Larry grew up in Hastings, where his love of people, sports, and life first took root. He attended St. John’s University, earning his bachelor’s degree before pursuing his calling in healing at Life Chiropractic College. For more than 47 years, Larry served as a chiropractor, dedicating his life to helping others feel better physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His patients often shared that he healed far more than their backs he lifted their spirits. Larry believed deeply that “every day is a great day”, and he shared that positive energy with everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Larry possessed an extraordinary gift: when you were with him, you felt truly loved. His warmth, kindness, and unselfish nature made people feel seen and valued. He taught countless life lessons simply through the way he lived – with gratitude, faith, and an unwavering appreciation for every moment.

Larry loved sports and spent many happy hours playing golf and tennis. He also loved entertaining and cooking for friends and family, filling his home with laughter and connection. One of his greatest joys was spending time at Bishop Lake, where he could often be found out on the water with a smile on his face, sharing the beauty and peace of the lake with those he loved.

Above all else, Larry’s greatest pride and deepest love was his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Jackie Franklin, his children and their families: Shawn and Angie Reuter with children Caleb, Caelan and Colt; Nathan and Michelle Reuter with children Wyatt and Lauren: Kriya and Beau Benich with their children Wade, Bree and Wynn; and Alicia and Trent Geisler with their children Isabel, Grant, Andrew and Hank. He is also survived by his siblings Sister Mary Reuter, Chuck Reuter, and Doug Reuter.

Larry’s faith in our Lord Jesus Christ guided his life and the way he treated others with grace, compassion, and contagious joy for others.

Those who knew Larry will remember him as someone who truly embodied love. His kindness, generosity of spirit, and ability to make every moment meaningful left a lasting impact on everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the love he shared so freely. Larry lived each day with joy, gratitude, and love and he reminded us all that every day truly is a great day.

The post In Memoriam ~ Larry Reuter ’69 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

On August 22,1959, Roger married the love of his life Nancy Boyd. They were the second couple to be united in marriage at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. They were blessed with three children Mike, Mary, and Tom. After the passing of Nancy’s father and stepmother in November of 1966, Roger and Nancy moved north to take over the resort operations of Boyd Lodge. Roger was a visionary, always looking for opportunities to expand and enhance the resort, with a simple goal of providing families the opportunity to make memories and experience the beauty of the lake country. In 1969, they were the first housekeeping resort to add an outdoor swimming pool. In 1972, they built tennis courts to further enrich the family vacation experience. Roger sought to expand Boyd Lodge in 1982 by adding additional townhouses, a decision that welcomed countless guests who would go on to become lifelong friends and a cherished part of their memories.

Throughout his resorting career Roger was deeply involved in the Minnesota Resort Association, where he was a longtime member and served on the Board of Directors, holding the role of President in 1976. He was honored and awarded Minnesota Resorter of the Year in 1985. His leadership extended to MN Heartland as both a board member and President. Roger also dedicated many years to the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and the Crosslake Chamber of Commerce serving as a member and board member in both organizations.

Roger’s commitment to his community extended well beyond his work in resorting. He was a founding member of Lakes State Bank and board member for 20 years. He also served on the board of St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. Roger was dedicated to local education and served two terms on the Pequot Lakes School Board. In March 2013, Roger and Nancy held the honor of Grand Marshal for the Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a role that reflected the deep respect and affection their community held for them. Above all, Roger was a devoted Christian. Roger was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a commitment he has maintained from 1959 until present. He was an active and faithful member of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. He dedicated his time to the stewardship of the church and enjoyed helping with weekly tasks such as counting money and mowing grass with the guys. Over his years, Roger served on the building committee, parish council, and urges us all to CARRY THE CROSS.

Blessed to have shared in his life are his wife of 66 years, Nancy, and their children: Michael (Ruth), Mary (Mike) and Tom; foster child, Sherri (Greg); foster daughter-in-law, Lilly; grandchildren: Rachel, Nicole (David), Christopher (Erin), Kelsie (Brad), Carley, Hunter, Danny, Abbey and Lydia; foster grandchildren: Rachael (Emil), Emily, Luke, Elizabeth and Travis (Angie); great-grandchildren: Aubrielle and Nora; foster great-grandchildren: Eilly, Mario, Elijah, Shepard, Hadassah, Sapphire, Vivian, Hugo, Calvin and Sofia; siblings: Guy (Eileen), Sr., Jean Schwieters, Glenn (Anne) and Fr. John Schwieters; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Roger was proceeded in death by his brother, Guy; sister in-law Eileen; and foster son, Rick.

