Fr. Paschal Pretz (1895-1981)
Father Paschal Pretz passed away July 5, 1981.
Father Paschal was a monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey for 66 years. He spent most of those years teaching in the Physics Department of St. Benedict’s College and was a department chair for several years. Paschal was a monk of wide practical knowledge. He served as the construction overseer for the Abbey during the construction of the Abbey Church, St. Augustine (Turner) Hall and Memorial (St. Martin’s) Hall.
Father Paschal was well known for his trusty pipe, good memory, love of bridge, generous weekend parish service and quaint terms used to describe instruments and theories used in teaching Physics. For many years he was the secretary of the Abbey Chapter. His handwriting was very legible. Father Paschal’s older brother, Pius, was also a member of the community. He preceded Paschal in death in 1977.
