Submitted by: Dan Rich

Brother Marius Wittner CSC

Sept. 20, 1919 - Nov. 26, 2007

South Bend Tribune 11/29/2007
SOUTH BEND - Brother Marius (John) Wittner, CSC, 88, died at Dujarie House, Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, on Monday, Nov. 26, after a long illness. Br. Marius was born on September 20, 1919, in Toledo, Ohio, one of four sons of Valentine and Theresa (Braun) Wittner. His parents and three brothers preceded him in death. He did his elementary and secondary schooling at St. Joseph Orphan Home in Superior, Wis., and Sacred Heart Postulate, Watertown, Wis. He joined the Holy Cross Brothers at Sacred Heart, and in 1938 he received the habit of the brothers at St. Joseph's Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, Ind. He made his first profession of vows in August 1939 and his perpetual profession in 1942. He attended the University of Notre Dame, receiving a bachelor of science degree in 1943 and later studied there for a master of science degree in education, which he earned in 1950.

He taught from 1943 to 1952 at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Ind.; from 1952 to 1954 at Central Catholic High School (which became St. Joseph High School in 1953), South Bend; from 1954 to 1957 at St. Edward's High School, Austin, Texas; from 1957 to 1967 at Archbishop Hoban High School, Akron, Ohio; from 1967 to 1976 at Father Gibault School for Boys, Terre Haute, Ind.; and from 1976 to 1989 at Catholic Central High School, Monroe, Mich. While there he was superior of the local community of brothers for three years and had his second experience of a school changing names, this time to St. Mary/Catholic Central High School. From 1989 to 1999 Br. Marius was on the faculty of Holy Cross High School in River Grove, Ill., from which he retired to Columba Hall, Notre Dame, and spent two years there before taking up residence in the brothers' infirmary, Dujarie House, Notre Dame. His health failed gradually over the six years he spent there until his death on November 26th. Br. Marius's expertise was in science and mathematics, particularly biology. He was an excellent teacher and his students respected him highly. Though slight in build, he had a commanding presence in the classroom. He was an excellent community member, quiet, contributing to conversations but seldom initiating one. He moved about with an energetic pace that exemplified his interest in being on time and well-prepared for his classes. He had a winning smile, one that could belie the temper that was infrequently quick to rise though equally quick to subside. He was a prayerful person, spending significant time in church or chapel, a model for both students and brothers.

Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 30, in Our Lady of Holy Cross Chapel, Dujarie House, the Holy Cross Village, 54515 St. Road 933. A Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 1:30 p.m., with interment immediately after at St. Joseph's Cemetery on the village grounds. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.