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 WILLIAM NERN SDS Born November 5, 1904 - Died February 14, 1966 Father William Nern (birth name: Frederick) was born on November 5, 1904, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz for six years, and entered the Novitiate there in 1924. After making his profession of vows a year later, he was in the first group of Salvatorian scholastics sent to study at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He was ordained a priest on June 9, 1931, in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. He taught in the seminary in St. Nazianz; and at Jordan College in Menominee, Michigan, where he was also president of the college for three years. Fr. William then entered the service as a military chaplain ministering to the fighting soldiers in both the European and Pacific fronts during World War II, and also during the Korean Conflict. After the wars, he served on several military bases around the world until he retired from the service in 1957. During his time with the military, he had received numerous awards, medals, and commendations, and he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After leaving military chaplaincy, he helped conduct retreats at the Bishop Garrigan Retreat House in Sioux City, Iowa; and he served at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was also the community’s Superior. In 1962, Fr. William suffered a stroke, and was never again able to minister full-time. While in residence at Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha, he died on February 14, 1966. He was buried in St. Nazianz. The Trecker Mansion, the large home on North Hi-Mount Boulevard in Milwaukee, which served as the Provincial residence and offices after 1958, belonged to his aunt and uncle, who arranged for its transfer to the province after they had grown advanced in years.
FATHER BERNARD NEUMANN SDS Born October 29, 1911 - Died August 28, 1991 Father Bernard Neumann (birth name: Arnold George) was born in 1911 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. After graduating from the local high school, he entered Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, where he took Specials’ studies for a year, and then the first two years of college. Following his Novitiate there, he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1936. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC. He was ordained in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 10, 1941. Fr. Bernard taught in the seminary in St. Nazianz; was pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Jordan, Oregon, and its mission parish, St. Patrick’s; taught at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey; ministered in Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama; and in Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1957, Fr. Bernard returned to the parishes in Jordan, Oregon, where he remained until his death on August 28, 1991. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. During his years in Oregon, he also served on the board of Regis Catholic High School and on the Portland Archdiocese’s Priests Council. A soft-spoken man with a dry wit, he was loved dearly by the people to whom he ministered for so many years in Oregon. Fr. Bernard is remembered as a truly pastoral priest and community man, who endeared himself to all he met along the way. ******** Lacrosse Man Will Read His First Mass June 15 at St. John's Church St. John's Catholic Church will have one of its own sons to read his first solemn High Mass Sunday, June 15. He is the Rev. Bernard Neumann, who will be ordained June 10 at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C. Father Bernard, the former Arnold Newman, was born in Lacrosse, attended St. John's school, graduated in 1925 and then attended Logan High, graduating in 1929. He worked for three years at the Lacrosse Rubber Mills and in 1932 began his studies at the Salvatorian Seminary at St. Naziaz. After four years there he went to the Catholic University in Washington D.C. to complete his studies for the priesthood. After his mass here he will visit two weeks with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Neumann, 1007 Liberty Street and then return to Washington D.C. to study another year. The young priest is a brother of Sister M. Leonilla of Eau Galle, Wis., and Sister M. Pearl of Loyal, Wis., both members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, St. Rose convent. A brother, Jerome Neumann, also was a student at St. Nazianz, but died four years ago. The Lacrosse Tribune, Lacrosse, Wisconsin May 25, 1941
BROTHER REIMAR NOERZ SDS Born July 7, 1910 - Died April 19, 1999 Brother Reimar Noerz (birth name: Josef Anton) was born on July 7, 1910 in Biberach, Germany. After attending vocational school, he became interested in religious life and he entered the Society as a Brother candidate in early 1928. Later that same year, he began his Novitiate year in Lochau, Austria, where he made his profession of vows on November 1, 1929. He became one of the community's finest tailors, serving in several of the largest European Salvatorian communities. In 1936, he accepted an assignment to minister in what would later become the British Province, serving in Chester, England. At the outbreak of World War II, Bro. Reimar was interned in a British camp and then later in Canada. In early 1942, with the help of the Apostolic Delegate in Canada, he was allowed to live with a Redemptorist community in Quebec until the end of the war. In 1946, he came to St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he ministered for several years. Later, he worked at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland. In 1951, he became a citizen of the United States. Beginning in the late 1950's, he served for a time as the tailor for the Motherhouse in Rome, Italy; he spent a few years working in his native South German Province; and he joined with members of the British Province in establishing the Society's presence in Australia, living in Perth until 1976, when he returned to the United States. Bro. Reimar cooked and engaged in other domestic duties in several communities around the province, while also volunteering to work with prisoners in city jails: at Mother Mary Mission in Phenix, Alabama; at St. Gregory's Parish in St. Nazianz; and at St. Joseph's Parish in Huntsville, Alabama. He retired in 1993, and lived with the community in the Tampa, Florida area. In 1997, he moved to Jordan Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he remained until his death on April 19, 1999. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. A delightfully jolly man who was easy-going and always ready with a smile and a laugh, Bro. Reimar ministered lovingly to those in community and those outside it for many years.
