The following information about the Fathers from the Second Edition of the Society of the Divine Savior, "On Whose Shoulders We Stand", published 2005. Salvatorian Archives, 2506 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213-1135
Collection compiled by Michael R. Hoffman SDS
Submitted by Bob Domagalski, contact information on contributors page.
FATHER EDWARD DE BRUIN SDS Born September 7, 1927 - Died March 26, 2001 Father Edward De Bruin (birth name: Leo Joseph) was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, in 1927. He attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, and then entered the Society's Novitiate there in 1946. During the year, the Novitiate moved to Menominee, Michigan, where he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1947. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Catholic University in Washington, DC, and was ordained in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 6, 1953. He served as teacher, dean of students, and then principal of Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey; and as Director of Education for the province, while working at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland. In September 1967 he was elected Provincial. During his six years in office, the province went through its most difficult period of the 20th century. Tough decisions needed to be made because of the province's financial reorganization, and the Church was experiencing a great exodus from the priesthood and religious life. Fr. Edward led the province with a strong but gentle hand through the difficulties. At the completion of his terms, he entered into hospital ministry in Arizona, where he remained until 1994, the last four of which were in retirement. While there, he also served as the province's Novice Master, and on the Formation Commission. He moved to Jordan Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1994, and then to St. Mary's Home in Manitowoc in 1998. He died there peacefully on March 26, 2001, and he was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. In "The Moment of Grace," the two-volume study of the history of the USA Province, it states, "As Provincial, Fr. Edward galvanized the community to face the twin challenges of financial collapse and internal renewal...The universal love and gratitude his confreres felt for him was movingly expressed at the 1992 Centennial Convocation when the mention of his name provoked a long standing ovation, and tears on the part of more than a few - this more than twenty years after he had laid down the burdens of office." He will always be remembered fondly for his courage and his dedication to the Society and its members. ******** With compassion for his family and friends and with supreme confidence in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Society of the Divine Savior announces the death of Father Edward (Leo) DeBruin. Father Edward (Leo) DeBruin was born in Two Rivers to Aloysius and Dorothy DeBruin. He was one of five children (two boys, three girls). He attended St. Mark’s School in Two Rivers before entering Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz in 1941. After completing high school and one year of the junior college program, he entered the Novitiate in St. Nazianz. During that year, the Novitiate moved to Menominee, Mich., where Father Edward made his First Profession of Vows. He completed his college and Theology studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in 1953. From then until 1965, he served as instructor, Dean of Studies, and Principal at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey. In 1965 he moved to Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, where he was Director of the Scholastics there as well as the President of the Salvatorian Education Association—an organization of all Salvatorian educators. While in Lanham, he also served as a member of the Provincial Board. In September, 1967, Father Edward became Provincial of the Province. During his six years of office, the Province went through its most difficult time in the twentieth century. The Province itself faced the difficult decisions associated with the reorganization and bankruptcy, and the Church was experiencing in a sizeable exodus of priests and religious from their communities and the ministries of the Church. Father Edward led the Province with a strong but gentle hand, working tirelessly for its survival, and for the emotional and spiritual support of the members who remained. After the ordeal of Provincial governance, Father Edward worked in a new ministry for him—hospital chaplaincy in Arizona until his ill health forced him to retire in 1990. He stayed in Arizona for four more years until he moved to Jordan Hall in 1994. In 1998, further complications in his health led to his last move—to St. Mary’s Home for the Aged in Manitowoc, where he lived until his death. Father Edward also had served the Province well in Formation ministry, being Director of Novices from 1985 to 1988, and remaining on the Formation Commission until 1993. Father Edward is survived by his mother, Dorothy DeBruin, who lives at St. Mary’s Home; his brother Timothy of Milwaukee; his sisters Catherine (Mrs. James) Kumbalek of Two Rivers, Mary Elaine Lyons of Arvada, Colo., and Edith (Mrs. Claude) Weier of Two Rivers. “Now, O Lord, you may dismiss your servant in peace. Your word has been fulfilled. I have seen with my own eyes your salvation.” Funeral services for Fr. Edward DeBruin SDS, were held at St. Mary’s Home for the Aged in Manitowoc, on Friday, March 30, 2001. Father Peter Schuessler SDS, Provincial, presided at the Liturgy. Fr. Paul Portland, SDS, former Provincial, preached the homily. Father Edward was buried in the Salvatorian Cemetery in St. Nazianz. Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to Father Edward’s sister, Mrs. Claude (Edith) Weier, 2924 38th St., Two Rivers, WI 54241. Herald Times Reporter, April 3, 2001 P. A6
