Father Claude (Arthur) Seeberger, O.S.B., monk of Assumption Abbey in Richardton, North Dakota (USA), died peacefully on 1 October 2018 attended by his brother monks.
Father Claude was born in Glen Ullin, North Dakota, on 17 November 1924 and attended Assumption Abbey High School and College even after his family moved to California in 1942. He entered the novitiate in 1943 and was given the name Claude, mentioned in 2 Timothy 4.21. He professed vows as a Benedictine on 11 July 1944 and was ordained to the priesthood on 10 August 1949.
During his monastic life, Father Claude served as instructor to the Brothers and also taught in the Abbey schools. In 1956, he completed his Master of Arts degree in Church History at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
Father Claude also served the community in a number of other ways, including as Abbey Procurator, pastor of several local parishes, chaplain to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson, North Dakota, and chaplain to the Sisters of the presentation at Maryvale in Valley City, North Dakota.
Father Claude was an avid fisherman and built his own houseboat so that he could travel the waters of Lake Sakakawea in comfort although, according to his abbot and monastic community, the boat looked like it was held together with twine and chewing gum. He also loved bird watching and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins baseball team.
A Vigil Service was held on 3 October 2018 at Assumption Abbey, with Mass of Christian Burial at Assumption Abbey on 4 October 2018 and subsequent burial in the Abbey cemetery. We commend Father Claude to the prayers of all monks of the Benedictine Confederation.