Rev. John Beitans
June 24, 1949 ~ April 4, 2020
Reverend John Beitans, 72, a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, passed away April 4, 2020. Fr. Beitans’ parents, Adele and August Beitans, fled Latvia in 1940 to Geesthacht, Germany’s Displaced Persons Camp, where John was born on June 24, 1947. In 1952, John arrived on Ellis Island, then traveled to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he met his sponsor.
He graduated from St. Meinrad Seminary in June of 1969 with a philosophy degree and was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1973. Fr. Beitans served as associate pastor of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jeffersonville, St. Patrick in Terre Haute, and St. Michael the Archangel Indianapolis. He was also honored to serve as the archdiocesan director for the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Fr. Beitans later served as pastor of St. Ann in Indianapolis, St. John the Baptist, Starlight, St. Lawrence, Indianapolis, St. Rose of Lima, Franklin, and lastly, Holy Trinity in Edinburgh. Most recently, Fr. Beitans was offering sacramental assistance at Good Shepherd in Indianapolis.
He learned to fly, loved large yachts, classical music, and fast cars. He traveled extensively In the United States, Europe, Canada, and Latvia. He could speak 4 languages and was a member of the Capital City Conservation Club, The Circumnavigators Club, the Indy Aero Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Friends of Garfield Park Club.
His family consists of all cousins, Mary and Dan Copp, Daniel Copp, Leah Copp; Mary Murans, Nicholas Murans, Paul and Sara Murans; Silvija and Voldi Kaulins; and Victor Dzelme.
A small, private graveside service will be observed, with burial in the Priests’ Circle at Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis. A Memorial Mass and full celebration of Fr. John Beitans’ life and ministry will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 3001 E. 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the O’Riley Funeral Home. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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My husband and I attended mass quite often at good shepherd . Although we were not members of this parish we felt comfortable in his presence. Out condolences to father’s family. He surely is sitting at the right hand of God. May he Rest In Peace!ߙ terry and Elizabeth Ledbetter
I will miss Fr. John very much as a personal friend whom I have enjoyed working with immensely these past three years. I know our Good Shepherd parish will miss him as well. He has been a wonderful priest and shepherd to us and his kind and gentle love for the people of Good Shepherd is irreplaceable. May he rest in peace.
Dave & I went on a couple of vacations with Father. What a great guy! We will miss him!
What a wonderful man that loved sharing his faith. Many times he said things to me that made me grateful for his time at our parish! RIP Fr. Jihn, your final journey is your best!❤️
Our daughter Genova was from the country of Lativa. Father and she had a special bond. He invited us to the Latvian festival downtown Indianapolis and shared his favorite traditions and foods from the country he loved. Genova was even a special guest at his birthday party! He holds a place in our hearts!
Our prayers go out for Fr. Beitans. He was the priest that married us in 1991, and we have kept up with him regularly admiring his sincerity and exchanging travel adventures. – Renate (Zire) and Andy Ratermann
I first met Fr. John when he came to St. Michael’s in Indianapolis. We had a common interest in flying and photography. We were able to fly together once, and he gave me good advice on purchasing a camera. After many years, we reconnected when he came to St. Rose and Holy Trinity. I always enjoyed his sermons. Tony Cecere
So sad to hear of your passing. When I was furloughed in 2008 and wanted to change careers to Health Care you were a blessing in asking me to help you with your health care while you were at St Lawrence. The long talks, the lessons you spoke about shaped my career in Health Care, I help others as a “pay it forward for God”. You helped me gain such incite in life and how God was working through me. You said my Mother’s funnel mass with such grace and care that made all of us kids feel the world was going to be ok. Rest In Peace Father many of your lessons and love you showed to many will last for years to come. Please say hello to my parents! ߙϰߙϰߙϰߙ
Lit a candle in memory of Rev. John Beitans
I went to high school with Fr. John at Garfield High in Terre Haute, IN. Always kind and gentle and extremely considerate of others. I am happy that he was able to travel extensively. It was calming to just be in his presence. Joan Grove
I went for confession to Father Beitan . He was always sweet and compassionate . Gave me his card if I wver needed to talk. His Homilies were wonderful. He will be greatly missed!
I have such fond memories of Father John. Many years ago we were on a pilgrimage together in Rome, he was a wonderful tour guide, dinner companion, friend and spiritual guide. So sweet and always thoughtful. His presence will be missed by all who loved and admired him.
I was at St. Michael’s when Fr. Beitans decided to sky dive to be a role model in how to face your fears and tackle them. Always a kind presence.
Father John was one of my all time favorite priests! I am sorry to hear of his passing but I have another in Heaven I can ask for his prayers!
May God bless you and keep you Fr. John, thanks for your time at St. Rose. Thanks for your guidance, faith and leadership. Rest in peace.
Father John you will be missed by many. Thank you for your help and advice and teaching me the Catholic faith. You are the reason I converted to Catholicism. You kind words and helpful advice gave me the gift of putting my life in the hands of God.
Saddened to hear of your passing. I have fond memories of your time with us at St. Rose of Lima. You were always kind and gentle. We loved talking to you about cars and your travels. God Bless you Fr. John. May God grant you eternal rest.
My family and I are saddened to hear of your passing.May God bless you Fr.John Beitan and thank you for your time at St.Lawrence Catholic church Indianapolis. You are a wonderful, compassionate and welcoming Priest at St.Lawrence Catholic parish Indianapolis especially Priests and Rev.Sisters from Africa to St Lawrence.Thanks for your mission of love to others. May God grant you eternal rest. Amen Lawson Osuji
Lit a candle in memory of Rev. John Beitans
It was great knowing,I will cherish you in my memories and let us meet again when it will be my time to go.Would be nice if you were still around, have not spoken to you for a while until I just found out you are gone.