Bishops of the 
Diocese of La Crosse

Bishop Gerard  W. Battersby

Bishop Gerard W. Battersby

ELEVENTH Bishop

Installed: May 20, 2024
Served: 2024 – present

Bishop Emeritus William  Patrick Callahan

Bishop Emeritus William Patrick Callahan

TENTH Bishop

Installed: Aug. 11, 2010
Served: 2010-2024
Motto: “We Adore You, Christ”

Bishop Jerome  E. Listecki

Bishop Jerome E. Listecki

NINTH Bishop

Installed: March 1, 2005
Served: 2004-2009
Motto: “Life Is Christ”

Bishop  Raymond Burke

Bishop Raymond Burke

EIGHTH Bishop

Installed: Feb. 22, 1995
Served: 1995-2004
Motto: “According To Your Heart”

Bishop  John J. Paul

Bishop John J. Paul

SEVENTH Bishop

Installed: Dec. 5, 1983
Served: 1983-1994
Died: March 5, 2006
Motto: “Charity With Faith”

Bishop  Frederick W. Freking

Bishop Frederick W. Freking

SIXTH Bishop

Installed: Feb. 24, 1965
Served: 1965-1983
Died: Nov. 28, 1998
Motto: “I Confide In You”

Bishop  John P. Treacy

Bishop John P. Treacy

FIFTH Bishop

Succeeded: Aug. 25, 1948
Served: 1948-1964
Died: Oct. 11, 1964
Motto: “God Is Love”

Bishop Alexander J.  McGavick, D.D.

Bishop Alexander J. McGavick, D.D.

FOURTH Bishop

Installed: March 21, 1922
Served: 1922-1948
Died: Aug. 25, 1948
Motto: “Lift Up Your Hearts”

 Bishop William R. Griffin

Bishop William R. Griffin

AUXILIARY BISHOP

Installed: March 9, 1935
Served: 1935 – 1945
Died: March 18, 1945

Bishop James Schwebach

Bishop James Schwebach

THIRD Bishop

Installed: Feb. 25, 1892
Served: 1892-1921
Died: June 6, 1921
Motto: Unknown

Bishop Kilian C. Flasch

Bishop Kilian C. Flasch

SECOND Bishop

Installed: Sept. 1, 1881
Served: 1881-1891
Died: Aug. 3, 1891
Motto: “The Love Of Christ”

Bishop Michael Heiss

Bishop Michael Heiss

FIRST Bishop

Served: 1868 – 1880
Installed: September 6, 1868
Died: March 26, 1890
Motto: “Grace and Peace”