FATHER JOHN JOSEPH DE GROOT SDS Born August 22, 1921 - Died September 2, 1985 Father John Joseph De Groot was born on August 22, 1921, in Escanaba, Michigan. He attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he completed his high school studies and the first two years of college. In 1941, he entered the Novitiate there, and the following year he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1942. He finished his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC, and he was ordained in St. Ambrose Chapel in St. Nazianz, on June 4, 1948. Following ordination, while continuing his studies at Marquette University in Milwaukee, he lived with the community at Mother of Good Counsel Parish and helped there when needed. In 1949, he returned to St. Nazianz, where he taught and was dean of studies. For six years, Father John was principal and teacher at Jordan High School in Milwaukee, after which he returned to St. Nazianz, as a teacher in the seminary, and also as the Superior and treasurer of the community. In 1982, he went to Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Kiel, as associate pastor for a year, and then he ministered in the Catholic Interparish Ministry in Chilton. He died very suddenly on Labor Day, September 2, 1985, the week that the community at St. Nazianz was readying to close its doors and move the retired members to new quarters in Milwaukee. He was buried in the community cemetery on Loretto Hill. An intelligent man and a gifted teacher, Fr. John was known for his dry wit and subtle humor. Friendly and warm, he was a ready listener, a humble priest, and a gentle leader. He had returned to his baptismal name, but for many years he was known in religious life by the name "Alban." ******** Rev. Fr. Alban DeGroot, of Northland, celebrated his first high mass following ordination into the Catholic priesthood at St. Nazianz seminary in Wisconsin in St. Joseph's church here Sunday at 9 am. Father Cletus LaMere S.D.S., a classmate of the newly ordained priest, served as deacon for the mass and Rev. Eugene Rousseau, OFM of Blanco, New Mexico, was sub-deacon. Rev. Fr. Alphonse Wilberding OFM, pastor of St. Joseph Church was assisting priest. Rev. Francis Gimski of St. Michael parish in Perronville, home pastor of Fr. DeGroot, delivered the sermon. Rev. Julian Rosseau of Park View, New Mexico, was master of ceremonies during the high mass. At 11:30 a banquet was served in the church basement with Rev. Eugene Rosseau as toastmaster. Speakers for the banquet were Fathers Cletus LaMere, S.D.S. , Francis Gimski, Alphonse Wilberding OFM, Julian Rosseau OFM, and Father Alban DeGroot. A reception was held in the church basement from 1 to 3 pm after which the newly ordained priest conducted benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Dinner was served to 125 guests at the family home in Northland. 250 guests were present for the church supper, served by the Altar Society. Music for the first mass of Father DeGroot was under direction of Miss Eva Cossette, church organist. The Singenberger Mass was sung with the Kyria by the chorus of the church and the Gloria by soloists Bernard Ammel and Sheridan LaChapelle. The Credo was by the following soloists, Miss Clarice Gleich, Mrs. John Greis, Mrs. Joseph Klinger, Frank Hirn and Earl Owen. The Franck Offectory music was sung by Bernard Ammel and the Sanctus by the choir. The Benedictus was a duet by Miss Doris Costley and Miss Clarice Gleich. the chorus sang the Agnus Dei and at Communion, Frank Hirn sang Guilmant's "Ave Verum." The Escanaba Daily Press - June 9, 1948 ******** Father John (Alban) DeGroot S.D.S., 64, of Chilton, died Tuesday morning, September 3, at his residence. Funeral services will be 7 pm. Friday at St. Charles Catholic Church, Charlesburg. Father Barry Griffin S.D.S. Provincial, will officiate with burial to follow at Salvatorian Community Cemetery, St. Nazianz. Father DeGroot was born August 22, 1921, at Northland, Michigan, son of the late Henry and Wilhelmina DeGroot. He was a graduate of Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz and received his philosophy and theologlical training at Divine Savior Seminary at Lanham, Maryland. Father DeGroot was a graduate of Catholic University in Washington D.C. He earned a Master of Education Degree from Marquette University where he also did graduate work in Physics and Mathematics. Following his orientation, he served at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee from 1948 to 1949. He then served the Salvatorian Seminary of St. Nazianz from 1949 to 1959 and again from 1965 to 1982. From 1959 to 1965 he served Jordan High School in Milwaukee. He was currently the pastor of St. Charles Catholic Church, Charlesburg and St. Martin Catholic Church, Charlestown. Survivors include a brother, Joseph of Northland, Michigan and two sisters, Sister Mary Alma DeGroot O.P. of Racine and Sister Oda Marie DeGroot O.P. of New Holstein. Friends may call at St. Charles Catholic Church, Charlesburg, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday afternoon and Friday from noon until the hour of service. Christianson-Deja Funeral Home of Valders is in charge of arrangements. Herald Times Reporter, September 4, 1985 P. 3
