Fr. Leo Ortman (1910-1976)

Father Leo Ortman passed away October 15, 1976.

One of several vocations given to the community of St. Benedict’s Abbey from St. John’s Parish, Burlington, Iowa, Father Leo made his first vows June 13, 1935.  After ordination in 1938 he served the monastic community in its educational and pastoral works.  He earned a Master of Arts in religious Education from the Catholic University of America in 1940.  He served as pastor in various parishes including St. Malachy’s, Creston, Iowa, and twice at Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca, Kan.  He was pastor at St. Ann’s, Effingham, Kan., when he was diagnosed with cancer.  Father Leo also served as Student Chaplain at St. Benedict’s College, Mount St. Scholastica College, Ursuline College, Paola, Kan., and St. Scholastica Convent and High School in Chicago.  The community knew Father Leo as a kind and enthusiastic servant of the people of God and a loyal confrere.