Deceased Friars

Anselm Krieger, OFM

Anselm Krieger

1907 – 1956

Fr. Anselm Krieger, OFM, was born June 9, 1907 in Paterson, N.J. An outstanding athlete, he received a baseball scholarship to Providence, R.I., College. He was baptized at age 21. An All-American basketball player in 1929 and 1930, he became the athletic director and basketball coach at LaSalle Academy in Providence. Fr. Anselm entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1935, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession and was ordained in 1939.

He was appointed director of athletics at St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., where he developed the programs for which St. Bonaventure reached national prominence under famed football coach Hugh Devore. Illness forced him to resign and recuperate. Fr. Anselm then served for 15 years as chaplain to the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, N.Y., and as chaplain of St. Francis Hospital in Olean, N.Y. A warm, vibrant friar, he was in demand as a speaker and retreat master.

He died on Feb. 23, 1956 at St. Francis Hospital, Olean, N.Y. Fr. Anselm was 48 years old, a professed friar for 19 years and a priest for 16 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Anselm Krieger, OFM

Anselm Krieger

1907 – 1956

Fr. Anselm Krieger, OFM, was born June 9, 1907 in Paterson, N.J. An outstanding athlete, he received a baseball scholarship to Providence, R.I., College. He was baptized at age 21. An All-American basketball player in 1929 and 1930, he became the athletic director and basketball coach at LaSalle Academy in Providence. Fr. Anselm entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1935, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession and was ordained in 1939.

He was appointed director of athletics at St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N.Y., where he developed the programs for which St. Bonaventure reached national prominence under famed football coach Hugh Devore. Illness forced him to resign and recuperate. Fr. Anselm then served for 15 years as chaplain to the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, N.Y., and as chaplain of St. Francis Hospital in Olean, N.Y. A warm, vibrant friar, he was in demand as a speaker and retreat master.

He died on Feb. 23, 1956 at St. Francis Hospital, Olean, N.Y. Fr. Anselm was 48 years old, a professed friar for 19 years and a priest for 16 years.