Fr. Callistus Kramer (1893-1956)

Father Callistus Kramer passed away November 4, 1956.

Both pastor and college professor, Father Callistus, died of a persistent heart condition at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Kansas City, Kan.  He was born in Reuschendorf, Oldenburg, Germany, and continued his education at Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School in Seneca, Kan.  He attended St. Benedict’s High School—forerunner to Maur Hill—and later graduated from St. Benedict’s College in June of 1917.  After the novitiate at St. Vincent Archabbey he professed first vows in 1915 and final vows in 1918.  Completing his theological studies in Atchison he was ordained by Bishop Ward in Atchison on June 27, 1921.

Father Callistus taught Latin, Greek and religion at St. Benedict’s and became assistant pastor at St. Benedict’s, Kansas City, Kan., and later pastor, but was recalled to the college in 1934.  He later did pastoral work in Oklahoma at several places.  He returned to Atchison and was successively pastor at Good Intent, assistant pastor and pastor at St. John’s, Burlington, Iowa, 1949-1955. He built the rectory there.  A heart attack forced his return to the abbey, and after some time attempting recuperation death came in 1956.