Father Benjamin Tremmel, OSB, August 26, 1937 - June 8, 2024, died on the morning of June 8, 2024. He had received the last rites and the Apostolic Pardon, and was surrounded by brothers in prayer.

Father Benjamin was born on August 26, 1937 in Sibley, IA. He was the son of the late Albert and Helen (Engels) Tremmel. He attended St. Joseph- School, Ashton, IA through ninth grade. He then enrolled at Maur Hill in Atchison. During high school Fr. Benjamin played football, sang in the glee club and participated in drama and intramural athletics.

After Maur Hill he enrolled at St. Benedict- College. In July, 1957, after two years of study at St. Benedict- College, he entered the novitiate of the Abbey to become a Benedictine monk. He professed First Vows on July 11, 1958. During the summers of 1959-1964 he served, with many other clerics, as a counselor at Camp St. Maur. He graduated from St. Benedict- College in 1961 with a major in Biology, and minors in chemistry and philosophy. He then made his theological studies at the abbey school of theology. He professed solemn vows on July 11, 1962, and was ordained May 21, 1966 in the Abbey Church.

Following ordination, he began further studies in zoology at the University of Texas, Austin. He took time out from 1971-1976 to teach biology at Benedictine College before returning to graduate studies and earning a doctorate in botany at Duke University. In addition to teaching Biology at Benedictine College, Father Benjamin served as Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry.

In 1987 he was named subprior of the monastery. In 1988 he became Assistant Director of the Abbey Oblates and in 1989 was named procurator (liaison) of St. Joseph Priory, Mineiros, Goias, Brazil. He also served the community as Novice Master.

Father Benjamin succeeded Father Regis Hickey, OSB as the chaplain of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery. He cherished these years of ministry, working with the sisters and those who joined them for retreat and worship.

In 2002, Fr. Benjamin began a fruitful period of ministry in parishes, serving eventually in Effingham, Good Intent, and Purcell.

In retirement at the Abbey, as in ministry, Father Benjamin cherished Christ above all and remained a faithful monk and priest. He was present for liturgies and community events and shared his wisdom with the community and guests.

Father Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Helen (Engels) Tremmel, his brother Anthony (Mary Jo Haag) Tremmel, and his sister, Mary Ann (Jim) Lynch. He is survived by his brother monks, his sister Therese Tremmel and his sister Agnes (Robert) Pouy, and by 10 nieces and nephews.

The monks will celebrate Vigils for the Dead and Visitation, Thursday, June 13 at 7:00 PM in the Abbey Church. The Mass of Christian Burial and Interment will be Friday, June 14 at 10:30 AM.

Memorials in honor of Father Benjamin may be sent to St. Benedict- Abbey, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison, KS 66002.