Visitation will take place at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake on Friday, January 30, from 4:00–8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life and funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 31, also at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Interment will take place afterward, with a reception and time for fellowship to follow in the parish hall.

For those unable to attend, please join via the . If you have digital pictures you’d like to share with the family, please upload to  If you have stories or memories you’d like to share, please email to StoriesAboutRoger@gmail.com or use this link  as we will create a memory book.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Roger with a donation to the .

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.

The post In Memoriam ~ Roger Schwieters ’54 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

She married Jerry Bechtold on August 18, 1948, in Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Nashua, Montana. They settled on a farm near Rockville where they established Kipland Vale Dairy Farm and worked the farm side-by-side. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home and raised their family of 11 children, teaching them the value of hard work, parish and community involvement, and education.

LeMay was active in church and parish work her whole life and, in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, she advocated for lay participation in the Mass and parish. She was a lector and eucharistic minister, served on the Parish Council, and ran the prayer line until she was 98 years old. As the director of religious education in her parish for over 65 years, she taught classes on scripture and the sacraments for all adults, recruited and trained religious education teachers and aides, and involved parents in the CCD classes. She taught Confirmation and First Communion classes for generations-using Penance and Communion textbooks she wrote and published.

LeMay was active in the Christian Mothers, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and the National Council of Catholic Women, serving in various roles, including president and keynote speaker at national conventions. She was the St. Cloud Diocesan Pastoral Council executive secretary for several years. She and her husband Jerry were active in the National Catholic Rural Life Conference and co-chaired the St. Cloud Diocesan Rural Life Committee, which hosted the National Rural Life Convention in 1968.

In 1969, LeMay was named to the Advisory Board of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Committee on Women in Church and Society. In this role, she advised American bishops for many years, advocating for lay participation in church and parish life and for justice for women, children, and families. In 1995, she completed the Certificate of Pastoral Associate, became the Pastoral Associate for Rockville parish, and served until 2016, leading daily Communion Services for the parish.

LeMay worked at St. John’s Abbey Liturgical Press over 30 years, serving as editor of Celebrating the Eucharist, The Loose-Leaf Lectionary, and The Guide for Prayers of the Faithful and Selected Hymns. In 1973, she earned her MA in Theology from the Graduate School of Theology at St. John’s University. She spoke locally and nationally on scripture, lay involvement in the liturgy and parish, and women in the church. Knowledgeable and well-read, LeMay was a fine scripture scholar herself.

Over the years, she was recognized in the parish, the diocese, and nationally for her work in the church. In 1973, she received the College of St. Benedict Outstanding Alumna Award. As LeMay reflected on her life in her last weeks, she said, “I hope and trust that I used all the talents God gave me through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

LeMay loved the family farm and did farm and field work for years; she kept the farm books into her 97th year. She had a huge vegetable garden and taught her children to can and preserve food. Using her trusty weed-whacker, she kept her rock and flower gardens going well into her 90s. She loved to read and often read a book a day.

LeMay warmly welcomed everyone into her home. She loved visiting and playing games with her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her bread-baking days and her apple pies with the best crust ever. Whatever LeMay did, she did energetically and whole-heartedly, and she was the heart of the Bechtold family.

