Obituary: Crosier Brother Robert “Bob” John Mandernach

Crosier Brother Robert “Bob” John Mandernach, 82, died  July 20 at Mille Lacs Health System Long Term Care in Onamia. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated  at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 24, at the Crosier Priory in Onamia, with vigil and visiting beforehand. A luncheon will follow. A private inurnment is planned for the priory cemetery columbarium.

Brother Bob was born Feb. 14, 1939, to Peter and Catherine (Lieser) Mandernach in St. Martin — one of 13 children. He attended St. Martin Public School in St. Martin, Crosier Seminary in Onamia and Paynesville Public School in Paynesville. He later attended Central Nebraska Technical College where he earned a certificate in electrical fundamentals.

He entered the Crosier novitiate in 1959 and made his first profession of vows Aug. 28, 1960, in Hastings, Nebraska, renewed his vows in 1963 and professed solemn vows in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Aug. 28, 1966.

Many of his assignments and ministries centered around religious life as a member of the Crosier communities in Hastings; Fort Wayne and Syracuse, Indiana; Shoreview, Minnesota, and Onamia. He served through construction, maintenance, farming and campus and facilities director. He was a coach and dean at Crosier Seminary and subprior of the Crosier Community of Hastings. He lived in Mulo, Democratic Republic of Congo, as a missionary for two years. Brother Bob retired in 2017.

He is survived by siblings: Brother of St. Pius X Michael; Benedictine Sisters Leonore, Margaret and Mary; Cyril; Lillian Smil (James, deceased); John (Diane); as well as his Crosier conferes. He was in preceded in death by siblings: Joseph (Monica); Theresa Dingmann (Albert); Laverne; Albert; and an infant sister.

Memorials are preferred to the Crosier Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 500, Onamia, MN 56359-0500.

 

Author: The Central Minnesota Catholic

The Central Minnesota Catholic is the magazine for the Diocese of St. Cloud.

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