Br. Jerome Elmer (1924-1993)

Born in Kansas City, Kan., the oldest of twelve children, Brother Jerome graduated from Ward High School in 1943.  He entered the Recollect Augustinian Monastery in Kansas City but left there in 1950.  After working for two years he joined St. Benedict’s Abbey and made his first vows in 1956. 

Brother Jerome was a plumber and served the abbey, St. Benedict’s College, and Benedictine College in that capacity.  His faithful helper, Ole Novinsky, was a constant companion.  Largely because of emphysema his health began to decline and he virtually retired around 1989. 

He was a fascinating person with a wry sense of humor and a way of holding his mouth when playing a violin or a banjo.  He was the heart and soul of many jam sessions.  He was an amateur radio buff and TV repairman.  In addition, he studied Spanish, Russian, German, Greek and Italian on his own.  Brother Jerome was a multitalented Renaissance type man.  Perhaps his greatest contribution to the community is that he was who he was.  He will live forever when the monastic stories are told.