Brother Michael Mandernach, age 94, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
He was born to Peter and Catherine (Lieser) Mandernach on March 30, 1929, near St. Martin Minnesota.
After he worked on the family farm for five years, he joined the newly established community of the Brothers of St. Pius X” in 1952 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With others, he helped form the spirit of St. Pius X “Restore all things in Christ.”
He served the community as secretary, farm manager, mentor to new members and Brother director.
After serving in many parishes as a catechist and director of religious education, Bishop John Paul appointed Brother Michael as pastoral associate on July 9, 1985, at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Spring Valley and St. Luke’s in Boyceville, Wisconsin. His knowledge, compassion and personality helped him serve many active roles in these parishes.
After attending many theology and scripture workshops he received his Masters Degree of Divinity, at St. John’s School of Theology in Minnesota. He was asked by then, Bishop (Cardinal) Burke, to write the history of the Brothers of Pius X in 2014. With the help of Richard Berendes and Rose Peterson, he authored the book “Together as Brothers.”
Brother Michael’s love of his faith community to Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Luke’s parishes was acknowledged by both congregations naming their gathering halls after him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, along with brothers Joseph and his wife Monica (Buerman), Brother Robert OSC, and Albert, sisters, Laverne, Teresa and her husband Albert (Dingmann), baby sister and brother-in-law Jim Smith.
He is survived by sisters, Sister Leonore OSB, Sister Margaret OSB, Sister Mary OSB, Lillian Smith and Brothers Cyril, John (Dianne) along with many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Spring Valley, Wisconsin at 11:00 a.m. with visitation two hours prior to service. Lunch will follow Mass in the Brother Michael Center.
Visitation will also be held at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, Minnesota on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, starting at 11:00 a.m. with a Prayer Service at 11:30 a.m. and burial at the St. Martin parish cemetery. Lunch will follow the service.
Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley (keehrfuneralhome.com) is handling arrangements.
