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.
BROTHER TITIAN BAUER SDS Born January 6, 1890 - Died December 24, 1958 Brother Titian Bauer (birth name: George) was born in Kereny, Hungary, in 1890. He came to the United States as a young man and he entered the Society in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, in 1912. He was professed as a Brother on December 8, 1914. Except for a short time at Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan. Bro. Titian spent his forty years of religious life in St. Nazianz, as a master tailor. He had learned tailoring as an apprentice before entering the Society, and as a Brother, he was the teacher for many other Brothers who became expert tailors under his direction. Always faithful in observing religious life, he was the Prefect of Brother candidates for many years. He also helped to promote the press apostolate in its early years as he traveled throughout Wisconsin selling and soliciting subscriptions for the Salvatoran magazine published at St. Nazianz. But Bro. Titian is best remembered for the hundreds of religious habits, mantles, black suits, and birettas he made for the members of the province. He also designed and sewed many of the beautiful vestments and alter linens that graced the chapel and the services. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Christmas Eve in 1958 while cleaning his room in preparation for the Christmas feast. He was buried in the community cemetery. ******** Brother Titian M. Bauer, 68, of the Salvatorian Brothers, St. Nazianz, died Wednesday morning at the seminary. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, St. Nazianz. The Rev. Alban DeGrott, S.D.S., will be celebrant of the solemn requiem funeral Mass, the Very Rev. Richard Birdsall, S.D.S., deacon and the Rev. Patrick Rohan, S.D.S., sub deacon. Burial will be in the seminary cemetery. He was born Jan. 6, 1890, in Hungary, son of the late Franz and Maddalena Bauer. On Sept. 10, 1912, he joined the Salvatorian Brothers, professing the vows of a brother Dec. 8, 1914. He served as a tailor in the order since his profession. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Mathias Kray of Kankakee, Ill. Friends may call at the Salvatorian Seminary, St. Nazianz, after 1 p.m. Friday. The Berge Funeral Home of Valders is in charge of funeral arrangements. Manitowoc Herald Times, Friday, December 26, 1958 P.15
BROTHER CAMILLUS BECKER SDS Born February 1, 1908 - Died April 23, 1999 Brother Camillus Becker (birth name: Lawrence Anton) was born in 1908 in Plainville, Kansas, a small farming community in the north central part of the state. He was one of ten children. During his childhood, his family moved to Fleming, Colorado, and he helped on the family's farm until he was 20 years old. He then worked on farms in Tipton, Kansas, and in Idaho Falls, Idaho. In 1934, he came to the monastery in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, as a Brother candidate. In 1935, he began his Novitiate year there, and made his profession of vows on March 19, 1936. Bro. Camillus served a number of communities as cook and gardener through the years: Jordan College in Menominee, Michigan; the Salvatorian Mission House in Elkton, Maryland; and Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1970, he moved to St. Rita in the Desert Parish in Vail, Arizona, caring for the desert gardens there for twenty-six years. He retired to the Jordan Hall community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1996. Diagnosed with cancer the following year, he moved to St. Mary's Nursing Home, where he died on April 23, 1999. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. A tall man of few words, Bro Camillus lived his faith by example, gracing with beauty the places where he lived with lush gardens and stunning displays of flowers.
FATHER IGNATIUS BEHR Born September 24, 1906 - Died March 7, 1981 Father Ignatius Behr (birth name: Joseph August) was born in 1906 in Newport, Ohio, a farming community north of Dayton. He ran his family's farm for eighteen years before entering the seminary. He took Specials' studies at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. He then entered the Society's Novitiate there at the age of 38. On June 19, 1945, he made his profession of vows. He continued his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washingon, DC, and was ordained in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 5, 1951. His parish assignments included Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama; St. Michael's Parish in Grand Ronde, Oregon; and St. Benedict's Parish in Columbus, Georgia. From 1968 until his death, he served as chaplain in Washoe County Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, and Nevada State Hospital in nearby Sparks. A pastoral man who was always concerned with the spirital welfare of his people, Fr. Ignatius found himself comfortable ministering to people from all faiths and from all walks of life. Active in later life in charismatic spirituality, he credited his faith as having saved him through numerous heart ailments. He died peacefully on March 7, 1981, and was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz.
