The post Alumni Newsletter Fall 2025 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

The post Alumni Newsletter Summer 2025 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

The scholastic wing and the dormitory are the first two completed buildings of a larger complex planned by the architect for the St. John’s Preparatory School. The group of Benedictine monks who operate the school are members of St. John’s Abbey, which also conducts a university and staffs a major seminary at Collegeville, Minnesota (USA). In order to preserve the unity of the Benedictine community and not to duplicate housing facilities for the teachers, the preparatory school was to be built within walking distance of the monastery and the abbey church. Such a close proximity would permit the use of common services and utility lines, but it also raised a distinct possibility of offending the ear and eye. The noisy exuberance of schoolboys could have disturbed the contemplative serenity of monastic quarters, and a divergent style could have introduced a discordant note into the architectural ensemble designed by Marcel Breuer. The architect skillfully avoided both pitfalls. By setting the preparatory school onto a wooded hillside just east of the main campus he achieved the necessary visual separation and provided an effective muffling of sound.

The scholastic wing presently contains small classrooms for teaching and large study halls in which each boy has a desk for individual work. Adjacent to the study halls are offices where prefects and teachers counsel single students. Traffic flows easily in orderly fashion through a wide central stairway which connects the four levels of classrooms and study halls, terraced into the hill. The fifth level on top of the hill and a future sixth level will accomodate the science department and the administration.

The dormitory building houses a dormitory not at all typical for a private American high school, since it does not have individual rooms and is used for sleeping only. The huge open split-level area is divided into eight sections or bays of sixty beds each, with rows of wardrobe lockers serving as dividers. Each bay is further sec-tioned into groups of four beds by means of six and eight-foot partitions made of dark oak and laminated white plastic panels. Four stations for prefects (one for each 120 beds) are located ted within the boys quarters. There is an easy access to beds and lockers, the showers to the north, and the rooms of resident prefects to the south by way of a central bridge which divides the building longitudinally. Both buildings utilize the slope for direct egress on several levels, and in general cling to the existing terrain. The placement of the buildings on the south side of the hill protects them from prevailing northwestern winds and makes use of solar heat in winter. Projecting vaults over the classroom windows and the brise-soleil of the dormitory shield the interior from excessive heat in the summer. Only a minimal amount of openings penetrate the east and west walls, which step down the hill. It is in these walls that panels of exposed concrete were molded into iconographic reliefs by the Polish-American artist Bronislaw Bak.

The monastic simplicity of cylindrical shells, more than a hundred of which cover the scholastic wing is a product of repetitive use of a few primitive plywood forms. The rythmic articulation of concrete walls is only a pattern of grooves which denotes the joints between pouring sequences. The splayed columns and trapezoidal beams are shapes which permit an easy lowering of re-usable formwork for the hyperbolic paraboloids of the dormitory. Even the orizontal granite courses which interlace the long concrete block walls of the interior serve an utilitarian function of eliminating otherwise unavoidable shrinkage cracks. Throughout the project the architect sought to use logical simple unconcealed materials and derive his forms from the most economical methods of construction.

The timeless virtues which the Benedictine monks endeavor to impart to their charges: faith, simplicity of life, and dedication to work found an appropriate architectural frame.

Michelson, Val.  “”&�Բ�����;Lotus: Architectural Annual (pp. 198-205). Milan, Italy: B. Alfieri, 1965.

Visit to learn more about the recent updates to Saint Michael Hall.

The post A History of Saint Michael Hall 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.

As author and illustrator of “Francis, the Comic Strip,” Marrin published nearly 1,400 images in the National Catholic Reporter over the course of several years. Pat credits the comic strips he read as a kid with forming his “basic sense of truth and justice, right and wrong, heroism and cowardice.” Having gained a sense of morality from the medium, it comes as no surprise that he jumped at the chance to explore Francis’s papal legacy through a comic of his own.

To learn more about Pat Marrin ’63 and explore the archives of “Francis, the Comic Strip” visit https://www.ncronline.org/authors/pat-marrin.

The post Pat Marrin ’63 bids farewell to Pope Francis and the comic strip he inspired appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

“Carmen Fernholz has long been a leader in Minnesota’s farming community” writes the University of Minnesota. “He established A-Frame Farm in Madison, Minnesota, in 1972, and is an organic farming pioneer, first certifying organic in 1975. In 1992, Fernholz was a founding member of the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) and he has testified at the Minnesota Legislature numerous times to advocate for sustainable agriculture. From the beginning of his farming career, he has focused on soil conservation and water quality and he continues to be a highly sought mentor by other producers.”

Please join us in congratulating Fernholz on being named the 2025 recipient of the Siehl Award for production agriculture!

Want to learn more about Carmen Fernholz ’61 and A-Frame Farms? Visit the .

The post Carmen Fernholz ’61 named 2025 Siehl Prize Recipient 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.

Saint John’s Prep Head of School Jon McGee is among the Catholic school educators who will be honored on April 25 by Saint John’s University. He’s one of eight SJU Johnnies who lead Catholic high schools in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Mr. McGee will receive the Colman J. Barry Award for Distinguished Contributions to Religion and Society. This honor is given each year “to those who believe and demonstrate that service to others, in its expansion of human understanding and extension of social justice, comprises the best in human achievement.”

Mr. McGee is honored to be a part of such an outstanding group of educators-most of whom he as met and shared ideas with while working collaboratively for promoting Catholic and independent schools.

Mr. McGee and his family will take part in the Saint John’s Day dinner on campus on April 25. You can read more about this honor and all of the educators who will be recognized in the Sprin 2025 issue of

Congratulations Mr. McGee!

The post Head of School Jon Mcgee receives SJU Colman j. Barry Award appeared first on Saint John's Prep.