On the Hill

Br. Andrew was 91 and in the 70th year of his monastic profession.

He was born in Richmond, VA, on December 23, 1934, to Henry Andrew and Josephine (Seay) Zimmermann and was named William Henry at his baptism.

In 1950, having completed his elementary education at Saint Benedict’s Grade School in Richmond, he attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond for three years. In 1953, he entered Saint Meinrad’s St. Placid Hall as an oblate to complete his education. He was invested as a novice on February 9, 1955, professed his simple vows on March 11, 1956, and his perpetual vows on March 11, 1959.

He worked in the Tailor Shop until he was assigned to assist at Saint Meinrad’s priory in Peru in November 1963. At the priory, he served as director of the physical plant, business manager, and treasurer. Seventeen years later, Br. Andrew returned to Saint Meinrad to work in the Business Office and Mailroom/Duplicating Office.

He then served from 1996–2004 in Guatemala at Priorato San José in the Diocese of Quetzaltenago, the mission priory of Marmion Abbey (Aurora, IL). He served as Guestmaster there and in the clinic which tended to the medical and dental needs of the students. Returning once again to Saint Meinrad, he assisted at the Guadalupe Center in Huntingburg, Indiana, until recently. On the Hill, Br. Andrew was also among those faithfully providing transportation to doctor’s offices for his confreres.

Br. Andrew’s fondest memories took him back to his days in Peru and Guatemala, and he never lost interest nor lacked energy in ministering to the Spanish-speaking population. His typical gruff and often apparently carefree attitude disguised a warm and concerned heart.

The Office of the Dead was prayed on May 5, and the Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on May 6.