

Fr. Charles L. Torpey was born in Grand Island, NE, Feb. 18, 1944 to Charles Leo Torpey and Betty Hannon.  He is the oldest of 10 siblings. He attended St. Mary’s grade school K through 6th grade. The family lived in Arizona 7th thru 10th grade, when they moved back to G.I.  Charles L. Jr., graduated from Central Catholic in 1962.
Fr. Torpey attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colorado from 1962 to 1966, then was sent to study in Rome at the North American College, the U.S. Bishops Seminary in Vatican Territory. He received his S. T. L. degree in 1970 from the Gregorian University, the Jesuit-run University in Rome. 
Fr. Torpey was ordained at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Dec. 20, 1969, completed his studies in Rome, and was assigned to Blessed Sacrament parish and to teach at Central Catholic in August 1970. He was stationed in Sidney, NE, then sent to the Catholic University of America to study Canon Law, receiving the J. C. L. in 1978.
Fr. Torpey taught at GICC again from 1978 to 1980. Fr. Torpey was appointed Chairman of the Priests’ Continuing Ed. Committee in 1973, Chairman of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission in 1974, head of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal in 1978, Chancellor of the Diocese from 1980 to 87, and has served as Vicar General 5 times under 3 different bishops. 
Fr. Torpey served as Pastor at St. Agnes in Scottsbluff, St. James in Kearney, and St. Leo’s in Grand Island before retiring in 2014. Has served on the GICC Foundation board since 2014, still does cases for the Diocesan Tribunal and substitutes in various parishes as needed.
Fr. Torpey is an instrument rated private pilot, loves hiking in the mountains, Mozart and Beethoven, and reading theology, philosophy, history and epistemology, and plans to publish his first book this year. 
“The priesthood has changed so much from when I entered the Seminary in 1962 to the present day, and for most of the changes we and the church were poorly or not at all prepared. We still have much to do for our Catholic Church to be able to engage modern culture, but a good Catholic School is often a crucial context for parishes, parents, students and staff to learn and prepare for faith for the future. I had no idea how significant Catholic Schools were until I was Pastor of St. Agnes Grade School in Scottsbluff. There I could see first-hand how the mutual enrichment of Parish, School and Family led to growth in faith and a deeper parish life for the whole parish. Not only the explicit prayer and faith development, but also the social capital of many other Catholics together generate a deeper belief in God and cherishing of Church and community. Catholic schools are truly a blessing for families and parish.

Robert and Patricia Golka have been married for 58 years and have always been involved in Grand Island Central Catholic School and active in their parishes.  Patricia taught Physical Education in 1962 at GICC before she had the first of their ten children. In the 1970’s Robert was a member of the school board of education. Five of their ten children attended St. Mary’s Grade School until it was closed. They became founding members of the newly formed St. Leo’s Catholic Church and served on the Parish Council in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Patricia began teaching Theology at GICC in 1990 and continued for sixteen years. During these years she helped develop a senior retreat which she organized and directed until 2010. Patricia continued as a substitute teacher until 2015. Robert and Patricia understood the value of their children receiving a Catholic education. They were willing to make sacrifices to make sure all of ten of their children could attend and graduate from GICC.  During this time Robert and Patricia volunteered at numerous sporting events, Karnival Kapers, Husker Harvest Days, annual “clean-up” days, booster club and fine arts events. Robert has held every local and state officer positon in the Knights of Columbus. The family was twice awarded the “Family of the Year”. Robert and Patricia have been registered and active members of St. Leo’s parish since it was founded. They continue to be present at GICC events as many of their grandchildren now process through the halls of GICC. Robert and Patricia are great examples of parents that have passed their Catholic faith on to their children and grandchildren. Their dedication to Catholic Education has instilled in their descendants a desire to be active in supporting Catholic schools. Their children and grandchildren continue to be involved in Catholic education and Catholic parishes in their communities.  Robert and Patricia have a self-less attitude and willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others which has provided a lived example of the truth of our faith: true joy comes from serving others.

Fr. Charles Torpey, Class of 1962

Robert and Patricia Golka

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​Central Catholic Development Foundation
​308-382-5499   info@giccfoundation.com
Executive Director, Jolene Wojcik, jwojcik@giccfoundation.com
Program Coordinator, Stephanie Keezer, skeezer@giccfoundation.com