Fr. Aloysius Kropp (1906-1993)

Father Aloysius Kropp passed away July 23, 1993.

As is stated in his death notice, Father Aloysius loved St. Benedict’s College and served it well in administration and development for many years, along with Leo Nusbaum. He later loved his work at St. Joseph and St. Benedict parishes in Atchison.  But, perhaps his first love was being a chaplain at Valley Hope Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center north of the abbey in Atchison.  After a month of training he began work as a part-time chaplain, though carrying a large patient load.  Almost every evening he went to the patient’s recreation room, smoked his pipe, and visited.  He was very effective and popular among patients and staff.  “Fr. Al” was a favorite at Valley Hope.

When he returned to the abbey on retirement he entered completely into the life. A great conversationalist, he loved to tell stories.  Sad to say, many community stories went to the grave with him.

One is remembered.  He once asked the former Father Celestine Bache, O.S.B., what was the secret to his preaching.  He had the reputation of being a very good one.  Celestine replied, “When I mount the stairs to the pulpit I say to God, ‘I’m ready, Lord.  Turn on the spigot!’”

His master’s degree in English from the University of Michigan was very helpful when he was asked by Father Peter Beckman, O.S.B., to proof read Kansas Monks as it was in the process of being written.