OBITUARY
Winona Daily News
Brother H. Raphael Erler
Long-time Saint Mary's University educator and alumnus, inspiring Christian Brother and dedicated leader, Brother H. Raphael Erler, FSC, Ph.D., died Friday, May 15, 2009. He was 93.
A De La Salle Christian brother for 75 years, he was born Joseph Erler on April 11, 1916, in Rosemount, Minn., to Herman and Marie (McDonald) Erler. He graduated from La Salle High School in Glencoe, Mo., and entered the novitiate of the Brothers in 1934. H pronounced his first vows in 1935 and his final vows in 1941. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Saint Mary's College in 1938, a master's degree in English from Loyola University in 1942, and a doctoral degree in American Studies from the University of Minnesota in 1959.
During his years as an educator, Raphael taught at St. George High School in Evanston, Ill., St. Patrick High School in Chicago, Christian Brothers High School in Memphis and Cretin High School in St. Paul. At different times, he taught at Saint Mary's University, most recently from 1954 to 1981 when he retired. After retirement, Raphael continued to be active on the Winona campus.
Known for his sense of humor and his challenging classes, Raphael served as director of American Studies and a professor of the English Department at Saint Mary's. In 1981, he was awarded the Brother Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Survivors include his brother, Arthur Erler of Little Canada, Minn.; the Christian Brothers; and devoted friend and caregiver, Mary Malloy '82.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at St. Thomas More Chapel on the campus of Saint Mary's University.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today, May 18, at Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home in Winona. Friends may also call at St. Thomas More Chapel on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona.
Memorials preferred to the Brother Raphael Erler Scholarship Fund, Saint Mary's University, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN 55987, or the De La Salle Christian Brothers Retirement Fund, 7650 S. County Line Road, Burr Ridge, Il 60527.
Online condolences or memories may be left for Brother Raphael's family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.
Entrusted to our care - Watkowski-Mulyck funeral Home.
OBITUARY
Winona Daily News
Brother H. Raphael Erler
Long-time Saint Mary's University educator and alumnus, inspiring Christian Brother and dedicated leader, Brother H. Raphael Erler, FSC, Ph.D., died Friday, May 15, 2009. He was 93.
A De La Salle Christian brother for 75 years, he was born Joseph Erler on April 11, 1916, in Rosemount, Minn., to Herman and Marie (McDonald) Erler. He graduated from La Salle High School in Glencoe, Mo., and entered the novitiate of the Brothers in 1934. H pronounced his first vows in 1935 and his final vows in 1941. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Saint Mary's College in 1938, a master's degree in English from Loyola University in 1942, and a doctoral degree in American Studies from the University of Minnesota in 1959.
During his years as an educator, Raphael taught at St. George High School in Evanston, Ill., St. Patrick High School in Chicago, Christian Brothers High School in Memphis and Cretin High School in St. Paul. At different times, he taught at Saint Mary's University, most recently from 1954 to 1981 when he retired. After retirement, Raphael continued to be active on the Winona campus.
Known for his sense of humor and his challenging classes, Raphael served as director of American Studies and a professor of the English Department at Saint Mary's. In 1981, he was awarded the Brother Charles Severin Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Survivors include his brother, Arthur Erler of Little Canada, Minn.; the Christian Brothers; and devoted friend and caregiver, Mary Malloy '82.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at St. Thomas More Chapel on the campus of Saint Mary's University.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today, May 18, at Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home in Winona. Friends may also call at St. Thomas More Chapel on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona.
Memorials preferred to the Brother Raphael Erler Scholarship Fund, Saint Mary's University, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN 55987, or the De La Salle Christian Brothers Retirement Fund, 7650 S. County Line Road, Burr Ridge, Il 60527.
Online condolences or memories may be left for Brother Raphael's family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.
Entrusted to our care - Watkowski-Mulyck funeral Home.
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