Fortified by the Sacraments of the Church, and the Apostolic Pardon, Father Blaine Schultz, OSB, died peacefully on September 18, 2020, the day following his 87th Birthday, at St. Benedict’s Abbey.  Several monks and health care workers were present with him when he died.

Kenneth Schultz was born on September 17, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was later adopted and raised by Fred and Mary (Kasick) Schultz. He attended St. Benedict’s Catholic Grade School in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Maur Hill Prep for his high school education, graduating in May 1951, enrolling in St. Benedict’s College that fall.

In July 1953, he entered the novitiate of the Abbey, receiving the name Blaine. He professed First Vows on July 11, 1954. In 1956 he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Benedict’s College. He professed his solemn vows as a monk on July 11, 1957.

Following studies for the priesthood at the School of Theology at the Abbey, Father Blaine was ordained to the priesthood in the Abbey Church on May 26, 1960, by Archbishop Edward Hunkeler.

After serving as a teacher and prefect in the dorms at St. Benedict’s College for two years, his love of beauty and the arts were instrumental in Fr. Blaine being asked to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Kansas in 1964 and a Master’s degree in music from the University of Wisconsin in 1966.

Father Blaine went on to teach music at St. Benedict’s and Benedictine College from 1966-2005 where he cherished fond memories of working with many gifted colleagues and students. He was also instrumental in the Community Concert Series, of which he was president for a number of years. In that role, he worked closely with Sr. Joachim Holthaus, OSB. Many students at Benedictine College over the years also benefited from the Fine Arts course that Fr. Blaine team-taught with Sr. Joachim and Dr. Doug McKenzie.

Father Blaine served the monastic community as choirmaster from 1968-2017. During his years as choirmaster, he worked to make the Liturgy of the Abbey prayerful and beautiful. He possessed a keen ability to choose psalm tones and music that fit the liturgy – music that is still appreciated today.

In addition, Father Blaine was Subprior of the Abbey, 1969-1987; Junior Master (formation director to monks in simple vows), 1969-1980; and Guestmaster from 1982-2018.

For countless people over the years, Father Blaine was a listening ear. Whether welcoming guests, visiting friends, or counseling those in need, he always reflected that wisdom of St. Benedict in his Rule: Never give a hollow greeting of peace or turn away when someone needs your love (RB 4:25-26).

Father Blaine was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Schulz and Mary (Kasick).

He is survived by two sisters: Marcia (Jerry) Hubbard, and Mary Kay (John) Shamet.

The monks will celebrate Vespers of the Dead on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial with interment in the Abbey Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 25, at 10:30 a.m. Both Liturgies will be Livestreamed at Youtube.com/kansasmonks and will be available for playback after they conclude.

Memorials in honor of Father Blaine may be submitted at Kansasmonks.org or sent to St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison, KS 66002. Care has been entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.