BROTHER CLETUS NOGAJ SDS Born August 31, 1913 - Died November 26, 1989 Brother Cletus Nogaj (birth name: Peter Stanislaus) was born on August 31, 1913, in Mill Creek, Wisconsin, a small farming community between Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point. When he was a small child, his family moved to Chicago, Illinois. He spent a great deal of his early life fighting tuberculosis and other respirator ailments, often needing hospitalization and rest. During his times of rehabilitation, he learned to repair typewriters and to be a clerk. Finally becoming physically stronger against his ailments, he felt drawn towards religious life, and entered the Society as a Brother candidate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin in 1958 at the age of 45. He spent his Novitiate year in Colfax, Iowa, where he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1959. Bro. Cletus worked at the Salvatorian Mission House in Elkton, Maryland; in St. Joseph’s Parish in Huntsville, Alabama; at St. Pius X Seminary in Galt, California; and in St. Catherine’s Parish in McMinnville, Tennessee. In these places, he helped in the cooking and in other domestic duties, and he also added to his skills over the years, learning tailoring and upholstering. In 1971, he returned to St. Nazianz, where he continued to minister for the good of the community. In 1985, the community relocated to Jordan House and later to Jordan Hall in Milwaukee, where Bro. Cletus died on November 26, 1989. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Though life found him often dealing with pain and physical difficulties, Bro. Cletus is remembered as a kind, patient, and jovial man, who was also deeply prayerful and spiritual. He loved to tell stories and was an accomplished card-games and billiards player. He added much life and faith to the communities in which he lived and served.
FATHER LOUIS NORCROSS SDS Born June 15, 1920 - Died December 4, 1983 Father Louis Norcross (birth name: James Isidore Francis) was born in 1920 in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh. After attending the first two years of high school in his hometown, he completed his high school studies at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. Following the second year of college there, he entered the Novitiate, and he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1942. He continued his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC, and was ordained in St. Ambrose Chapel in St. Nazianz, on June 4, 1948. He ministered for two years in Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama; then was associate pastor of Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1952, only four years after his ordination, Fr. Louis suffered a complete mental breakdown. He was a resident in the Milwaukee County Sanitarium; the Seton Institute in Baltimore, Maryland; and later Marina View Manor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he spent the remainder of his years. Though various forms of treatment and therapy were attempted, none proved successful. He was visited through the years by various members of the provincial administration and by his Salvatorian classmates, but he rarely recognized anyone. Fr. Louis died of heart failure on December 4, 1983. In his funeral Mass, celebrated in St. Ambrose Chapel in St. Nazianz, his Novitiate classmates participated in the liturgy in various ways. During the homily, it was touchingly pointed out that only through death are we truly liberated from that which binds us. Fr. Louis, now liberated from all the shackles of his earthly suffering, can clearly experience the peace-filled gift of salvation. He was buried in the community cemetery on Loretto Hill.