FATHER BASIL BENZ SDS Born July 7, 1881 - Died July 28, 1947 Father Basil Benz (birth name: Matthaus) was born in Baden, Germany, in 1881, and entered the Society in Rome, Italy, in 1904. He made his profession of vows on April 1, 1905. He began his studies for the priesthood at the University of Freiburg in Breisgau, Bavaria, and completed his theology studies at the Gregorian University in Rome, where he was ordained in 1907. For the next several years, he taughtjin Salvatorian schools in Meran, Italy, in Hamont, Belgium, and in Lochau and Hamberg, Austria. He was known to be an excellent teacher and was well schooled in Latin, Greek, and mathematics, and had a penomenal memory for historical dates. In 1921, he was sent to the United States and taught for six years at the seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. Fr. Basil then spent the next twenty years at the Salvatorian Mission House in Elkton, Maryland, assisting in the work of the Mission House and doing pastoral ministry among the neighboring parishes. He was greatly respected and esteemed by the people and by the community in which he lived. He was a humble and unassuming priest who became a confessor and spiritual director to many priests, religious, and the faithful of the parishes where he assisted. After a brief illness in the summer of 1947, he died in the hospital in Elkton. His body was interred in the Salvatorian cemetery in Lanham, Maryland. Later, when the seminary there closed, his body was transferred to the community cemetery in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin.
BROTHER GILBERT BERESFORD SDS Born November 15, 1931 - Death February 1, 1993 Brother Gilbert Beresford (birth name: Sylvester Leon) was born in 1931 in Colon, Panama. He came to the United States and entered the Society as a Brother candidate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, in 1950. He entered the Novitiate in Menominee, Michigan, the following year, receiving the religious name "DePorres," but he left Novitiate before professing vows. Six years later he re-entered the Society, beginning the Novitiate year in its new location in Colfax, Iowa. This time, he received the religious name "Gilbert." He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1958. He worked as registrar, secretary, and student advisor in a number of the community's schools around the country: Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz; Trinity Prep Seminary in Sioux City, Iowa; Marian High School in Mishawaka, Indiana; Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha, Wisconsin; and Dominican College in Racine, where he was Director of Novices. This was followed by assignments in St. Pius X Seminary in Galt, California; a year working in Washington, DC, for the Catholic Charities office; and then as a counselor and instructor at Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama. For a time, he lived in the Maryland - DC suburbs and helped with the retreats that were given at Camp St. Charles in Rock Point. He was coordinator in St. Nazianz when the community relocated to the Jordan House in Milwaukee in 1985. In 1988, he was named the province's Director of Vocations, a position he held until his death on February 1, 1993. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Bro. Gilbert was a "big man with a deep voice and a big heart" who endeared himself to all those in his care. The gentle wisdom with which he guided youths and Novices stayed with them through the years. ******** Beresford Gilbert Brother S.D.S., age 61, died Monday, February 1, 1993. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 1993, at Mother of Good Counsel Church, and 1:30 p.m. at St. Gregory Church, St. Nazianz, Wis. Interment to follow at Salvatorian Cemetery. Beloved son of Carmen Sutherland Mahone (sic), brother of Ricardo of Panama, Nick of Indiana, and Mrs. William Schmitt of Florida. Brother Gilbert will lie in state on Friday February 5, 1993, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Mother of Good Counsel Church, and Saturday, February 6, 1993, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. The Schramka Funeral Home, 7841 W. Appleton Ave., Milwaukee, assisted the family with funeral arrangements. Herald Times Reporter, February 4, 1993 P. A2
BROTHER ALEXIUS BERGER SDS Born February 28, 1864 - Died December 11, 1945 Brother Alexius Berger (birth name: Johan) was born in Reiden, Switzerland, in 1864. Shortly after he made his profession of vows on May 6, 1899, he was sent to the United States, to the community of St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he worked in the gardens and the refectory, and also did the laundry for the community and the students in the seminary. In 1926, he was transferred to the Salvatorian Mission House in Elkton, Maryland, where he was involved in many tasks for the community. Bro. Alexius had great skills in the garden and his beautiful flowers decorated the chapels and community spaces wherever he lived and worked. He occasionally entertained the community with poems that he wrote, all composed in German. He loved the beauty of nature and spent as much time outdoors as he could. At the age of 81, he died on December 11, 1945 at the Mission House, and was buried in the Salvatorian cemetery in Lanham, Maryland. Later, when the seminary there closed, his body was transferred to the community cemetery in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin.