FATHER EPIPHANIUS DEIBELE SDS Born May 17, 1873 - Died November 6, 1936 Father Epiphanius Deibele (birth name: Albert) was born in Waeschenbeuren, Germany, in 1873. He entered the Novitiate of the Society in 1890 in Rome, Italy, and made his profession of vows on December 3, 1891. He received his theology degree from the Gregorian University, and a degree in Canon Law from the University of St. Apollinaris. In 1895, he was ordained a priest in the Lateran Basilica, and in the following year, he came to the United States with the Founder, Fr. Francis Jordan, and several others. The Founder appointed him as the first Superior of the new community in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. Fr. Epiphanius devoted his life to the development and growth of the Salvatorian community and its ministries. He also directed the remaining years of the original community founded by the late Fr. Ambrose Oschwald, which had also been placed under his care. In 1898, he built St. Ambrose Chapel and in 1908, the monastery building. Under his direction, Salvatorian Seminary flourished, fulfilling one of the greatest desires of the Founder. From 1909 to 1919, Fr. Epiphanius served as the first Provincial of the Anglo-American Province. Through the years, he was pastor of several parishes in the St. Nazianz area in addition to his work in the community. After forty years of dedicated and tireless ministry, he died following a lingering throat illness on November 6, 1936. His funeral Mass in St. Ambrose was attended by so many people that the chapel could not contain them all, so much was he loved by those who had come to know him. He was buried in the community cemetery on Loretto Hill. ******** Notes from St. Nazianz The Rev. Father E. Deibele S.D.S., pastor of St. Gregory's church for the past six and one-half years,, announced during mass Sunday that he would leave this week for the Salvatorian Monastery. He will be succeeded as pastor of St. Gregory's by the Rev. Fintan Holzknecht S.D.S. During the pastorate of the Rev. Father Diebele at St. Gregory's the church has been renovated throughout, including the altar and a new steam heating plant was installed. The cost of these changes totaled $18,000. Previous to his appointment as pastor of St. Gregory's church, he was superior of the Salvation Monastary for twenty-five years. He also was provincial of the American branch of the Salvatorian order for several years. At his departure there is the sum of $2,000 in the church treasury. The congregation is sorry to see Rev. Deibele leave the parish, but lives in hope that he might return some day. At the same time we extend to the Rev. Holzknecht our welcome. Manitowoc Pilot - Thurs., Feb. 3, 1927
FATHER JOSEPH DERKS SDS Born July 14, 1911 - Died August 8, 1994 Father Joseph Derks (birth name: Theophilus "Teddy" Anthony) was born in 1911 in Covington, Kentucky. His family moved to Kimberly, Wisconsin, just outside Appleton, when he was very small. He attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz for high school and the first two years of college, after which he entered the Society's Novitiate there in 1932. He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1933. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Catholic University in Washington, DC, where he was ordained to the priesthood in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 7, 1938. From 1939 to 1945, he was a teacher, Glee Club director, and athletic director in the seminary in St. Nazianz. In 1945 he was assigned as associate pastor of Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, and in 1953, he became pastor. He remained in this assignment until his retirement in 1983 - a total of thirty-eight years of ministry to the parish. In 1993, he moved to Jordan Hall, after having lived several years in an apartment with another Salvatorian priest. Diagnosed with cancer several months before his death, he moved to St. Mary's Nursing Home, where he died on August 8, 1944. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. A tall man with a stately demeanor, Fr. Joe is remembered for his tremendous dedication to his parish. He never lost sight of his call to serve, and to preach a gospel of love and forgiveness. He was a "hands-on" priest who enjoyed being involved in every aspect of parish life, from celebrating the sacraments to getting out and mowing the lawns. He was warm and outgoing, a down-to-earth man who gave witness to what he preached.