BROTHER QUENTIN NOVINSKA SDS Born December 29, 1906 - Died August 27, 1970 Brother Quentin Novinska (birth name: Leo Joseph) was born on December 29, 1906, in Fennimore, Wisconsin, a small farming community in the southwest part of the state. He entered the Society in St. Nazianz, and after his Novitiate year, he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1932. He was a man who enjoyed hard labor and his various assignments used all his skills as carpenter, farmer, gardener, butcher, and maintenance engineer. He was frequently sent around the province, to wherever there was a building project or renovation project going on. His ministries included service in St. Nazianz in the Salvatorian Mission House in Elkton, Maryland; on the newly-acquired property in Lanham, where he helped develop and maintain the land, the farm, and the buildings that were being altered to become Divine Savior Seminary; to Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan; and to the new property in Blackwood, New Jersey, which would later become Mother of the Savior Seminary. Bro. Quentin also served at St. Pius X Seminary at its first location in Rio Dell, California; at the newly-opened Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha, Wisconsin; and finally he returned to St. Pius X Seminary in California, which by then had been relocated to Galt since his previous assignment there. Health concerns forced his retirement to St. Nazianz in 1969, where he engaged only in light carpentry tasks. After a sudden and brief illness, he died in Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc on August 27, 1970. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Bro. Quentin was always willing to share his skills and his talents for the good of the community.
FATHER WILLIAM GREGORY NOWACKI SDS Born June 16, 1948 - Died April 16, 1989 Father William Gregory Nowacki (who always went by his middle name) was born in 1948 in Hammond, Indiana. His family later moved to La Habra, California, just outside Los Angeles. He attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, after which he entered the Society’s Novitiate in Colfax, Iowa, in the summer of 1966. He made his profession of vows on August 22, 1967. He then attended Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Dominican College in Racine. He continued his studies for the priesthood at Washington Theological Union in Washington, DC, and the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, California, and was ordained in the chapel of St. Pius X Seminary in Galt, California, on May 7, 1977. He did further studies at the University of California – San Francisco, Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, Italy. Between his college and graduate studies, he extended his Apostolic Year, teaching for three years at JFK Prep in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. Fr. Greg’s ministries included: associate pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Pleasanton, California; and campus minister at Holy Names College in Oakland. In 1987, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee and co-founded the Nashville Ecumenical Center, where he served as director of liturgy, and was also involved in St. Patrick’s Parish in the city. Rapid terminal illness in the winter of 1988 brought him to need extensive care at Bonaventure House in Chicago, Illinois, where he died on April 16, 1989. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Greg is remembered as a kind man with a brilliant mind, who distinguished himself in the academic world with his studies in comparative religions, his fluency in the Russian language, his practice of yoga, and his ability to incorporate so many culturally fascinating teachings and practices into his own life and spirituality.
BROTHER BONIFACE PAPKE SDS Born October 10, 1911 - Died February 21, 2005 Brother Boniface Papke (birth name: Homer) was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 10, 1911. His father was an ornamental iron worker, his mother was a dress maker. During his early elementary school years, Bro. Boniface’s family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he continued his education. After graduating from high school, he worked for a couple years with the telephone company. He joined the Society in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, in 1931, and following his Novitiate there, he made his profession of vows on September 8, 1932. During the next eleven years in the monastery, he worked in the Publishing Department and then as one of the community’s gardeners and landscapers. In 1943, he was sent to Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, to help plant a “Victory Garden” for the community. Religious communities, like regular American families during World War II, were helping in the efforts to reduce the strain on the nation by planting and harvesting some of their own food. This assignment was expected to be a short-term one for Bro. Boniface. He stayed at Mother of Good Counsel Parish for the next fifty years! During that time, he aided the parish, the school, and the community in numerous ways: gardener, custodian, bookkeeper, bus driver, boiler operator, electrician, and painter. In whatever ways he could, he used his talents in the service of God and the Church. A quiet man who enjoyed the simpler things in life, one hobby that remained with him through the ears was target-pistol practice in the basement of the rectory, where he had set up an indoor range. Unfortunately, the loud firing of the pistol did damage to his hearing over the years. In 1994, health needs prompted Bro. Boniface’s retirement from the parish and he lived with the community at St. Mary’s Nursing Home and later at St. Anne’s Home in Milwaukee, where he died peacefully on February 21, 2005. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz.
