Br. Robert J. Schoffman, CSV, died on April 7, 1969 in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Illinois. Br. Schoffman was born in Minnesota in 1908 and entered the Clerics of St. Viator in 1934, taking his final vows in 1941. At the time of his death he was chaplain of the Illinois Police Association and of the Springfield Fire Department. He also had been chaplain of the Peoria Fire Department.
Br. Schoffman was a well known biologist. He received a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State College, and a master of science degree in biology from the University of Illinois.
Br. Schoffman taught at Fenwick High School, Oak Park, from 1938 to 1950. He also taught at St. Viator College in Bourbonnais, and Spalding Institute High School in Peoria. He was a research fellow of the Reelfoot Lake Biological Station in Tennessee, and did research there every summer since 1937. A member of many learned societies, he was the author of multiple scientific publications in his field.
A wake for Br. Schoffman took place at the chapel of Griffin High School in Springfield, Illinois on Wednesday, April 9, 1969. Viatorian brothers from the Scholasticate were in charge of the Scripture service at the wake. Members of the state and Springfield police, and the Springfield Fire Department served as honor guards at the wake and as pallbearers at a funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church in Springfield, on Thursday, April 10. The principal celebrant at the Mass was Fr. Gerald Leahy, CSV, superior at Griffin High School, where Br. Schoffman was assigned at the time of his death.
A second funeral Mass was held on Friday, April 11, 1969 at St. Viator Church in Chicago. Principal concelebrant of the Mass was the Very Reverend Jean-Real Pigeon, CSV, Viatorian Superior General from Rome. The homily was given by Father Gerald Leahy, CSV. Among those concelebrating was Fr. Edward Anderson, CSV, Viatorian provincial-elect. The present provincial, Fr. John W. Stafford, CSV, led the final prayers at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois.
Br. Schoffman was survived by a sister, Mrs. Margaret Neu, and by a brother, Francis.
Taken from Viatorian Community press release and Provincial Residence Newsletter, April 16, 1969