Deceased Friars


Roger Ruthe, OFM

Roger Ruthe

1873 – 1949

Br. Roger Ruthe, OFM, was born Jan. 11, 1873 in Moritzberg, Germany. He entered the novitiate in 1894, professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1901.

During his early years as a friar, Br. Roger served in Denver, and Butler, N.J., and Croghan, N.Y. In 1901, he was assigned to St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and worked for the next 48 years in the laundry room, the tailor shop, the music room, and the infirmary, caring for friars and students alike. Br. Roger was an accomplished violinist, and organized both an orchestra and a band for the seminarians.

He died on April 10, 1949 in Callicoon. Br. Roger was 76 years old, a professed friar for 53 years.

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

Main Content

Roger Ruthe, OFM

Roger Ruthe

1873 – 1949

Br. Roger Ruthe, OFM, was born Jan. 11, 1873 in Moritzberg, Germany. He entered the novitiate in 1894, professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1901.

During his early years as a friar, Br. Roger served in Denver, and Butler, N.J., and Croghan, N.Y. In 1901, he was assigned to St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and worked for the next 48 years in the laundry room, the tailor shop, the music room, and the infirmary, caring for friars and students alike. Br. Roger was an accomplished violinist, and organized both an orchestra and a band for the seminarians.

He died on April 10, 1949 in Callicoon. Br. Roger was 76 years old, a professed friar for 53 years.