FATHER DANIEL PEKARSKE SDS Pekarske SDS, Fr. Daniel Age 67. Died Sept. 27, in Milwaukee. Born July 26, 1949, in Manitowoc, WI, one of nine children born to John and Eunice (Rappel) Pekarske. Entered the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) in 1985 and made his profession of vows on Sept. 8, 1986. Ministered at parishes in Phoenix, AZ; Nashville, TN; St. Boniface Parish and Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, WI. Chaplain at VA Medical Center in Nashville, TN; Benedictine Monastery of St. Gertrude and St. Mary's Hospital in Cottonwood, ID. Director of Salvatorian seminarians in Berkeley, CA; St. Francis, WI; and in Morogoro, Tananzia. Lecturer and Associate Director of Formation at Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners, WI. A gifted scholar, teacher, historian and writer, he had retired to Melbourne, FL, in 2015 to write a booklet about the founder of the Salvatorians, Fr. Francis Jordan. He was visiting in Milwaukee when he died. He is preceded in death by his father, John. He is survived by his mother, Eunice; four brothers: Michael (Maren) of Appleton; John (Estelle) of Jefferson, Georgia; Joseph (Mary) of Pensacola, Florida; and James (Sarah) of Centennial, Colorado; four sisters: Patricia (Thomas) Ciha of Wooster, Ohio; Kathryn (Norb) Masterlark of Manitowoc; Mary (Ron) Lese of Michicot; and Nancy (Robert) DeWitt of Manitowoc; as well as his brothers and sisters in the Salvatorian Family. Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, October 17, 11 am at Mother of Good Counsel Church, 6924 W. Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee. Visitation Monday at the Church from 10 am until time of Mass. Burial Monday, 3 pm at Salvatorian Cemetery in St. Nazianz, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Society of the Divine Savior - "Adopt an Apostle" - would benefit the men in formation and support the continuation of the Salvatorian mission to which Fr. Dan dedicated his life. Appleton Post-Crescent October 12, 2016
BROTHER ROGER PELKY Brother Roger A. Pelky, age 76, was born to eternal life on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008. Brother Roger Albert Pelky was born in Bear Creek, and was the youngest of 14 children born to Charles and Eva Pelky. Survivors include a sister: Helen Guyette; and his many brothers and sisters in the Salvatorian Family. Brother Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Arthur, Joseph, Charles, Lloyd, Fred, George and Eugene; and his sisters: Anna Boser; Julia Stroud; Dorothy Sengstock; and Beaulah Guyette. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, at the Chapel of Alexian Village, 9301 N. 76th St., Milwaukee, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will take place in the Salvatorian Cemetery in St. Nazianz at 3 p.m. Schramka Funeral Home, Milwaukee, (414) 464-4040, is serving the family. Herald Times Reporter, Nov. 28, 2008
BROTHER ALEXANDER PESERIK Peserik, Brother Alexander, SDS Born to Eternal Life July 17, 2006 at the age of 74 years. Preceded in death by his parents; Vincent and Elvira. Survived by his sisters; Delores (Robert) Miller of Mesa, AZ, Shirley (Charles) Lipke of Madison, WI, and Mary (Peter) Paul of Sheboygan, WI. Visitation Friday, July 21, at St. Anne's Home for the Elderly, 3800 N 92nd, Milwaukee from 9:00 AM until time of Funeral Mass at 10:15 AM. Burial at 3:00 PM at the Salvatorian Cemetery, St. Nazianz. If desired, memorials to the Society of The Divine Savior. SCHRAMKA FUNERAL HOME Milwaukee 414-464-4040 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel July 20, 2006
FATHER FRED JOSEPH PETERS SDS Born August 21, 1929 - Died January 19, 2005 Father Fred Joseph Peters was born on August 21, 1929, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was one of eight children. After attending grade school in his hometown, he entered Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, where he completed his high school studies and first two years of college. In 1949, he entered the Novitiate of the Society in Menominee, Michigan, and he made his Profession of Vows on September 8, 1950. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, and Catholic University in Washington, DC, and was ordained in the Chapel of Trinity College in Washington on December 8, 1956. Fr. Fred's first assignment was as teacher in St. Mary's High School in Lancaster, New York. He also earned a Masters Degree in Education from Canisius College in Buffalo. Then he answered the call to serve in the Salvatorian missions in Tanzania, East Africa, where he ministered for nine years. Upon his return to the United States, he took some time away from community life and ministry, and after taking additional studies at Washington Theological Union in Silver Springs, Maryland, he returned to active ministry: as associate professor at St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; pastor of Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama; associate pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Huntsville; pastor in the Chilton Catholic Interparish Ministry in Wisconsin; and finally as chaplain in Maricopa County Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, while living and helping in the nearby Salvatorian parish of St. Mark's. In 2004, radical changes in his health prompted his move back to Wisconsin, where he lived with the community at Alexian Village in Milwaukee until his death. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. His quick wit, fast talk, infectious laugh, and sometimes zany sense of humor endeared Fr. Fred to many. But he also had the reputation of being a kind and caring priest, a good listener, a dedicated and faithful minister. He was deeply concerned for the spiritual and emotional health of the people in his parishes and ministries, as well as within the Salvatorian community. Fr. Fred had returned to his baptismal name, but for many years, he was known in religious life by the name of "Lionel."
