Father Roger Botz OSB

Collegeville - Roger Botz was the youngest of two sons and one daughter born to Peter and Anna (Monn) Botz in Freeport, Minnesota, on December 10, 1933. His father worked as a rural mail carrier and his mother was an elementary school teacher.

After his elementary school years at Sacred Heart School in Freeport from 1939-1947, Roger attended Saint John's Preparatory School beginning in 1947. Graduating in the spring of 1951, he enrolled in Saint John's University. He entered the novitiate in 1953 and professed his first monastic vows on July 11, 1954. Continuing divinity studies at Saint John's, Father Roger was ordained to the priesthood in 1960. He would later receive an M.A. at the University of Saint Thomas in 1968.

After ordination, Father Roger served as pastor, educator, and school administrator. His first assignment was at Saint Bernard's parish, Saint Paul in 1960 for two years followed by a missionary assignment at Colegio San Antonio Abad in Humacao, Puerto Rico through 1967. Returning to Saint John's, Father Roger served as an admissions counselor for a year at Saint John's University. His next assignment was as Director of Church and Civic Services for Saint John's Abbey and University from 1968-1974, and then as the Director of the Parents Program at Saint John's University from 1975-1977.

Father Roger served as Executive Secretary of the Alumni Association for Saint John's University from 1976-1981. He was appointed chaplain for Saint John's University from 1981-1984, in his own words, "one of the best assignments that I have had." He transitioned to being a chaplain at the Saint Cloud Hospital through 2022.

Father Roger was a very sensitive listener who considered his chaplaincy work as an extension of the Benedictine tradition of hospitality.

Father Roger loved humor and puns. He was a history buff who had special interests in the Civil War and World War II. He was an engaging confrere who enjoyed visiting and appreciating the stories of others.

Father Roger died on April 21, 2025 in the abbey health center. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Sally Botz, Richfield, Minnesota, and the community of Saint John's Abbey. The monks, family, and friends will receive the body at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 25 and celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial for Father Roger at 10:00 am on Saturday April 26 in Saint John's Abbey and University Church, with interment in the abbey cemetery. The service will be live-streamed (https://www.youtube.com/saintjohnsabbey).