FATHER ROMUALD DIBBLE SDS Born June 5, 1919 - Died January 10, 1998 Father Romuald Dibble (birth name: Andrea Bernard) was born June 5, 1919, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received his high school education in Steuben, Washington, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He studied at the University of Chicago, the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and Marquette University in Milwaukee, before entering the Society's Novitiate in St. Nazianz in 1941. He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1942. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC, where he was ordained in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 10, 1947. From 1948 to 1953, he lived with the community in Lanham while pursuing advanced studies. During his years of ministry, Fr. Romuald was associate pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; guidance counselor and teacher at St. Mary's High School in Lancaster, New York; director of the Bishop Garrigan Retreat House in Sioux City, Iowa; teacher at Mother Mary Mission in Phenix, Alabama; teacher and spiritual director at Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha, Wisconsin; hospital chaplain in Phoenix, Arizona; associate pastor of St. Ann's Parish in Milwaukee; hospital chaplain in Tuscon, Arizona; and coordinator for Salvatorian Spirituality. For three years, he asisted at Holy Rosary Parish in New Holstein, when a diabetic condition began to become more aggressive. He semi-retired to the community at Mother of Good Counsel in Milwaukee, until 1989, when more supervised health care was required for his condition. He lived for a time at the Jordan House community in Milwaukee, then at St. Mary's Nursing Home, and finally at St. Mary's Home in Manitowoc, where he died on January 10, 1998. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Romuald is remembered as an intellectually brillian man who was also a gentle and pastoral priest. He was a man of joy and delghtful humor, who enjoyed the company of all people - both within and outside the community.
FATHER CYRIL DICKRELL SDS Dickrell, Fr. Cyril SDS Fr. Cyril Dickrell SDS, died August 6, 2011, at Alexian Village in Milwaukee. He was born August 19, 1927, in Elkhart Lake, WI, son of Jacob and Ermina (nee Deville) Dickrell. Professed Vows in the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) on September 8, 1947, and was ordained a priest on June 6, 1953. Ministered as college prefect and teacher at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, WI; Director of the Salvatorian Brother candidates in Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Menominee, MI. Parish priest at Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, AL; St. Pius X Church in Wauwatosa; St. Gregory's Church in St. Nazianz; St. Patrick's Church in Lebanon; Sacred Heart Church in Oshkosh; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Green Bay; Salvatorian Interparish Ministry in Chilton; All Saints Church in Denmark; Sacred Heart Church in Manawa; and Holy Trinity Church in School Hill. Also directed four-parish high school religious education program in the Neenah-Menasha area. Prededed in death by his parents and a sister, Seraphine Rach. Survived by brother, George Dickrell of New Holstein, numerous nieces and nephews, as well at his Brothers and Sisters in the Salvatorian Family. Funeral services on Friday, August 12, 2011, at St. Gregory's Church in St. Nazianz, WI: visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial follows in Salvatorian Cemetery on Loretto Hill in St. Nazianz. Schramka Funeral Home, Milwaukee Herald Times Reporter, August 10, 2011
BROTHER MODESTUS DIECKMANN SDS Born October 23, 1905 - Died May 6, 1981 Brother Modestus Dieckmann (birth name: Rudolf) was born in 1905 in Buelstrigen, Germany. He came from a farm family of nine children. After completing his elementary education and two years in an agriculture school, he joined the Society in Klausheide, and spent his Novitiate year in Sennelager. He made his profession of vows on Christmas Day in 1923. After two years of working on the community farm in Klausheide, he was sent to the United States in 1925, to St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he worked in the Publishing Department. Six years later, he was asked to be in charge of orchards and the many gardens on the monastery and seminary property. He supplied both the community and the seminary students with many vegetables and fruits until 1948, when he was assigned to work in the vineyard of the Motherhouse in Rome, Italy. He was there for seventeen years, and he met many Salvatorians from around the world who visited or lived in that community. In 1965, he returned to St. Nazianz as reflectorian and sacristan, and he once again worked in the numerous gardens and in the community cemetery. Bro. Modestus loved the outdoors and he made the grounds of the seminary and monastery a beautiful landscape of flowers, trees and shrubs. Known as a kind and gentle man who always had a smile, he died peacefully on May 6, 1981, and was buried in the cemetery he had taken care of for so many years. Among his personal possessions found after his death was a collection of poems he had written through the years, but kept them in the privacy of his own heart. One of those poems, one called "Keep Smiling," made its debut at his funeral liturgy. ******** Brother Modestus Dieckmann, 75, of Salvatorian fathers, St. Nazianz, died Wednesday afternoon, May 6, at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, JFK Prep, St. Nazianz. Burial will be in community Cemetery. Brother Dieckmann was born Oct. 23, 1905, at Buelstringen, Germany, son of the late Heinrich and Berta Klingberg Dieckmann. He entered the Order of Society of Divine Savior in 1922 at Germany. From 1926 to 1948, he was a resident of St. Nazianz. In 1948, he moved to Europe, returning to St. Nazianz in 1965. His main duties were farmer, maintenance and gardener. Survivors include a sister, Agnes Goetz of Germany. Friends may call at St. Ambrose Catholic Church Friday evening where a wake service will be at 7:30 p.m. Herald Times Reporter, May 7, 1981 P. 3
