Father Markus Mittermayr, Benedictine of Kremsmünster Abbey and Consistorial Councilor, was called to God on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in his 90th year. Born in 1936, in Eberstalzell as Josef Mittermayr, he attended the Kremsmünster Abbey Gymnasium from 1947 to 1955 and entered the monastery on August 17, 1955, taking the religious name Markus. After his simple profession in 1956, he studied philosophy in Kremsmünster and theology in Salzburg, professing his solemn vows in 1959 and being ordained a priest on July 15, 1960. His first Mass took place in his hometown of Eberstalzell.
From 1961 to 1965, Father Markus served as assistant priest in Neuhofen with his uncle, Father Gunther Mittermayr, and later as parish administrator. He continued his ministry in Einsiedling (Vorchdorf parish) until 1977 and was parish priest of Pettenbach from 1977 to 2014. He also served as administrator of Magdalenaberg parish and oversaw numerous renovations: churches in Magdalenaberg, Heiligenleithen, and Pettenbach, as well as the parish center, rectory, and organ. His dedication, pastoral care, and devotion to the abbey community earned him the honorary citizenship of Pettenbach and the Golden Medal of Merit of Upper Austria.
Father Markus was known for his deep faith, humility, humor, and warm-heartedness. Even as a child, he aspired to be a priest and inspired others with his sermons. Though occasionally quick-tempered, he was forgiving and beloved for his sincerity and hospitality. Interested in world events, sports, chess, and card games, he was an active and joyful member of both parish and monastery life. In 2014, due to exhaustion, he returned to the monastery, spending his final years peacefully among his brethren. Faithful to prayer and service until the end, he often repeated: “We are only guests on earth, journeying with burdens and joys toward our heavenly home.” May God now reward him with eternal joy among the saints.