FATHER IGNATIUS BETHAN SDS Born April 29, 1865 - Died March 10, 1928 Father Ignatius Bethan (birth name: Friedrich) was born in Essen, Germany, in 1865. He entered the Society in Rome, Italy, when he was 19 years of age, and he made his profession of vows on September 29, 1885. He received his theological training at the Gregorian University in Rome, where he was ordained in 1889. Fr. Ignatius was then sent to the newly-acquired mission territory in Assam, India, where he worked for fifteen years. On his return to Europe, he went to Wealdstone, England, and then he came to the United States in 1906, to St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. In 1912, he was elected Superior of the Salvatorian College in Wealdstone and he returned there. After World War I, he came back to the United States and was chaplain of the Sisters in Alverno Convent in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in the same village. He was later transferred to Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee in the earliest years of the parish, where he did works of various kinds. Fr. Ignatius died on March 10, 1928, at the age of 63, in the Alexian Brothers' Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, after months of illness. He was buried in the community cemetery on Loretto Hill in St. Nazianz.
FATHER MICHAEL BIGLEY SDS Bigley, Fr. Michael, SDS, age 71, died unexpectedly on January 30, 2013 in Gilbert, AZ. Born in LaCrosse, WI on March 23, 1941, son of George and Edna Bigley. Entered the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) on June 29, 1961 and received the religious name “Brother Mark”. Ministered as a Brother for 17 years at Salvatorian schools in Wisconsin, New Jersey, California, Iowa and Maryland. Ordained a deacon in 1978 and ministered in Wisconsin and Alabama. Ordained a priest on October 23, 1987 and served at parishes in Arizona, Tennessee and Wisconsin, including Mother of Good Counsel in Milwaukee and St. Pius X in Wauwatosa. Also ministered as spiritual director to men in the Salvatorian formation program. Preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Patrick. Survived by four sisters, Donna Montalvo of Tempe, Arizona; Marlene Fadness of Elk Grove, CA; Diane Kelley of Pueblo, CO and Veronica Carnechas of Newburry Park, CA; two brothers, Richard of Highland Ranch, CO and Charles of Pueblo West, CO as well as his sisters and brothers in the Salvatorian Family. Visitation Friday,Feb. 8, 10 – 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Alexian Village, 9301 N 76th St., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial Friday, 3 p.m. at Salvatorian Cemetery, St. Nazianz, WI. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Feb. 6, 2013
FATHER RAPHAEL BIRRINGER Father Raphael Birringer, SDS, age 85, died Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Alexian Village in Milwaukee. He was born Jan. 24, 1924, in Francis Creek, to Mathias and Magdalena (Nachtwey) Birringer. Raphael entered the Society of the Divine Savior, Salvatorians, in 1945, and was ordained a priest in Washington, D.C., on June 5, 1951. He ministered as teacher from 1951 until 1968, in Salvatorian seminaries and schools in St. Nazianz and Waukesha; Lancaster, N.Y.; and Lanham, Md. He was pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa from 1968 until 1976; director of renewal for the USA Province of Salvatorians from 1976 until 1979; counselor at St. Joan Antida High School in Milwaukee from 1979 until 1989; and pastor of Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee from 1989 until 1993. He also served on the Parish Council Office for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee from 1969 to 1978, and as chaplain to several Knights of Columbus groups, Bishop Brust Council, Monsignor Arnold Assembly, and Metropolitan Milwaukee Chapter, from 1970 to 2006. (Survivors omitted for privacy.) He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Erwin, Sylvester, Norman, William, George and Ralph Birringer; and by his sisters: Evelyn (Ralph) Lemberger; and Agnes Birringer. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 14, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 2506 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa. Burial will be on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Salvatorian Community Cemetery, St. Nazianz. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the Church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Herald Times Reporter, March 11, 2009