LeMay is survived by her children, Karen (Bernie Koltes), and their children: Patrick, Brian (children: Noah, Madison, McKenna), James (Sally) (children: Abigail, Michaela (Luke Mullen) (children: Simon, Henry), Shawn (Toni) (child: Lexi), Heidi (Mario Lopez), and Holly (Kyle Poepping); Brigid; Barbara (John Tomaro), and their children: Londi (Aaron Holmes) (children: Wilder, Moxie), Samuel (Julie) (children: Rylee, Noah), Alicia (children: Hank, Corb); Stephen and his children: Teresa (James Hietala) (child: Aubrey), Thomas (Lauren), Paul (Lucia), Joseph; Mary Ruth; Mark; Joyce, and her children: Shane (Erin Hecner), Cole, Sage; Timothy (Karen Knudsen), and their children: Stellan, Bente. She is survived by sisters-in-law Laura Wagner, Dixie Wagner, Marie Bechtold, and Monica Bechtold and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome, in 2013, her sons Michael in 1973, Gregory in 2020, and Roger in 2020, her grandson, Mark Tomaro in 2022, and great-grandson, Waylon Beard in 2008, her nine siblings: Mary Margarette (Les) Hanson, Therese Ann, J.F. (Arlys), Damaris (Phil) Boerschinger; Hugh (Lois), Phillip (Mary Ann), Richard (Pearl), Roger, and David; her in-laws, Dolores (Leander) Meyer, Rosemary (Bob) Warnert, Phil Bechtold, Cletus Bechtold, and Alphonse (Betty) Bechtold.

The post In Memoriam ~ LeMay Wagner Bechtold appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Dick met the girl of his dreams, Rita M. Neeb, Sophomore year at St. John’s University and married Rita on June 12, 1954, in Sanborn, MN.

Dick graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in June 1957 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree.

In July 1957, Dick entered the U.S. Army Dental Corp. as a 1st Lieutenant, at Ft. Carson, CO. He received an honorable discharge in January 1958. He established a private dental practice in St. Cloud, MN, and not only treated, but became friends with many patients. He retired from his practice August 1, 1993.

Dick was active on the staff of the St. Cloud Hospital and chairman of the committee that built the Dental Assisting school at the St. Cloud Vocational Technical College (“Vo-Tech”). He served a term as a member of the advisory board for St. Ben’s High School and St. John’s Prep. As a member of the state Dental Association, he served on the board of trades and Labs and as a chairman of the West Central District Peer review committee. While a Dentist, Dick and Rita provided dental care through missionary service in Guatemala.

He was the charter president of the St. Cloud Chapter of Sertoma International and a lifetime member since 1961. He also served as District Secretary and Treasurer for the Club.

Dick obtained his pilot’s license in August 1965. He then upgraded his license to include commercial and instrument single engine land and sea ratings and held endorsements for skis and complex aircraft. He was a charter member of the St. Cloud Senior Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Squadron and served as a Commander. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and was proud to have flown over 175 youngsters under the Young Eagles program, including grandchildren. He enjoyed many fly-in breakfasts with friends. He loved the freedom and solitude of flying the blue sky until his last flight in July 2016.

Dick enjoyed years of deer, duck, and pheasant hunting with family and friends. He hunted large game in Alaska. He and Rita loved fall fishing on the Gunflint Trail. He spent memorable days with friends and family fishing in northern MN, Canada, Alaska, and on the Mississippi River. The family spent summers at the “Schaefer Cavity” cabin on Grand Lake near Rockville, MN. He commuted 22 miles to and from work by motorcycle on fair weather days. Dick and Rita, and more recently Dick and Geri, traveled extensively to multiple international and U.S. destinations and local venues, where they made new friends and have treasured memories.

Dick was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and a lector in his earlier years.

Richard is survived by his special friend and companion of 11 years, Geri Blais, of Sartell. His children; Laura Garland, Woodbury; Paula (Patrick) McCarthy, St. Paul; Julie (Mark) Toskey, Eden Prairie; Sue (Joe) McNamara, Apple Valley; Tom (Maryann) Schaefer, Maplewood; Mary Schaefer, Ken Caryl, CO; Tim Schaefer, Santa Rosa, CA; Ted Schaefer, USA; Joy (Tony) Harris, La Jolla, CA; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by Rita, his wife of 58 years (January 17, 2013), his parents, and sister, Carol Haight, and son-in-law Kerry Garland.

A special thank you from the family to the St. Cloud Hospital Hospice nursing staff, especially Stephanie, Jolene, Dean, and Brenda, for the exceptional care they gave to Richard.

Mass of Christian burial celebrating the life of Richard G. Schaefer, age 94 of Sartell, will be at 10:30 am Monday, February 16, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. There will be a visitation at 9:30 am prior to the service at the church. Father Tim Baltes will officiate with a reception following. A private family interment will be at Assumption Cemetery. Richard died peacefully in his home on January 4. Arrangements are being made by the Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes.