FATHER MICHAEL DILMORE SDS Born March 11, 1915 - Died July 26, 1987 Father Michael Dilmore (birth name: Paul Aloysius) was born in 1915 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He entered the Society in 1937 in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, after finishing his college and pholosophy studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1938. He continued with his theology studies at Catholic University in Washington, DC, and was ordained in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on December 19, 1941, barely two weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the country's entry into World War II. In his first assignment, he taught in the seminary in St. Nazianz, and ministered in parishes on the weekends. He then helped in the mission parishes in Oregon - Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Jordan, St. Bernard's Parish in Scio, and St. Thomas Parish in Jefferson, and at the same time he taught Latin and Physics in the local Catholic high school. For a time, he helped to raise funds for the Salvatorian Mission House in Elkton, Maryland, and then returned to teaching at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey; at Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan; at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin; and at Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha. For six years, he was engaged in pastoral work in the neighboring parishes around Menominee, Michigan, and was Superior of the community there. Then Fr. Michael served as chaplain at St. Joseph's- Lloyd Hospital in Menominee. In his final assignment, he was pastor of St. Therese's Parish in Carlsbad, Texas, when ill health forced him to retire. He moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where he remained until his death on July 26, 1987. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. A tall man with a deep bass voice, he is remembered as a dedicated teacher and a gentle minister who cared deeply for people.
FATHER ODO DISTEL SDS Born May 21, 1873 - Died December 7, 1934 Father Odo Distel (birth name: Francis Seraphicus) was born in Pfaffenhofen, Bavaria, in 1873. He entered the Society in 1893 when he was 21 years old. He made his profession of vows in 1896, and was ordained a priest in Rome, Italy, in 1900. After his ordination, he was sent to England to establish the first Salvatorian community there, and to found St. Joseph's Parish in Wealdstone. He was Superior of the new foundation for its first few years, and in 1904, he was assigned to the college in Hamont, Belgium, as a teacher. In May 1907, he was called back to Rome to do various tasks for the Superior General and the council, and in 1908 he returned to England. In November 1910, he was sent to the United States, to St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. For the next twenty-four years, Fr. Odo held numerous offices, such as consultor to the Provincial, local Superior, associate novice master and director of the Brother candidates, dean of discipline in the seminary, and teacher. As associate novice master for the Brothers and as their spiritual director for many years, they noted that he had a unique method of preaching only short sermons with words, but he spoke volumes by his example. One striking characteristic he instilled in those he taught was absolute fidelity to one's duty and one's call. He always seemed to be "the right person in the right place at the right time," and was respected by all who knew him. He died suddenly from a heart ailment while resting in his room, on December 7, 1934. Fr. Odo is remembered for his kindness and his exemplary manner of living religious life. Those who were guided by him through the years remember him as one of [the] saintliest people they ever knew. ******** REV. DISTEL IS HEART ATTACK VICTIM FRIDAY Seminary Secretary And High Official At St. Nazianz Was 61 Years Old Rev. Odo Distel, 61, first consultor and secretary of the Salvatorian seminary at St. Nazianz and holder of important offices in the Society of the Divine Savior for many years, died suddenly of a heart attack at the seminary Friday afternoon. Father Distel suffered a slight heart attack three days ago but after medical attention improved and was up and about the seminary attending to his official duties. Yesterday afternoon he retired to his room to rest and was stricken with a fatal heart attack. Funeral services for the priest, who had been at the St. Nazianz institution since 1910, will be held Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. from the seminary chapel. Following singing of the mass interment will be in the private cemetery of the society on the seminary grounds. Rev. Odo Distel was born in Bavaria, Germany in 1873 and following his early day schooling took up study for the priesthood. Joined in 1894 He joined the Society