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John Oetgen Obituary
He was born in Savannah, Georgia, on Aug. 6, 1924, and attended Benedictine Military School.
He entered the monastery at Belmont Abbey, where he professed his vows on Feb. 14, 1944.
He was ordained to the priesthood at Sacred Heart Church, Savannah, on June 1, 1951.
Father John earned degrees from Belmont Abbey College, Saint Benedict's College, Atchison, KS, the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, and pur-sued further studies at Oxford University and the University of North Carolina.
He filled important posts in both the monastery and college at Belmont Abbey. He was a Professor of English and Director of the Abbey Players, and served as President of Belmont Abbey College from 1960 to 1964. He was awarded an honorary doctoral degree by Belmont Abbey College in 2006.
Father John is survived by the monks of Belmont Abbey, by his sister, Sister Pauline Oetgen, C.S.J., of Valdosta, GA, and by his niece and three neph-ews and their spouses.
Father John's body will be received in the basilica at Belmont Abbey on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m.
The funeral will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., with interment following in the abbey cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for either Belmont Abbey College or Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care.
Arrangements are with McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Oetgen
Carl Schoeppl
September 12, 2020
Father John was a mentor to me during my time at Belmont Abbey and was part of my life and family for nearly 30 years. He even performed my wedding ceremony. He was a constant source inspiration and wisdom. He exposed me to the arts and expanded my horizons in ways I could never imagine before without his divine guidance. Even though he passed from this Earth in his physical state, his spirit lives on to this day. My prayers and thoughts are with him always. I will treasure the loving memories he bestowed upon me. His legacy will be everlasting with me.
Carl Schoeppl
Jacquie Whitfield
October 25, 2009
Therese, Hunter, Albert and Martha, and family. My sympathy and prayers are with you in the loss of your uncle.
With much love,
Jacquie Whitfield
Melissa Pendley
October 11, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family of Fr. John. It was my privilege to have him as a teacher for several classes before graduating in 2000. I will miss talking with him and hearing all of his wonderful stories. His compassion and kindness will be greatly missed.
--Melissa Pendley (Dillard), Jacksonville, FL
Paula Newkirk
October 11, 2009
My most sincere sympathy to the family of Father John. Although I never met him, i know a man who has dedicated his life to the service of God and His children will reap the rewards of heaven. May God bless you during this sorrowful time. My family and I pray for Fr. john's soul.
Donna
October 11, 2009
My condolences to the family of Fr. John and the Belmont Abbey family. I was a student of his and graduated from the abbey in 2001. He also taught my dad in the 70's. He was a wonderful educator and will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Margart Gill
October 11, 2009
My sincere sympathy and condolences to Sr.Pauline, the Oetgen family and the Monks of Belmont Abbey on the death of Fr. John.
May he rest in Peace
Margaret Hohenstein Gill - Atlantic Beach, Fl.
jack daniels
October 11, 2009
i was deeply sad to receive the notice of fr. john's passing and offer sincere condolences to his brother monks of belmont abbey, and sr. paulette at this most difficult time.
fr. john enjoyed a long and most productive life of service to the abbey and college as he performed with great dignity his many contributions to the well being and growth of both institutions.
it is certain to say that he will be sorely missed by countless students and friends he served as priest and educator for so many years.
fr. john was a good friend of mine and i will always remember fondly his many visits home to savannah, and tybee island where he always loved to relax with family and friends.
he is now at peace with our blessed lord and mary immaculate where i'm sure he was received with a hearty, "well done, good and faithful servant" acknowledgement. may he rest in peace. jack
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