Deceased Friars

Rufin Geisen, OFM

Rufin Geisen

1855 – 1932

Br. Rufin Geisen, OFM, was born on April 3, 1855 in Coblenz, Germany. In 1880, he came to America and enrolled in the Latin School in Croghan, N.Y., where he joined four men preparing for priesthood. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.Y., in 1882, but was not admitted to profession as a cleric. Br. Rufin remained with the friars and professed solemn vows in 1885.

For 50 years, Br. Rufin served the Province as cook or sacristan at ministries in Paterson, Denver, and Callicoon and Obernburg, N.Y. He was described by Fr. Thomas Plassmann, OFM, as “a friar who possessed the simplicity of a child, and the smile of a seraph, who attracted everyone by his winsome smile and unfailing courtesy.”

He died on March 26, 1932 in Callicoon, N.Y. Br. Rufin was 76 years old, a professed friar for 46 years. He is buried in the friary cemetery in Obernburg.

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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Rufin Geisen, OFM

Rufin Geisen

1855 – 1932

Br. Rufin Geisen, OFM, was born on April 3, 1855 in Coblenz, Germany. In 1880, he came to America and enrolled in the Latin School in Croghan, N.Y., where he joined four men preparing for priesthood. He entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.Y., in 1882, but was not admitted to profession as a cleric. Br. Rufin remained with the friars and professed solemn vows in 1885.

For 50 years, Br. Rufin served the Province as cook or sacristan at ministries in Paterson, Denver, and Callicoon and Obernburg, N.Y. He was described by Fr. Thomas Plassmann, OFM, as “a friar who possessed the simplicity of a child, and the smile of a seraph, who attracted everyone by his winsome smile and unfailing courtesy.”

He died on March 26, 1932 in Callicoon, N.Y. Br. Rufin was 76 years old, a professed friar for 46 years. He is buried in the friary cemetery in Obernburg.