Fr. Anthony Reilman (1906-1975)

“Hi neighbor!” uttered in a strong bass voice, was a frequent greeting of Father Anthony.  He was known to refer to one of the monks as “Purcell boy.”  He was principal of Maur Hill twice, but because of an asthmatic condition, often missed the opening weeks of the school year.  He also served in the parishes of the abbey, most notably in Burlington, Iowa.  In 1953 he was teacher of Latin at St. Benedict’s College, Subprior, and Master of Brothers.  During his tenure the Abbey entered into an agreement with Wilson and Co. to raise chickens according to a special process.  His helper was the newly professed Brother Francis Mutter, O.S.B.

One monk, assigned to help Fr. Joseph Staudinger, O.S.B., at Osawatomie, Kan., used to take Father Anthony from the nursing home out for a chocolate malt.  He always went along gladly and always seemed well informed about happenings at the Abbey.

Father Anthony Reilman passed away July 22, 1975.