FATHER JEAN BLAIS SDS Born April 25, 1935 - Died October 12, 2002 Father Jean Blais (birth name: Frederick Arthur) was born on April 26, 1935, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. After attending a LaSallette seminary in his home state for two years, he joined the Society in Menominee, Michigan, where he finished his high school studies. After two years of college at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey, he entered the Novitiate in Colfax, Iowa, in 1956, and made his profession of vows the following year, on September 8, 1957. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC. During his Apostolic Year, he taught at Trinity Prep Seminary in Sioux City, Iowa. He was ordained a priest in Lanham on February 1, 1964. In his years of study, he earned two Masters degrees, one in counseling and the other in sociology. Fr. Jean taught and couneled at Salvatorian Seminary and JFK Prep in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin; at Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha; and at Dominican College in Racine. For seventeen years, while living in Racine, he worked in private practice as a counselor, hypnotherapist, and social worker. He later lived in Phoenix, Arizona, where he taught at Borgade Catholic High School and was director of personnel for the Diocese of Phoenix. In 1994, he was appointed the director of personnel for the province, a post he held until 2000, when he became director of the temporary professed members in Oakland, California. Just several months before his death, Fr. Jean was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and moved to the Jordan Hall community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He died on October 12, 2002, and was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. He was fascinated with the workings of the human mind and he worked at developing his own skills to sharpen the mind - whether it was through a magic trick, a mean game of poker or blackjack, or a sharp sense of humor. He is remembered for his wit, his warmth, and his faithful dedication to his ministries.
FATHER COLUMBAN BRADY SDS Born July 20, 1916 - Died October 26, 1973 Father Columban Brady (birth name: John Ignatius) was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1916. He attended St. John's Prep and St. John's University in Brooklyn before entering the Society's Novitiate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, in 1939. He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1940, after which he continued his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland. He was ordained a priest on May 22, 1945, in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. His ministry throughout his entire priestly life was as a devoted teacher of history. In his years of teaching, he was at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz; Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan; and Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey. In 1965, Fr. Columban went to St. Mary's High School in Lancaster, New York, where he remained until his death from a heart attack on October 26, 1973. He is remembered as quiet, studious, and a man of deep faith, always concerned about the welfare of those around him. Surrounding him at his funeral at the school were many of the students he taught over the years. Following the funeral, his body was brought to St. Nazianz for burial in the community cemetery.
FATHER GILBERT BRENNAN SDS Born December 6, 1937 - Died June 9, 1988 Father Gilbert Brennan (birth name: John Joseph) was born in 1937 in New York City. He became familiar with the Society as a student at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey, where he was a student for three years. He studied at Fordham University in New York for one year, and after completing Specials' studies at Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan, he entered the Society's Novitiate in 1959 in Colfax, Iowa, where he made his profession of vows a year later, on September 8, 1960. He continued his studies for the priesthood at Catholic University in Washingon, DC. He spent his Apostolic Year teaching at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. On June 3, 1967, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. He taught at the Marian Catholic High School in Mishawaka, Indiana; in 1970, he was appointed Director of Formation for the province and lived in Racine and later in Milwaukee until 1976. He then obtained his Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Baltimore and was certified in special education through George Washington University in Washington, DC. While working on these, he was teaching and counseling at the Academy of the Holy Names in Silver Spring, Maryland. He then worked at The Frost School for emotionally troubled teens, also in Silver Spring. While in the Washington area, he served for a time as the Regional Moderator. A vibrant, happy man who found it easy to get along with almost everyone, Fr. Gilbert's sudden death on June 9, 1988, came as a terrible shock. He had died in his sleep. He is remembered as a kind man who helped those in his care to confront barriers of all sorts - emotional, institutional, and relational, and overcome them with faith and dedication. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz.
