Father Benedict Dohle, O.S.B.
June 19, 1923 - March 31, 2007
by Father Richard Thell, O.S.B.

Father Benedict had been a professed monk for 58 years and is considered one of the “founding fathers” of Mount Michael Abbey.

Fr. Benedict was preceded in death by his parents George and Teresa and by his brothers George, Bob, Jim, and John. He is survived by his brother Richard, his sisters Joan Schaan and Dolores Stuhlmann, numerous nieces and nephews, a large extended family, and his monastic community.

Father was born on June 19, 1923, in Saint Louis, Missouri. (Hence, his life-long devotion to the St. Louis Cardinals.) He was educated in the Catholic schools of St. Louis and after graduation from high school he enlisted in the army and proudly served his country in World War II. (He spent most of service time in the Pacific Theatre.) After his discharge from the army, he eventually found himself called to religious life. He joined the novitiate at Immaculate Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri, in 1948. He professed his first vows on September 3, 1949, after which time he began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained at Conception Abbey on May 29, 1954.

In 1954, Father was sent to Mount Michael to help staff the newly established St. John’s Seminary. Much to his surprise (and chagrin) when he arrived at Mount Michael he found a beautiful new school building, but NO gym. He said, “How can you have all these boys around and not have a gym?” Thus one of his first projects was raising money and building the well used Mount Michael gym, a.k.a. “The Palace.” Father Benedict was one of the Mount’s biggest sports fans. He was interested in all Mount Michael teams and could always be found asking for the scores from various games, matches and events he was not able to attend.

Father Benedict served in many capacicities in both the abbey and high school. In the abbey Fr. Benedict served as Prior of Mount Michael for six years. For many years he was a dean in the school; he served as principal and superintendent from 1965 thru 1971. He was teacher, spiritual advisor, mentor and coach to hundreds of students. He will be remembered most as a great math teacher. No reference to his math teaching can be made without mention of the box of assorted balls he brought to class which he often used to “encourage” his students. Many alumni credit their success in college math to Father Benedict’s patient teaching. Even after retiring from full time teaching, Father continued tutoring current Mount Michael students.

On his desk waiting for his return from the hospital was a book entitled, Benedictus, a compilation of the writings of Pope Benedict XVI. Father Benedict had been making some notes on his reading and one of the last notes he made dealt with what the Holy Father had written on faith. At the end of his notes are written the words from Benedict XVI, “Mature adult faith is deeply rooted in friendship with Christ.” Father’s devotion and dedication to his monastic life and all things Mount Michael are proof that he practiced so fervently what he preached. His greatest legacy will be the example he set for his fellow monks in devotion to prayer and constancy to community life.

The last words written on the scribbled notepad are, “Jesus, not as I will, but as you will.” Perhaps Father Benedict knew he was about to be called Home.

A Wake Service will be held for the Mount Michael student body at 7:00 PM, Monday, April 2. A Wake Service for friends and family will be held on Tuesday evening, April 3, at 7:00. Both services will be held at Mount Michael.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Father Benedict at St. Patrick’s Church in Elkhorn on Wednesday, April 4, at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in the Mount Michael Cemetery.