Father Roger Botz OSB

Father Roger Botz was Born in Freeport, Minnesota, in 1933, and was the youngest of three children. He attended Sacred Heart School and later Saint John’s Preparatory School, graduating in 1951. He enrolled at Saint John’s University that fall, where a love for classical music and the liberal arts took root. Entering monastic life in 1953, he professed vows in 1954 and was ordained a priest in 1960. He later earned an M.A. in school administration and a certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education, preparing him for a diverse and impactful ministry.

Father Roger served as pastor, teacher, missionary, and school principal in both Saint Paul and Puerto Rico. He returned to Saint John’s for administrative roles, including Director of Church and Civic Services and Executive Secretary of the Alumni Association. He especially valued his time as university chaplain and later transitioned to hospital ministry, where he served in spiritual care at Saint Cloud Hospital for nearly four decades, deeply touching the lives of patients and staff alike with compassion and wisdom.

A man of wit, empathy, and Benedictine hospitality, Father Roger combined humor with holiness. He was known for his puns, deep historical interest, and sensitive pastoral care. In his chaplaincy work, he strived to bring people face-to-face with a generous and loving God. Father Roger passed away on April 21, 2025. May God reward him abundantly.