FATHER JAMES BRETL SDS Rev. James J. Bretl, SDS, age 74, known in the community as Father Jim, was called to his eternal reward on October 6, 2010. He was born in Northeast Wisconsin on August 29, 1936, son of Alex and Nathalie (Baudhuin) Bretl who have preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are Francis and William Bretl, brothers, also of Northeast Wisconsin as well as his sister, Eunice (Bretl) Zettel of Farfax, Virginia. Surviving are his brother David Bretl of Rockford, Illinois and his twin sister, Joyce (Bretl) Cole of Orlando, Florida. Father Bretl was a member of the Society of the Divine Savior (commonly known as Salvatorians) having pronounced his vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on September 8, 1958. He continued to prepare for ordination to the priesthood by completing the required courses of Philosophy and Theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and was ordained on June 5, 1965. Following ordination, Father Bretl was challenged with a variety of assignments that took him first to Tanzania, E. Africa. He also served as associate pastor for several years at St. Theresa Church in Carson City, Nevada before being called to serve as chaplain at the Arizona State Mental Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. After serving as chaplain, pastor, Director of Personal and Director of Pastoral Care at various locations in the Midwest, Father Bretl came to McMinnville, Tennessee as Pastor of St. Catherine Catholic Church and St. Gregory Catholic Church in Smithville, Tennessee where he served the faith communities for ten years before his retirement in 2006. Father Bretl reached out beyond his own faith community. He was an active member of the Greater McMinnville Ministerial Association, served as volunteer chaplain and a member of the Ethics Committee for River Park Hospital. For more than twelve years Father Bretl served on the Warren County FEMA Board, the Emergency Food Bank Board as well as the Habitat for Humanity Board. After a fact-finding visit to Haiti in the year 2000, Father Bretl was instrumental in establishing what has come to be known as The Haiti Project, a collaborative ministry of the Salvatorians, to provide financial and humanitarian support to a twinning parish at Riviere Mancelle in Haiti. A celebration of Father Bretl’s life and ministry will be at St. Catherine Catholic Church at 11 A.M. Wednesday, October 13, 2010, with Father David Cooney officiating. Throughout his ministry Father Bretl was called to serve and love in a special way some of the poorest of the poor. He has requested, therefore, that in lieu of flowers a contribution be made to the Warren County Food Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com McMinnville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 931-473-6606.
FATHER PAUL BRICK SDS Brick, Fr. Paul SDS Died in Columbus, GA, on March 15, 2013. Born in Green Bay, WI, on December 28, 1935, to Thomas and Margaret Hart Brick. Entered the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) on September 8, 1956, and was ordained a priest on June 8, 1963. Ministered as teacher at Mother of the Savior Seminary, Blackwood, NJ; Mount St. Paul College, Waukesha, WI; and Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Milwaukee. Served as parish priest at St. Boniface Parish, Milwaukee; Catholic Interparish Ministry Chilton, WI; and St. Benedict the Moor Parish, Columbus, GA. Preceded in death by his parents. Survived by three brothers: Terence of Kaukauna, WI; Robert of Brillion, WI; and Eugene of Greenleaf, WI; and three sisters, Joanne (Ralph) Runnoe of Wrightstown, WI; Kay (Donald) Fisher of Decatur, GA; and Margaret (William) Balzer of Roswell, GA; as well as his brother and sisters in the Salvatorian Family. Funeral Mass Saturday, March 23, 11 AM at The Chapel of Alexian Village, 9301 N. 76th St. Visitation Saturday at The Chapel from 10 AM until time of Mass. Burial Saturday, 3 PM at Salvatorian Cemetery in St. Nazianz, WI. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel March 20, 2013
FATHER EUGENE BROCHTRUP SDS Born August 28, 1921 - Died January 10, 1997 Father Eugene Brochtrup (birth name: Clyde Gordon) was born on August 28, 1921, in Hollandtown, Wisconsin, a small farming community east of Appleton. He attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz for high school and the first two years of college. He entered the Society's Novitiate there in 1941, and 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. On June 4, 1948, he was ordained a priest in St. Gregory's Church in St. Nazianz. For many years in his ministry as teacher, Fr. Eugene taught languages at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey; and at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, where he also served as prefect of the Brother candidates for a few years. He taught at St. Gregory's High School in the village of St. Nazianz, where he was Vice Principal, as well as associate pastor in the parish. He ministered as associate pastor of St. Benedict's Parish in Columbus, Georgia, and directed the Social Services Bureau of Catholic Charities in that city. For a time, he also taught at Pacelli High School in Columbus. In 1974, he returned to Wisconsin, and was chaplain of Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, and helped in St. Patrick's Parish in Menasha. Later, he worked in St. Peter's