To honor Fr. Blaine’s lifetime of service as a composer, music educator, organist, and Abbey Guestmaster, the monks have established the Fr. Blaine Schultz Legacy Fund. This endowed fund will provide for the care of the Abbey’s pipe organ, musical instruments, and liturgical needs. Further, the fund will provide for the Abbey Guesthouse – seeking to carry on Fr. Blaine’s spirit of Benedictine Hospitality.
Fortified by the Sacraments of the Church, and the Apostolic Pardon, Fr. Blaine Schultz, OSB, died peacefully at St. Benedict’s Abbey, on September 18, 2020, the day following his 87th birthday. Several monks and health care staff were present with him when he died.
Kenneth Schultz was born on September 17, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was later adopted and raised by Fred and Mary (Kasick) Schultz. He attended St. Benedict’s Catholic Grade School in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Maur Hill Prep for his high school education, graduating in May 1951, enrolling in St. Benedict’s College that fall.
In July 1953, he entered the novitiate of the Abbey, receiving the name Blaine. He professed First Vows on July 11, 1954. In 1956 he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Benedict’s College. He professed his solemn vows as a monk on July 11, 1957. Following studies for the priesthood at the Abbey’s School of Theology, Fr. Blaine was ordained to the priesthood in the Abbey Church on May 26, 1960, by Archbishop Edward Hunkeler.
He served as a teacher and prefect in the dorms at St. Benedict’s College for two years. Having demonstrated great love for beauty and the arts, Fr. Blaine was asked to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Kansas in 1964 and a Master’s degree in music from the University of Wisconsin in 1966.
Fr. Blaine went on to teach in the music department at St. Benedict’s and Benedictine College from 1966-2005 where he cherished fond memories of working with many gifted colleagues and students. He was also instrumental in Atchison’s Community Concert Series, of which he was president for a number of years. In that role, he worked closely with Sr. Joachim Holthaus, OSB. Many students at Benedictine College over the years also benefited from the fine arts course that Fr. Blaine team-taught with Sr. Joachim and Dr. Doug McKenzie.
Fr. Blaine served the monastic community as choirmaster from 1968-2017. He worked to make the Liturgy of the Abbey prayerful and beautiful, possessing a keen ability to choose psalm tones and music – music that is still appreciated today.
Fr. Blaine was Subprior of the Abbey, 1969-87; Junior Master (formation director of monks in simple vows), 1969-80; and Guestmaster from 1982-2018.
For countless people over the years Fr. Blaine was a listening ear. Whether welcoming guests, visiting friends, or counseling those in need, he always reflected that wisdom of St. Benedict in his Rule: Never give a hollow greeting of peace or turn away when someone needs your love.
Fr. Blaine was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Schulz and Mary (Kasick).
He is survived by two sisters: Marcia (Jerry) Hubbard, and Mary Kay (John) Shamet
St. Benedict’s Abbey
1020 North 2nd Street
Atchison, KS 66002