Memorials are preferred to the Poor Clares Monastery, Sauk Rapids, MN, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sartell, MN.

The post In Memoriam ~ Richard “Dick” Schaefer ’49 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Pete graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in Collegeville, MN in 1947. He served in the  and was a member of the Chosin Few, an organization reuniting allied survivors of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in Nov-Dec 1950. Pete was a member of Hugo American Legion Post 620 for 70 years, and for many years volunteered on a Rifle Squad Unit participating in military funerals at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. He worked a variety of jobs and farmed part time; Pete realized a lifetime dream of farming full-time, which he did for 20 years until retiring.

Preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jean and son-in-law, Joe; siblings, Cecilia, Margaret, Yvonne, Georgianna, and Gary. 

He is survived by his wife, Norma, the love of his life for 72 years; children, Deb (John) Clarke, Bill (Bonnie), John (Cindy), Sue (Ethan) Lang; 11 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

A special thanks to the staff at Waverly Gardens for their exceptional care.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Saturday, August 23 at St. Genevieve Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Rd., Centerville, MN. Visitation at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM Saturday, August 23. Interment St. Genevieve Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to the  or the .

The post In Memoriam ~ Pierre “Pete” Nadeau ’47 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Paul was the youngest of four children born to Matthias Diemert and Elise (Anderson) Diemert. He is preceded in death by his older siblings, Helen Diemert, Raymond Diemert, and Lila (Diemert) McDermott. 

Paul was married for 61 years to Joyce (Aune) Diemert, until the time of her death on January 8, 2018. Paul and Joyce had five children: Kathleen Diemert Bowers (born 1957), Mark Diemert (born 1958), Mary Diemert Tarpley (born 1962, married to Jeff Tarpley), Barbara Diemert Mendoza (born 1964, married to Phill Mendoza, and died in 2023) and Angela Diemert Lehto (born 1968, previously married to Gary Lehto). Grandchildren include: Brian Joseph Bowers (1977), Michele Joyce Bowers (1979), Lisa Marie Bowers (1981), Anne Catherine Bowers (1995), Robert Morrell (1981), Tony Morrell (1983), Jeffrey Tarpley (1994), Marissa Mendoza, Josselyn Mendoza, Tiffany Natasha (Tgrudzinski) Baker (1993), Travis Jay Tgrudzinski (1994), David Paul Lehto (1997), and Dean Alan Lehto (1999). In addition, Paul had 10 nieces and nephews, many of whom have children and grandchildren of their own. 

Paul was a graduate of a Benedictine high school, St John’s Preparatory School in Collegeville, Minnesota, and a Navy veteran. He had his first job in his family business, Diemert’s Farm Implement, in Buffalo ND, where he worked alongside his father, Matthias Diemert and his brother, Raymond Diemert. In 1963, Paul moved his young family of four from North Dakota to “sunny” California to work on the tunnels and dams of California’s statewide water project. His first job in California was with the Canadian firm, McNamara Construction Company, where he served as a purchasing agent for tunnels under construction near Downieville CA, followed by purchasing work for the Oroville Dam construction project near Chico, CA. Next he moved his growing family of six to Glendora CA and then Upland CA as he worked for JF Shea Construction Company, a major builder of roads, bridges and dams. By the time he left JF Shea in 1978, Paul was serving concurrent vice presidencies in new JF Shea satellite companies he helped start, Reed Gunite and Contractors’ Warehouse, as well as playing a supporting role in the new Shea Homes, and a continuing role in parent company, JF Shea. In Upland, Paul and Joyce’s family grew to seven. Following his time with JF Shea, Paul worked for Allentown Gunite and Shotcrete Plus, which he started and ran with a group of investors. 

After Paul retired and the children were grown, Paul and Joyce lived in Clearlake Oaks, CA Keizer, OR and Mt. Angel, OR. In Clearlake Oaks, Paul and Joyce played various roles in the community to support people in need. He also visited the sick, delivering communion to those who were unable to attend Mass. Paul was a devout Catholic who loved to learn about and share his faith and had at times served as a deacon.

In his younger years, Paul’s focus was being an excellent provider for his growing family. An avid fisherman in his early retirement years, Paul loved a good fish story as much as a good joke. He was a great teller of stories.

