AURORA—Father Philip M. Kremer, OSB, 86, a Benedictine monk of Marmion Abbey, died Friday, Oct. 28, 2016.
Father Philip was born on Nov. 14, 1929, and was baptized Leo at Holy Trinity Parish in St. Louis, Mo.
He graduated from McBride High School in St. Louis in 1947 and then attended St. Louis University for two years, receiving a BA at St. Procopius College in 1954.
He entered Marmion Abbey in 1951, professing his first vows as a monk Aug. 15, 1952. He was ordained a priest on May 11, 1957.
He subsequently earned a master’s degree in botany at the Catholic University of America and a Ph.D. in secondary education – biology at Northern Illinois University.
From 1959 to 2000 Father Philip taught physics, biology, life science, computer science and other science courses at Marmion Academy.
Father Philip wrote his own text and work books for all of his science courses. He served as the chairman of the Academy’s science department for 40 years.
Father Philip served as a visiting scientist at the Argonne National Labs for four years and studied under National Science Foundation grants at a variety of universities.
After retiring from teaching, Father Philip remained coordinator of advanced placement testing and audio-visual material for the academy for several years.
Father Philip also maintained an active schedule of parish assistance ministry and at the abbey was often seen working in the garden or making wreaths at Christmas time. He remained committed to a regular schedule of daily prayer and to maintaining an active participation in the daily life of the community until his sudden death.
He is survived by members of his monastic community, his sisters, Marie Kremer and Roswitha (Malcolm) Woodman, brother Elmar (Martha), and 18 nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Teresa (Deck) and by two brothers, Rudy and Norbert.
Father Philip’s body was to be received by his monastic community and family on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m.. Visitation followed, 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. until the the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Abbey Church at 850 Butterfield Road, here. Burial was in the Marmion Abbey Cemetery.