FATHER JUSTIN PIERCE SDS Born June 13, 1919 - Died September 9, 2000 Father Justin Pierce (birth name: Anthony Joseph / the family’s last name was originally spelled Pirc) was born in 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from the local high school, he took Specials’ studies and the first two years of college at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. He began his Novitiate there in 1941, and 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. He was ordained in St. Gregory’s Parish in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, on June 4, 1948. He continued on with further studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, where he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures in 1951. Upon his return to the United States, Fr. Justin spent a short time at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; then taught at Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey, where he was also Prefect of Brothers; taught at the seminary in St. Nazianz; at Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham; at St. Pius X Seminary in Galt, California; and at Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, until its closure in 1970. For the next nine years he taught at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc. In 1979, he was elected Provincial and served for three years. At the completion of his term, he returned to Silver Lake College and taught there until his death on September 9, 2000. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Justin is remembered for his blustery voice and demeanor, but these were always accompanied by a smile that came from a heart that spoke of a deep compassion and understanding for others. His knowledge of Scriptures and the numerous articles he wrote in professional magazines gave him a reputation as one of the finest Scripture scholars. ******** Father Justin Pierce, Society of the Divinie Savior, age 81, of 2406 Alverno Rd. , Manitowoc, Wisconsin, died Saturday, September 9, 2000 at Silver Lake College where he had been Chaplain and teacher until the present time. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Silver Lake College Chapel. Burial will take place at the Salvatorian Cemetery, St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. Father Pierce was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Frank and Agnes Pierce. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Collinwood High School in Collinwood, Ohio prior to entering the Salvatorian community at St. Nazianz, Wisconsin in 1937, where he began his seminary training. He graduated college from Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland, in 1944, and completed his Theology studies at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. in 1948, and was ordained a priest at St. Gregory’s Church in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin on June 4, 1948. He returned to Catholic University for further studies and received his Licentiate in Ecclesiology in 1949. He then went to Rome to study at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and received his Licentiate in Old Testament Theology in 1951. Known for his excellence in biblical studies, Father Justin has published articles through the years in Catholic Biblical Quarterly, the New Catholic Encyclopedia, the Corpus Instrumentorium and the monthly Bible Today. His love for education and teaching took him to several assignments that helped prepare our future Salvatorian priests and brothers in their studies. From 1958 to 1962, Father Justin taught at Divine Savior Seminar in Lanham, Maryland; from 1962 to 1967 at St. Pius X Seminary in Galt, California; and from 1967 to 1970 at Mount St. Paul College, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Following work for the Internal Renewal Commission for the Society’s Generalate in Rome, Father Justin then began teaching at Holy Family College (later Silver Lake College) in Manitowoc, Wisconsin where he taught until his death – a career interrupted for 3 years from 1979 to 1982, where he served as Provincial of the USA Province. Both as a teacher and as a Provincial, father Justin was known for his “blustery” voice and demeanor, but with a heart of gold that spoke of a deep compassion and understanding for people. He is survived by one brother: John Pierce, Lakewood, Ohio and one sister: Anne (Henry) Grosel, Novelty, Ohio along with other relatives and friends surviving. Friends may call at St. Boniface Catholic Church on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday at Silver Lake College Chapel from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Herald Times Reporter, Herald Times Reporter, September 12, 2000 P. A2