Paul’s family members are grateful to everyone who helped care for him in his final years.

The post In Memoriam ~ Paul Diemert ’51 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Born in Bismarck, North Dakota to Almont ‘Shorty’ Femrite and Mary ‘Babe’ (née Towne) Femrite. Fuzzy grew up across the river in Mandan, ND. He attended St. Joseph grade school and then moved to Collegeville, MN to attend St. John’s Preparatory School. He graduated in June of 1969 and then attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA where he received his Bachelors of Science in Anthropology in 1974. Upon graduation, Fuzzy began working for the Archaeology Lab investigating the land surrounding the Saylorville Dam build. In 1976 Fuzzy packed up his woman, dog & cat in his Power Wagon to see the western USA and Canada. A year later, he returned to Ames and began 40 plus years working for the Ames Public Works Department as a surveyor and construction supervisor. After 30 years together, Fuzzy married Jean Brett in November 2002. Fuzzy enjoyed fishing, golfing, taking drives with Jean to see the countryside while listening to audio books and Celtic music, and traveling to many many national parks.

Fuzzy was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, aunt and siblings, Mary (Tom) Jentges, Tom Femrite & Leah (Dan) O’Connor. He is survived by his wife, Jean, brother-in-law, Tom Jentges, 3 lovely nieces, 2 nephews, 10 great nieces and nephews as well as a group of very close friends.

A Celebration of Life is to be held at a later date.

The post In Memoriam ~ William “Fuzzy” Femrite ’69 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Jim passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on May 19, 2025.

Jim was born to Matt and Ann Borgestad, and raised on St. Paul’s Rice Street. From 1960-68, he attended Saint John’s Prep and University, in Collegeville, MN, where he captained the hockey and tennis teams.

Thereafter “Herr B” taught German in Montgomery, MN. A Fulbright Scholar, Jim went on to complete MA and PhD studies in Speech-Communication at the University of Minnesota. He also earned a JD degree at William Mitchell College of Law.

From 1976-1998, he served as “Special Assistant to the President” under five University of Minnesota presidents and as an Associate in the Office of the General Counsel.

He was intellectually curious, or as he would say, “I’ll have to check that out,” whether an idea, or a book, or a fishing lure. The original “Borgie” positively impacted the lives of so many and will be missed by all. Thank you for everything, Uncle Jimbo.

Jim is survived by his special companion, Charlene Thoemke, and brothers, Jack Borgestad and Bob Borgestad.

Memorial services will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the , 7179 74th Street Court South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

The post In Memoriam: James “Jim” Borgestad ’64 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Rick grew up in La Crosse. He attended St. John’s Preparatory School in Collegeville, MN and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee.

In 1957, Rick moved to Fond du Lac where he was employed by Sears Roebuck and Co. Here he met his “buddy,” Mary Ann Kohlman. They were married on April 4, 1959 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fond du Lac. For more than 30 years, Rick was employed at A.C. Nielsen Co.

Rick served as Secretary-Treasurer of Lakeside Evening Kiwanis Club and as President in 1978. That summer, the “World’s Largest Fish Fry” was initiated when Fond du Lac held its first Walleye Weekend. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 664 and a past Grand Knight. He belonged to Holy Family Catholic Community, Sacred Heart Church. At Sacred Heart, Rick was actively involved in liturgical ministries, parish council, faith formation and fundraising.

Rick is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann; children, Susan (Dwight) Nett of Stoughton, WI, Kathy (John) Ormberg of Brooklyn Park, MN, Rick (Cathy) Volz of Springboro, OH, Judi (Rick) Stoegbauer of Fond du Lac, WI, David (Christie) Volz of Sun Prairie, WI; grandchildren, Erica (Abdul) Sesay, Kristen Nett, Nicole (Jon) Killian, Maria (Jonah) Allen, Johnny (Kenzie) Ormberg, Richie (Alex) Volz, Casey (Joe) Luers, Ricky Stoegbauer, Jerard Stoegbauer, Elizabeth Volz, Veronica Volz; and by his great-grandchildren, Zenia, Rhett and Baby Killian, Richard Jeffrey “RJ” Volz, and Margot Sesay.