Parish in Oshkosh; as chaplain in Holy Family Hospital and St. Mary's Home in Manitowoc; and as associate pastor of St. Mary's Parish, also in Manitowoc. In 1992, he suffered a stroke, and he retired to St. Mary's Home. He died there on January 10, 1997, and he was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Eugene is remembered fondly as a "man on the go," whose many ministries and appointments made it difficult for anyone to keep up with him. An avid jogger for over twenty years, he was often seen running in the wee hours of the morning for his five-and-a-half mile jog. Gifted with languages as well as having excellent teaching skills, he taught the basics of Latin and Greek to many seminarians over the years in creative ways that made it easier for them to learn. ******** Father Eugene Brochtrup SDS, age 76, died January 10, 1997, at St. Mary’s Home for the Aged, Manitowoc. Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday (TODAY), January 14, 1997, at St. Francis Church, Hollandtown, WIs. Burial will be at Salvatorian Community Cemetery, Loretto Hill, St. Nazianz, at 2:30 p.m. Father Eugene was born in Hollandtown, Wis., son of WiIliam and Anna Brochtrup. After elementary school in St. Francis School, Hollandtown, he attended the Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz from 1935-1941. He entered the novitiate at St. Nazianz on September 7, 1941, and made his profession of vows there on September 8, 1942. Fr. Eugene’s philosophy and theology studies were at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Md., from 1942-1948. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1948, at St. Gregory’s Church, St. Nazianz. At various times from 1949-1957, higher studies at Fordham University and Marquette University. Fr. Eugene earned a Master of Arts in Latin. He also attended the University of Michigan during the summer of 1960. From 1948-1952, Fr. Eugene was an instructor in languages at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, N.J. He lived at Mother of Good Counsel parish in Milwaukee while studying at Marquette University for the full year of 1952-1953. From 1953-1965, he was a professor at Salvatorian Seminary, primarily in Latin. For several years he was also perfect (sic) of the Brother candidates who at that time lived at the Salvatorian Community at St. Nazianz. During the years 1965-1967, Fr.. Eugene taught at St. Gregory’s High School, St. Nazianz, and continued there as Vice Principal while serving as Associate Pastor of St. Gregory’s from 1967-1969. from 1969-1971, he did parish ministry at St. Benedict’s, Columbus, Ga., while serving as director of the Social Services bureau of Catholic Charities. For the years 1971-1974, he continued as Social Services Bureau director while teaching religion at Pacelli High School and residing at Mother Mary Mission in Phoenix City, Ala. From 1974-1978, he was full-time Catholic Chaplain at Theda Clark Region Medical Center, Neenah, while living at St. Patrick’s Parish, Menasha, and doing weekend ministry there. From 1978-1982, he was Associate Pastor at St. Peter’s Church in Oshkosh, followed by full-time Catholic Chaplain in Theda Clark Region Medical Center, Neenah, while living at St. Patrick’s Parish, Menasha, and doing weekend ministry there. From 1978-1982, he was Associate Pastor at St. Peter’s Church in Oshkosh, followed by eight years (1982-1990) as chaplain at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc. Part of this time he was also chaplain at St. Mary’s Home or Associate Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish. From 1990 until his retirement to St. Mary’s Home, he was part-time chaplain at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, Manitowoc. He suffered a stroke in June 1992, which led to his retirement. During his years in the Dioceses of Green Bay, Father Eugene also served as procurator advocate for the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal. Survivors include his sisters, Mrs. Gloriua (sic) Vanderloop and Sr. Anne Brochtrup OSF of Kaukauna; his brother, Carlos Brochtrup, Appleton his sister-in-law, Mrs. Roland Brochtrup (Isabel), Kaukauna. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Gladys Haen, and his brother, Mr. Roland Brochtrup. Friends called St. Francis Church, Hollandtown, from 10 a.m. Today until the time of service. Herald Times Reporter, January 14, 1997 P. A2
NOVICE URBAN BRUNS SDS Born January 7, 1928 - Died February 23, 1951 Brother Novice Urban Bruns (birth name: Melvin John) was born in 1928 in St. Kilian, Minnesota, a small community in the southwest part of the state. After completing the eighth grade, he continued to work on his family's farm. In March of 1950, at the age of 22, he came to the Society as a Brother candidate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, and entered the Novitiate in Menominee, Michigan, in September of the same year. During the afternoon of February 21, 1951, while working outside on the Novitiate grounds, the limb of a tree broke off and struck him, injuring him severely. He was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital in Menominee. At 8:00 PM that same day, in danger of death, Bro. Urban was permitted to make his profession of vows. Two days later, surrounded by some of the priests, brothers, and fellow novices, he died peacefully. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz.