FATHER CHARLES PRADARUTTI SDS Born April 7, 1893 - Died April 21, 1969 Father Charles Pradarutti (birth name: Karl) was born in Munich, Germany, in 1893. After finishing his schooling and working as a bank clerk in Germany, he came to the United States in 1913 at the invitation of his uncle, and he lived with him in Oregon. Four years later, while living on his own in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, he learned of the Salvatorians and entered the Society as a candidate in St. Nazianz. After completing Novitiate and making his profession of vows in 1920, he was sent to Hamberg, Austria, to study for the priesthood, and he was ordained in Schweikelberg, Germany, on July 13, 1924. Fr. Charles was assigned to Wealdstone, England, and then to Abbots-Langley, where he served as novice master and local Superior. He returned to the United States in 1938, and taught in Jordan College in Menominee, Michigan, during the final year of the secular college's existence. He then ministered at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; at Sacred Heart Parish in Ewen, Michigan; and as pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Shaw, Oregon. He later returned to Menominee, where he taught in the seminary and was involved in the formation program in the Brother's Juniorate. He also helped in the local parishes on weekends. After the sale of the seminary property in 1968, Fr. Charles remained in the city of Menominee and helped in St. John's Parish. In January of 1969, he suffered a fractured hip and a dislocated shoulder in a fall. He went to St. Nazianz to recuperate, and he was cheerful and as active as he could be. His sudden death in April of that year came as a shock to the community, and to the students in the school who were just getting to know him. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Charles was fluent in five languages, an accomplished music teacher, and a man who loved to walk several miles each day.
BROTHER CORNELIUS POPE SDS Born January 21, 1932 - Died March 22, 2003 Brother Cornelius Pope (birth name: James Charles) was born in 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in the town of Morrison, several miles to the west, and later in nearby Hermann. After completing college, where he learned secretarial and bookkeeping skills, he grew interested in religious life, and he became a Brother candidate in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, in 1951. He spent his Novitiate year in Menominee, Michigan, where he made his profession of vows on March 19, 1953. He returned to St. Nazianz, and served as secretary to the Superior. He then went to Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, New Jersey as bookkeeper and secretary for both the school and the community, until the school’s closure in 1967. He then assumed similar duties at Mount St. Paul College in Waukesha, Wisconsin; and at Marian Catholic High School in Mishawaka, Indiana. In 1972, he became the secretary and receptionist for the Provincial Offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he remained for sixteen years. In 1988, Bro. Cornelius moved to the southwest, and was secretary in St. Mark’s Parish in Phoenix, Arizona. After a short sabbatical in San Antonio, Texas, he returned to Milwaukee and was engaged in secretarial work for the Milwaukee Achiever Program and the local office of the Catholic League; and then as secretary in St. Florian’s Parish in West Milwaukee. In 1997, ill health forced him to retire. He lived for a time in the Candidature community, and then in Jordan Hall, until his death on March 22, 2003, just three days after celebrating his 50th Anniversary of Profession. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. In addition to his many secretarial assignments, Bro. Cornelius aided many of the province’s commissions and committees, and for over a decade, he was editor of “Moments in Community,” one of the first newsletters to come from the provincial offices. An avid crossword-puzzle and word-game fan, his sharp mind and quick wit endeared him to many. Few people could ever challenge him to a game of Scrabble and come out the winner! He is also remembered for his warmth and genuine hospitality to everyone.