He is further survived by his sister, Mary (Robert) Kachel; sister-in-law, Patricia (Donald) Kohlman as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert and Bernard G. Volz; sister-in-law, Shirley (Robert) Volz; brother-in-law, Robert (Mary) Kachel; parents-in-law Bernard and Gertrude Kohlman; brothers-in-law Donald and Lawrence Kohlman; and sister-in-law, Bernice (Lawrence) Kohlman and two infant nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E Division St., Fond du Lac. A second visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 S. Peters Ave, Fond du Lac. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 10:00 AM. A privately-held inurnment will take place in the Chapel of the Risen Christ, at Calvary Mausoleum.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Springs Academy, St. Francis de Sales Seminary Inaugural Campaign Fund, or the Hospice Home of Hope.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the Hospice Home of Hope for their compassionate care.

The post In Memoriam ~ Richard C. Volz ’49 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

After his school years at Sacred Heart School in Freeport from 1939–1947, a parish of Saint John’s Abbey, Roger attended Saint John’s Preparatory School.  Graduating in 1951 he enrolled that fall in Saint John’s University.  He loved his music appreciation course and claimed thereafter to listen only to classical music.  He praised the liberal arts curriculum since, as he said, “it teaches us to appreciate life in a whole new way.”

Before completing a B.A. in philosophy and classical languages in 1956, Roger became a monk of Saint John’s Abbey. He entered the novitiate in 1953 and professed his first monastic vows on July 11, 1954.  Continuing divinity studies at Saint John’s, Father Roger was ordained to the priesthood in 1960 at Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Saint Cloud.  An appointment in the field of education required study over several summers at the University of Saint Thomas where Father Roger earned his M.A. in school administration in 1968.  Pastoral work in hospital ministry later required him to earn a certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), which he was awarded in 1989 from the University of Indiana Hospitals in Indianapolis.

After ordination, Father Roger served as pastor, educator, and school administrator.  As associate pastor and high school teacher at Saint Bernard’s Parish, Saint Paul, from 1960–1962, he was initially terrified by this assignment because “I was a small country boy getting sent to a huge city.”  As a missionary priest and monk from 1962 to 1967, he taught English, reading, math, religion, and science at the Colegio San Antonio Abad in Humacao, Puerto Rico, where he was later (1965–1967) school principal.  Returning to Saint John’s in 1967, Father Roger served for a year as an admissions counselor for Saint John’s University.  His next assignment was as Director of Church and Civic Services for Saint John’s Abbey and University from 1968–1974, and then as the Director of the Parents Program at Saint John’s University from 1975–1977.

Father Roger served as Executive Secretary of the Alumni Association for Saint John’s University from 1976–1981. He was appointed chaplain for Saint John’s University from 1981–1984, in his own words, “one of the best assignments that I have had.”  He transitioned to hospital chaplaincy as Director of the Spiritual Care Department at Saint Cloud Hospital from 1985–1999, a job he subsequently described as “great work and a good fit for my talents.”  His most recent assignment was as chaplain at that hospital (1999-2022). 

Father Roger loved humor and puns.  Referring to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the “angelic doctor” of the Church, who was required reading in the seminary, he commented, “Aquinas was much more underlined than understood!”  He was also a history buff who had special interests in the Civil War and World War II.

Father Roger was a sensitive listener who considered his chaplaincy work as an extension of the Benedictine tradition of hospitality.   “We treat as Christ all who are ill and give ease in time of dis-ease.”  In his article “Care for the Sick” in 2012, we gain a profound glimpse into Father Roger’s caregiving philosophy: “Whether one-to-one or sacramental, the encounter is always sacred.  It is hugely gratifying to bring to hurting people a God who is incredibly generous, loving, and forgiving.  Sometimes it is the first time a person has met such a God.”

Always an engaging person, Father Roger enjoyed community gatherings and welcoming guests, especially people in need.  His outgoing personality and ready humor were enjoyable and instructive. 

Father Roger died on April 21, 2025 in the abbey health center. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Sally Botz, Richfield, Minnesota, and the community of Saint John’s Abbey.  The monks, family, and friends will receive the body at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 25 and celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial for Father Roger at 10:00 am on Saturday April 26 in Saint John’s Abbey and University Church, with interment in the abbey cemetery.

The post In Memoriam ~ Father Roger Botz ’51 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.