of the Divine Savior in Rome in 1894 and was ordained in Rome, June 9, 1900. A year later Father Distel was assigned to England as superior of a new monastery established there. In 1904 he became a professor in the college of the society at Haymond, Belgium where he remained for three years when he was called back to Rome. Later he returned to England and in 1910 came to American and to the Salvatorian seminary at St. Nazianz. The deceased served in several professorships of the seminary, was named procurator of the society and prefect of discipline for the student body. He was later named assistant novice master. In late years he filled the post of first consultor and secretary of the society, who with the superior and one other member manages the affairs of the institution. A brother and sister of Father Distal in Germany are his only survivors. Manitowoc Herald Times, December 8, 1934 P. 4 ******** DOUBLE JUBILEE AT SALVATORIAN COLLEGE St. Nazianz, Wis., June 13 - During this week which has been filled with activities of extraordinary interest, Tuesday will long be remembered by members of the Society of the Divine Savior and a host of friends as a red letter day for the local college and seminary when two prominent members of the Order celebrated the silver jubilee of their ordination to the priesthood. The jubilarians are the Very Rev. Dorotheus Brugger SDS Provincial and Rev. Odo Distel, SDA, local Procurator. Father Distel's Record Rev. Odo Distel, SDS, was born in Bavarian May 21, 1873. He entered the Society of the Divine Savior September 26, 1894, made his religious profession two years later in Rome and was ordained there June 9, 1900. One year after his ordination he was sent to England as Superior with a few other fathers to run a new monastery at Wealdstone, Middlesex. In 1904 he was assigned to the college at Hamont, Belgium as professor and served in that capacity for three years. At the end of that time, he was called to Rome and in the following year returned to England. In 1910 he was assigned to the Salvatorian College here where he has been in active service with the exception of the time spent in a journey to Rome as a member of the General Chapter of the Society. For several years he served as perfect of studies and of discipline and as professor in a number of branches and at the present time is the local procurator. (Info from article about Rev. Brugger and the activities associated with the jubilee were omitted.) Manitowoc Pilot - Thurs., June 18, 1925
FATHER FREDERICK DORN SDS Born July 23, 1900 - Died January 11, 1995 Father Frederick Dorn (birth name: George Edward) was born in 1900 in St. Anna, Wisconsin, not far from St. Nazianz. He was the first member of the USA Province to be born in the 1900's. He attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz for high school and the first two years of college, after which he entered the Novitiate there. He made his profession of vows on September 9, 1921. He was sent to study philosophy and theology in Passau, Bavaria, and he was ordained in the cathedral there on April 11, 1926. His early ministries included teaching languages in the seminary in St. Nazianz, and in Jordan College in Menominee, Michigan, where he was also the Superior. Later, he became the Superior of the house of studies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before returning to St. Nazianz for a short time. During World War II, Fr. Frederick served as chaplain to the soldiers, serving on Air Force bases in Virginia and Hawaii. He remained a reserve chaplain until 1960, when he retired from the service with the rank of Major and received the Bronze Star. Following World War II, he was sent to help found Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey; then he ministered at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and was pastor of St. Gregory's Parish in St. Nazianz. He returned to Blackwood for six years, as teacher in the seminary and as the community's Superior. Then he taught at Trinity Prep Seminary in Sioux City, Iowa, followed by chaplaincy ministries in St. Vincent Hospital in Sioux City; St. Ann's Hospital in Algona; and St. Anne's hospital in Winona, Minnesota. He was associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; and pastor in Grand Ronde, Oregon. In 1982, he retired to St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, and then to the Jordan House in Milwaukee. In 1991, he went to St. Mary's Nursing Home and later to St. Mary's Home in Manitowoc where he died peacefully on January 11, 1995. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Frederick is remembered as a strong and active man who loved to take long, brisk walks. As a teacher, he liked order and decorum in the classroom, his military manner guiding him both within the services and outside it. He graciously ministered to the community in many ways, including translating some of the older German documents from the province's early history. ******** Rev. Frederick G. Dorn, S.D.S., age 94, a Salvatorian priest, died Wednesday, January 11, 1995, at St. Mary’s Home, Manitowoc. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 16, 1995, at 11 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kiel. The Mass will be concelebrated by Father David Bergner, S.D.S., and Father Just Pierce, S.D.S., and other visiting clergy. Burial will be in the Salvatorian Cemetery, St. Nazianz. Father Frederick was born in St. Anna, Wis., and was one of ten children. In 1940 he served as Superior and teacher at St. Nazianz Seminary, St. Nazianz, Wis. He returned to St. Nazianz in 1949 to serve as pastor of St. Gregory’s Parish. Father Frederick is survived by one sister, Sr. Margaret Dorn, F.M.M.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Friends may call at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kiel, Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Herald TimesReporter, January 13, 1995