FATHER DAVID BRUSKY SDS Brusky, Fr. David, SDS, died February 1, 2014, age 87. Born in Marshfield, WI, December 7, 1926 to Adam and Annette (Gottstein) Brusky. Entered the Society of Divine Savior (Salvatorians) October 18, 1946. Ordained a priest June 9, 1952. Served as a missionary in Tanzania, East Africa for many years. Also ministered in schools and parishes in Wisconsin, Nevada and California. Preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Gerald and Harvey. Survived by two brothers, James of Tomahawk, WI and Thomas of Palm Harbor, FL; two sisters, Kathleen (Stephen) Schafer of Sun City, FL, and Patricia (Matthew) Burns of Newnan, GA and his brothers and sisters in the Salvatorian Family. Memorials may be made to the Salvatorian Missions, 1735 N. Hi Mount Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 5208. Funeral Mass Monday, February 10, 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Alexian Village, 9301 N. 76th St. Visitation Monday at the Chapel from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Burial 3 p.m. at Salvatorian Cemetery at St. Nazianz, WI. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Feb. 6, 2014
FATHER FELIX BUCHER SDS Born September 23, 1862 - Died April 13, 1938 Father Felix Bucher (birth name: Leonard) was born in Dillingen, Bavaria, in 1862. In 1881, he had the desire to enter religious life and spent some time with the Franciscan community as a Brother candidate, but did not enter their Novitiate. After leaving them, he was admitted into the Society in Rome, Italy, as a Brother in 1885. What most Salvatorians remember about Fr. Felix is the fascinating story of something that took place during his early years in the community. While living in the Motherhouse in Rome, he was afflicted with a diabolical possession in early 1887, and the Rite of Exorcism was administered over him by the Founder, Fr. Francis Jordan, and by Fr. Bonaventure Luethen, several times over the course of three months. Healed and apparently left with a gift for the Latin and Greek languages which he had never studied, he was permitted by the Superiors to study for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1891 in the Lateran Basilica in Rome, and was then sent by the Founder, along with another priest and a Brother, as the first Salvatorians to come to the mission territories in the northwest part of the United States. There, they did missionary work in Washington and Oregon, traveling mainly on horseback. Fr. Felix spent most of his years ministering to the Native Americans in Siletz and Grand Ronde, Oregon, who affectionately called him their "Black-Robed Chief." After forty-five years of extraordinarily difficult missionary endeavors, his health began to suffer and, in 1938, he went to St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, for retirement with the community there. He died on April 12, 1938, and was buried in the community cemetery. Among the papers Fr. Felix left behind are numerous correspondences he had made with Mother Katherine Drexel regarding financial assistance for his missions in Oregon.
