Brother Clemens Maria (Johannes) Ziller was born in 1949 in Winzingen, Swabia, into a family of three children. After completing an apprenticeship as a pastry chef and working in Göppingen, he entered St. Ottilien Archabbey in November 1983. He made his first profession in 1985, beginning a monastic journey marked by prayer, humility and dedicated service. During his 41 years of monastic profession, he served in the infirmary, library and, above all, the monastery bakery.
For more than 25 years, Brother Clemens faithfully served as a baker, rising as early as 3 a.m. to prepare bread, rolls and cakes for the community. His popular whole-grain bread became a particular favourite. After being diagnosed with leukaemia around 2018, he endured intensive chemotherapy but continued to help wherever possible, including in the refectory and second-hand bookshop. A passionate reader of theology, history and archaeology, he also loved classical music, family visits to Swabia and Marian devotion, especially the rosary.
Quiet, gentle and considerate, Brother Clemens was remembered for his humility, kindness and willingness to serve others. Despite his reserved nature, he appreciated fellowship and stimulating conversations with his confreres and visitors. Following a renewed deterioration in his health and a further battle with cancer, he spent his final three months in the monastery infirmary, where he was lovingly cared for and reconciled. He passed away peacefully on the morning of 4 November 2026, in the 77th year of his life. We give thanks for his life and faithful service. May he rest in the peace of the Lord.