Fr. Philip M. Kremer OSB

FATHER PHILIP M. KREMER, O.S.B. 1929 – 2016 Father Philip M. Kremer, O.S.B., age 86, a Benedictine monk of Marmion Abbey, Aurora, Illinois, died peacefully in the Lord early in the morning of Friday, October 28, 2016. He is survived by members of his monastic community, his sisters, Marie Kremer and Roswitha (Malcolm) Woodman, brother Elmar (Martha), and 18 nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Teresa (Deck) and by two brothers, Rudy and Norbert. Father Philip was born on November 14, 1929, and was baptized Leo at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from McBride High School in St. Louis in 1947 and then attended St. Louis University for two years, receiving a BA at St. Procopius College in 1954. He entered Marmion Abbey in 1951, professing his first vows as a monk August 15, 1952. He was ordained a priest on May 11, 1957. He subsequently earned a Masters degree in Botany at the Catholic University of America and a PhD in Secondary Education – Biology at Northern Illinois University. From 1959 to 2000 Father Philip served as an educator at Marmion Academy teaching Physics, Biology, Life Science, Computer Science and other science courses. Fr. Philip wrote his own text and work books for all of his science courses. He served as the Chairman of the Academy’s science department for forty years. Father Philip served as a visiting scientist at the Argonne National Labs for four years and studied under National Science Foundation Grants at a variety of universities. After retiring from teaching, Fr. Philip remained coordinator of AP testing and Audio-Visual material for the Academy for several years. After his retirement from teaching, Father Philip maintained an active schedule of parish assistance ministry and at the abbey was often seen working in the garden or making wreaths at Christmas time. He remained committed to a regular schedule of daily prayer and to maintaining an active participation in the daily life of the community until his sudden death. He will be fondly remembered by all as a joyful and kind man, faithful to God, his vocation and his family. Father Philip’s body will be received by his monastic community and family on Tuesday, November 1, at 4:00 P.M. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. in the Abbey Church at 850 Butterfield Road, Aurora, Illinois. The Office of the Dead will be prayed at 6:30 P.M. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, November 2, from 9:00 A.M. until the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Burial will follow in the Marmion Abbey Cemetery.

Fr. Philip M. Kremer OSB

November 14, 1929 - October 28, 2016