FATHER ARNULF BUCK SDS Born February 18, 1899 - Died June 15, 1975 Father Arnulf Buck (birth name: Charles) was born in 1899 in Altheim, Germany. He received his early seminary training with the Society in Sennelager and Steinfeld, and at the age of 27, he entered the Novitiate in Hamburg, Austria, where he made his profession of vows on March 19, 1927. He continued with his studies for the priesthood in Passau, Bavaria. In 1930, he came to the United States and studied at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He was ordained to the priesthood on January 22, 1933. After earning his Masters Degree in classical languages, he taught at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, for thirty-six years. While truly devoted to his academic work, Fr. Arnulf was equally dedicated to parish ministry at the same time. He was pastor of Holy Trinity Church in School Hill, and later in St. Martin's Church in Charlestown. In 1971, he suffered a stroke which left him partially paralyzed. After extensive therapy, he was able to return to part-time ministry in 1972, serving as chaplain in Maryhill Manor in Niagara, Wisconsin. After a year, however, his own physical condition worsened and he retired to St. Mary's Home in Manitowoc. He died there peacefully on June 15, 1975, and he was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Though very short in stature, Fr. Arnulf is remembered as a man with a big heart - always devoting his time and his bountiful energy to the people he served.
FATHER COLOMAN BUEHLER SDS Born May 17, 1896 - Died December 23, 1959 Father Coloman Buehler (birth name: Joseph) was born in Wurmlingen, Germany, in 1896. He entered the Society in 1910 and made his profession of vows on November 1, 1915. He was ordained a priest in Passau, Bavaria, on June 29, 1923. The following year, he was sent to the foreign missions in China, living in Shaowu, Fukien, until 1949. During his twenty-five years of missionary life there, Fr. Coloman was pastor of a parish which had an elementary school, and he learned to speak Mandarin Chinese fluently while studying with the students. He traveled on horseback to the neighboring churches and he devoted himself unselfishly to the missions, despite many hardships. Malaria was common in those days, and Fr. Coloman had to cope with the illness for over twenty years. In December of 1931, he was captured by Chinese Communist bandits who held him captive for four months and demanded a ransom for his release. He was captured while searching for the body of his fellow missionary, Fr. Melchior Geser SDS, who had been killed by the bandits. In 1949, Fr. Coloman left China and came to the United States. For the next decade, he assisted in parish ministry and hospital chaplaincies in Maryland, Alabama, Florida, and Wisconsin. In early December of 1959, he was appointed chaplain of Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, but died suddenly two weeks later, at the age of 63. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz.
BROTHER ALPHONSE BUNSE SDS Born December 31, 1899 - Died April 6, 1937 Brother Alphonse Bunse (birth name: Heinrich Phillip) was born in Bochum, Germany, on the last day of 1899. He entered the Society's Novitiate in Sennelager in 1921, and he made his profession of vows on November 1, 1922. The following year, he came to the United States, arriving in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he was stationed for the next fourteen years of his life, but not in the best of health. He was, however, a man of many talents and skills, which he put to good use as an expert tinsmith and electrician. Under the direction of Bro. Anatolius Heiss, he also leaned to be an expert plumber. Bro. Alphonse became the chief engineer of the buildings in St. Nazianz, and he was also sent to supervise the building of the heating plants and installation of the refrigeration units in the Salvatorian houses in Lanham, Maryland, and Washington, DC, as well as in the hospitals operated by the Salvatorian Sisters in Columbus and Portage, Wisconsin. Bro. Alphonse is remembered as a man of jovial disposition, and he was respected by his confreres and by the many neighbors who lived around the monastery property. He died in St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. ******** Brother Alphonse Bunse, S.D.S., of the Salvatorian Seminary, St. Nazianz, died early Tuesday at St. Mary's hopital, Columbus, Wis. The body will be brought to the Seminary at St. Nazianz, where funeral services will be held at the chapel Friday at 8:15 a.m. Interment will be in the seminary cemetery on Loretto Hill near the Seminary. Brother Alphonse was born in Bochum, Germany and he lived there until 1923 when he came to America and directly to St. Nazianz. He was professed as a Brother in the Society of the Divine Savior in Germany six months before he came to America. He was appointed a member of the engineering staff at the seminary and later became head of the department. He held that position at the time of his death. He supervised the installation of heating and refrigerating plants in other houses of the Society and in hospitals in Columbus and Portage, and was called to similar duties in Washington, D.C. and Lanham, Md. Manitowoc Herald Times, Wednesday, April 7, 1937 P.8