Msgr. James Habiger, who worked in Campus Ministry and endowed an institute in Catholic Studies in honor of his parents, died of natural causes Tuesday at age 85.

Habiger, who came to St. Thomas in 1980 and lived in the priests’ residence until last month, was a champion of Catholic social justice issues, primarily as the executive director of Minnesota Catholic Conference for 15 years.

Habiger, who was ordained as a priest in 1951, served as House Chaplain in the Minnesota Legislature from the late ‘80s into the ‘90s.

“He believed very strongly in the dignity of the human person,” Doug Hennes, vice president for university and government relations, said.

Hennes said funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15, in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, with visitation starting at 9 a.m.

Caroline Rode can be reached at rode8318@stthomas.edu.