FATHER GREGORY PUTZER SDS Born April 1, 1908 - Died February 9, 1984 Father Gregory Putzer (birth name: Joseph Michael) was born on April 1, 1908, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. After high school and the first two years of college studies in Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, he entered the Novitiate in Elkton, Maryland, where he made his profession of vows on October 22, 1928. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Catholic University in Washington, DC, and the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He was ordained in Rome in the Church of St. Ignatius on July 9, 1933. He returned to the United States and taught in the seminary in St. Nazianz, until 1945. During those years, he also served in other capacities, such as procurator, farm manager, and Superior of the community. He was also sent to New Jersey to help establish Mother of the Savior Seminary in Blackwood, and served as the community's Superior. Once the new seminary was underway, he returned to St. Nazianz. Later, Fr. Gregory was local Superior and principal of Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama; Superior of the Salvatorian Mission House in Elkton, Maryland; associate pastor of Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; pastor of St. Bernard's Parish in Scio, Oregon; pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Sheridan, Oregon; pastor of St. Gregory's Parish in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin; and finally pastor of St. Catherine's Parish in McMinnville, Tennessee, until his death on February 9, 1984. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. Fr. Gregory is remembered as a kind and gentle priest who worked tirelessly in his ministries. He was equally comfortable serving in already established ministries or being a trail- blazer and beginning new ones. He loved gardening and golfing, and most especially, the company of others. His cousin, Fr. Vincent Putzer, was also a Salvatorian priest of the USA Province. ******** Rev. Gregory Putzer, S.D.S., 75, of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Mcminvill, Tenn., died Thursday, Feb. 9, at McMinvill. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, St. Nazianz. Burial will follow in Salvatorian Community Cemetery, Loretta Hill. Friends may call at St. Ambrose Church, st. Nazianz, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday where a community prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Christianson-Deja Funeral Home, St. Nazianz, is in charge of arrangements. Herald Times Reporter, February 13, 1948 P. 3
FATHER VINCENT PUTZER SDS Born January 2, 1913 - Died August 28, 1993 Father Vincent Putzer (birth name: Joseph Michael) was born in 1913 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 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 1934. He made his profession of vows on September 8, 1935. His first year of philosophy studies was in St. Nazianz, and the second year was in the new scholasticate in Lanham, Maryland. He completed his studies for the priesthood at Catholic University in Washington, DC, where he was ordained on June 11, 1940, in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. He ministered in Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; taught and served as procurator in the seminary in St. Nazianz, and in Jordan Seminary in Menominee, Michigan; and was Superior and procurator in Trinity Prep Seminary in Sioux City, Iowa. He then returned to St. Nazianz, as Superior until 1965. Fr. Vincent then became a hospital chaplain, ministering in St. Francis Hospital in Grinnell, Iowa; and St. Joseph's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. In 1974, he was named pastor of St. Rita in the Desert Parish in nearby Vail. He later spent a year as temporary pastor of Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama. In 1984, he semi-retired in St. Nazianz, and ministered as chaplain to the Salvatorian Sisters in St. Mary's Convent. In 1989, a fall on the ice caused severe head injuries, which would result in months of hospitalization and rehabilitation. Fr. Vincent moved to St. Mary's Home in Manitowoc, where he remained until his death on August 28, 1993. He was buried in the community cemetery in St. Nazianz. He is remembered as a trusted and skilled leader, with a true gift for understanding finances. As a teacher, he could be quite demanding, but he was always pleasant, good-humored, and popular. In later years, Fr. Vincent also discovered talents for oil painting and for gardening. His cousin, Father Gregory Putzer, was also a Salvatorian priest of the USA Province. ******** Father J. Vincent Putzer, S.D.S., age 80, formerly of St. Nazianz, died Saturday, August 28, 1993, at St. Mary’s Home, Manitowoc. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, 1993, at St. Gregory Catholic Church, St. Nazianz, with burial to follow in The Society of the Divine Savior Community Cemetery, St. Nazianz. He was born January 2, 1913, at Oshkosh, son of the late Wenzel and Alvina Drexler Putzer. He attended St. Vincent Grade School in Oshkosh, the Salvatorian Seminary at St. Nazianz, and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Friends may call at St. Gregory Catholic Church on Tuesday morning from 8:45 a.m. until the time of service. Christianson-Deja Funeral Home, Valders, is assisting with funeral arrangements. Herald Times Reporter, August 30, 1993 P. A2