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Robert C. Steigmeyer, C.S.C., passed away on July 16, 2011, at
Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. He was 91 years old.
Fr. Steigmeyer was born to Herbert F. and Dorothy (Reiling)
Steigmeyer on April 15, 1920, in Fort Wayne, Ind. He attended
St. Patrick Grade School and entered Holy Cross Seminary in
1934. In 1940, he enrolled at The
University of Notre Dame where he earned a B.A. in
Philosophy.
From 1943 to 1944, Fr. Steigmeyer attended Holy Cross College in
Washington, D.C., and then continued his studies at Holy Cross
Foreign Mission Seminary in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to
the priesthood on July 8, 1947. The 64-year journey of his
priestly ministry started in 1947 at the Apollinaire, Rome,
studying Canon Law. Beginning in 1950, for the following 20
years, he served as a missionary in Dacca, which he states,
"cemented his feet in the ministry." It was difficult for him to
leave Bengal-a decision in part precipitated by the government's
service restrictions on the movement of foreigners.
Upon his return to the United States, Fr. Steigmeyer was the
chaplain at St. John Hickey Memorial Hospital in Anderson, Ind.
In 1983 he moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., becoming chaplain at
St. Mary's Hospital. In 1997 Fr. Steigmeyer returned to South
Bend, assisting and residing at St. Casimir and St. Stephen
Parish. In 2001, Fr. Steigmeyer took residency at Holy Cross
Mission House, Notre Dame, Ind. Then in 2006 he was assigned to
Our Lady of Fatima House.
From 2001 until shortly before his death, Fr. Steigmeyer served
as chaplain to the Sisters of the Holy Cross at their Basil
Moreau Convent, then at Queen of Peace Convent, Saint Mary's,
Ind.
Fr. Steigmeyer once commented, "God alone is responsible for my
years in the priesthood. The prayers of others may have reminded
God to keep an eye and hand on me, but only God could manage
this feat."
Fr. Steigmeyer was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert F.
and Dorothy (Reiling) Steigmeyer; and by his brothers, Rev.
Gregory Steigmeyer, C.S.C., Edward and Richard Steigmeyer. He is
survived by his brother, Charles Steigmeyer, and many nieces and
nephews.
Viewing for Fr. Steigmeyer was held in the Chapel of Moreau
Seminary, University of Notre Dame, July 18, 2011. The
funeral Mass was celebrated at the Basilica of The Sacred Heart,
Notre Dame, on Tuesday, July 19, 2011.
Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries
of the Congregation of Holy Cross may be made to United States
Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Development, P.O.
Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556. |