BROTHER ANDRE DUHAIME SDS Duhaime, Bro. Andre, SDS Died on December 31, 2012, age 88. Born November 3, 1924, in Hazel Park, Michigan, son of George and Laura-Anna Duhaime. Entered the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) on September 8, 1943. Served for many years in the Salvatorian publishing departments in St. Nazianz and New Holstein, Wisconsin, in the Salvatorian Missions in Tanzania, East Africa, and in the finance departments of the Salvatorian USA Province offices in Milwaukee; Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama; Queen of Peace Parish in Mesa, Arizona; and Camp St. Charles in Rock Point, Maryland. Moved to Alexian Village in 2006 during retirement. He is survived by one brother, James, from Palm City, Florida, as well as his sisters and brothers in the Salvatorian community. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Maurice and Andrew. Funeral Mass Friday, January 4, 11 AM at The Chapel of Alexian Village, 9301 N. 76th St. Visitation Friday at the Chapel from 10 AM until time of Mass. Burial Friday 3 PM at Salvatorian Cemetery, St. Nazianz, WI. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel January 3, 2013
FATHER CORMAC DWYER SDS Born March 9, 1919 - Died April 4, 1996 Father Cormac Dwyer (birth name: James Michael) was born on March 9, 1919, in Kendall, Wisconsin, a small community in the western part of the state, east of LaCrosse. After attending the local high school, he went to the Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz for the first two years of college. He entered the Novitiate there in 1943, and made his profession of vows the following year, on September 8, 1944. He then completed his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC, where he was ordained in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 6, 1950. His years of ministry included teaching at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey, where he was dean of discipline, vocation director, and procurator for the community; vocation director for the midwest while living at St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and then Trinity Prep Seminary in Sioux City, Iowa; public relations work at Salvatorian Center in New Holstein, Wisconsin; and associate pastor of Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee. He was trained and certified in hospital chaplaincy in 1983, and he worked in St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee until January of 1996, when he retired to the Jordan Hall community. He died there suddenly on April 4, 1996, and he was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Cormac is remembered as a man of quick wit and humor, who loved to tell stories and to make people laugh. He was also a compassionate chaplain who brought deep faith to those in his care.
BROTHER MAURUS ELLERY SDS Born March 28, 1921 - Died December 8, 2005 Brother Maurus Eller (birth name: Harold Eugene) was born on March 28, 1921, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He was the only child of Joseph and Hilda Ellery. When he was only eight years old, his mother died of cancer. His father would later remarry, and the family moved to Rapid City. Raised Methodist, he entered the Catholic Church in his first year of college. Two years later, while working at a hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, he saw an ad in a Catholic newspaper about the Salvatorian community in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. Interested, he went there for a visit and joined the community shortly afterward. He entered the Novitiate there and he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1943. For the next twenty years, Bro. Maurus' secretarial and accounting skills were put to good use; in St. Nazianz; at St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa; at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey; in the Provincial offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and in the Brothers Juniorate in Menominee, Michigan. Beginning in 1955, he also served as the Director of Vocations for Brothers during a time when vocations were thriving. He was instrumental in developing many pamphlets and brochures about religious life and vocations. He was one of the first Brothers in the Society to become part of a group that would eventually evolve into a national association of religious Brothers. In 1969, health issues prompted Bro. Maurus to move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he worked as secretary in a local Catholic hospital. In 1999, he retired to Jordan Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and followed in the community's move to Alexian Village, where he died peacefully on the anniversary of the Society's founding - December 8, 2005. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Bro. Maurus is remembered as a quiet and soft-spoken man who nevertheless held strong views about the role of Brothers in community life, advocating changes both in their training and in the ministries in which they worked. Through his efforts, the Brothers were given many more opportunities for their various apostolates.