Brother Thaddeus Gottemoller

May 10, 1911 - Dec. 31, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Br. Thaddeus (Karl) Gottemoller, C.S.C., 99, the oldest Holy Cross Brother in the Midwest Province, died on December 31, 2010, at Dujarie House, Notre Dame, just 5 months short of his 100th birthday. He was a revered high school science teacher for more than fifty years. Br. Thaddeus was born in Indianapolis, to John and Albina (Darlinghaus) Gottemoller in 1911. He was a graduate of Cathedral High School, class of 1929. Influenced by the Brothers who taught him, he joined the Brothers of Holy Cross to begin his novitiate year and made his first profession in July 1931. He started his studies at the University of Notre Dame earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1935 after having made his final profession in 1934. Br. Thaddeus' first assignment was to Evansville's Reitz Memorial High School where he taught a variety of science courses for 5 years. He then taught at Holy Cross High School in New Orleans and moved to New England to teach 3 years at Vincentian Institute in Albany, NY, 2 years at St. Joseph's in Valatie, NY, and 8 years at Coyle High School in Taunton, MA, where he served as assistant principal until 1952. He returned to the Midwest to teach 4 years at St. Edward High in Lakewood, OH, and 4 years at St. Joseph High in South Bend. In 1960 he joined the faculty at Holy Trinity High in Chicago, serving his longest tenure of teaching for 21 years until 1981. He taught for 2 years at Holy Cross High in River Grove, IL and then served on its staff for 19 years in a variety of roles. Br. Thaddeus was not only a conscientious and innovative chemistry and math teacher, but exhibited those same qualities in every undertaking, whether assisting with the Associates of St. Joseph Organization, moderating the Mothers' Clubs, or heading the concession booths and the candy/drink machines in the high schools. He enjoyed teaching archery for many summers at the Day Camp of Gilmour Academy and organized competitive archery teams in the high schools. He was meticulous in maintaining the grounds of schools, ridding the lawns of any weeds and even in his 80s, climbing on the roofs of buildings to remove debris. He was a devoted gardener, spending many enjoyable days tending his tomato plants and vegetables at River Grove and Columba Hall. After nearly 67 years in education and service, Br. Thaddeus retired in 2002 to Columba Hall at Notre Dame and then moved to Schubert Villa and Dujarie House at Holy Cross Village in 2005 where he died on New Year's Eve in the late afternoon. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 4th, at the Our Lady of Holy Cross Chapel, Schubert Villa-Dujarie House from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the grounds of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame. The Mass of Resurrection will be at 11 a.m. with interment immediately afterward in St. Joseph's Cemetery of the Village. Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions, in honor of Brother Thaddeus to support the mission and ministries of the Brothers may be sent to: Brothers of Holy Cross, Office of Development, P.O. Box 460, Notre Dame, IN.