Father Germain Swisshelm, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, died on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the age of 91, in the 68th year of his monastic profession and the 65th year of his priesthood. Born in Orrville in 1934, he received the name William Oliver at his baptism. He earned bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and history at Saint Meinrad in 1956 before pursuing graduate studies at Indiana University, University of Oklahoma, and University of San Marcos. He was invested as a novice in 1956, professed simple vows in 1957, and made solemn profession in 1960, the same year he was ordained to the priesthood.
A gifted teacher and missionary, Father Germain taught at Saint Meinrad’s St. Placid Hall before becoming a founding member of the archabbey’s mission in Los Pinos, near Huaraz. There he served in the seminary and high school and as associate pastor at San Juan de Lurigancho Parish, later becoming prior of the community. While in Peru he studied Quechua and founded Estudios Culturales Benedictinos, producing a Quechua–Spanish dictionary and a nine-volume New Testament manuscript in Quechua. Returning to Saint Meinrad in 1979, he contributed his talents in the Carpenter Shop, assisted with Masses at the Monte Cassino Shrine, and served the community through liturgical and pastoral work, including Spanish-language ministry.
Widely regarded as a master carpenter, Father Germain left his craftsmanship visible throughout the Hill. His custom frames and sturdy lecterns—designed, as he liked to say, to help his confreres stay awake during lectio—reflected both artistic skill and spiritual devotion. Quiet by nature yet deeply learned, he preferred listening to speaking, but when a question arose requiring precision or expertise, he responded with clarity, depth, and warmth. His memory, curiosity, and steady presence enriched countless conversations, classrooms, and community moments, leaving a legacy of service, scholarship, and humble love for God and the monastic life.