This year marks 50 years of priesthood for Fathers Ralph Zimmerman, Timothy Baltes and Geno Doyle. As the Church honors their faithful service, they reflect not only on their ministry, but on a lifelong friendship that has shaped their vocations and their lives.
The three priests of the St. Cloud Diocese, along with Father Robert Rolfes who passed away in 2025, were classmates at what was, at the time, Saint John’s Seminary (Father Rolfes studied at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul). Because they were all studying with the goal of serving in the diocese, they had a natural connection.
“We were in a class of about 40 [at Saint John’s] but we were the only four studying to serve in St. Cloud,” Father Baltes said.
The friendship between Fathers Baltes and Zimmerman actually started as freshmen in high school at Crosier Seminary in Onamia.
“We came from similar backgrounds, with our moms going to the same high school and with one of Ralph’s uncles in my mother’s class,” Father Baltes said. “We also had similar interests in high school and college. These two factors certainly contributed to establishing and maintaining our friendship.”
Father Doyle, who is originally from Southwest Wisconsin and was studying for the Diocese of Madison — joined them at Saint John’s.
“I didn’t join the St. Cloud Diocese until First Theology,” he remembers.
Father Doyle struggled with the decision to change the diocese he would serve, but he had heard from others about the strong camaraderie among the priests in the diocese and said that it was very attractive to him.
Once he received permission from the bishop in Madison, he was able to fully join the St. Cloud group.
“Then I had STC behind my name rather than MAD,” he said. “Once I became a part of the Diocese of St. Cloud and got to know some of the guys, I really did come to see that this is where I belonged.”
The four became close friends during their years in seminary, even taking their first trip together — a road trip to Glacier National Park.
Though they all came from very different backgrounds, they continued to form a strong friendship, Father Zimmerman said.
After their ordinations, which were held at their home parishes back then, the four of them started being intentional about keeping in contact.
And they have shown up for one another and supported one another for all these years.
“As time went on, there was an intentional element of being together that came into play,” Father Baltes said. “We had similar interests but also diverse ones. We didn’t always agree and still don’t, but the disagreements were never spiteful or hurtful. We have also been there for each other through difficult challenges.”
Throughout their years of ministry, no matter where in the diocese they were assigned, they planned get-togethers at least twice a month — taking turns hosting.
And they have taken many vacation trips together all over the world.
“It was about staying connected, even when we were still in active ministry, we committed to taking time off,” Father Doyle said.
And the travel enhanced their sense of support in one another, he said.
Father Tom Knoblach, diocesan vicar for clergy, noted that while priests continue to support one another in ministry, the importance of genuine fraternity has become increasingly clear, especially during times of transition.
“Priestly friendships do not diminish but enhance each one’s availability to minister to many with a deeper sense of self, of belonging and of confidence,” Father Knoblach said. “Everyone needs friends to flourish, and priests are no different in this need.”
Since 2000, this group of friends has intentionally celebrated each other’s birthdays, in addition to their regular gatherings. Even after they retired, they still got together regularly on almost a weekly basis, usually on Mondays, Father Doyle said.
And now that they all live at Speltz House, a diocesan independent-living residence for retired priests, it is easier to keep in touch. And though the intention there is not to take care of each other, they check in regularly, eat together and pray together.
“It’s a real blessing to live here,” Father Zimmerman said. “We have a lot of things that are not in a regular apartment building. We have a chapel, a library and we’ve got meal service available.”
The classmates have sometimes been called the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” or the “Four Musketeers,” but Father Zimmerman describes their relationship in terms of fraternity, more like a “Band of Brothers.”
“Brothers don’t always get along or agree on everything, but that fraternal bond of care is a strong one,” he said. “We definitely don’t have the same interests or hobbies. I am not a golfer, but I would spend any day on a state park hiking trail or getting a boat into the water.”
Priestly friendships allow them to be transparent with their trusted colleagues, find healthy relaxation together, be rooted in prayer and, at times, challenged in their common calling to become who God created them to be, Father Knoblach added.
“I believe we know we can count on each other and that certainly contributes to good and strong and lasting friendships,” Father Baltes said. “We enjoy each other’s company but also have other friendships and interests outside the three of us. All this contributes to good friendships.”
Their camaraderie requires coordinating busy calendars and making time with intention. While it may not have taken precedence over pastoral responsibilities, it remains an essential commitment — one that supports their personal health and well‑being and, perhaps most importantly, fosters holiness.
“Over the last 50+ years, the four of us (now only three) did create a bond between us,” Father Doyle said. “We are very different, each with different interests, but solidly connected to each other in a way like no other. Through the years I have appreciated the friendship of others, but I do take special interest in our ‘class’ [at Saint John’s] and sadly miss that [Father] Bob is no longer with us.”
Great article! I grew up in Freeport with Bob Rolfes and we spent time together having fun as kids. I also knew him as a priest but didn’t get to see him very often. Wish I would have made more of an effort to stay in touch. In recent years before his death I tried to reach out but we never connected. Just a good reminder not to put things off until tomorrow!
Thank you all for your service to the St Cloud Diocese! Cliff Borgerding
I know these guys. They are happy all the time, even when no one is taking their picture. They have a purpose in life !!!!!