Gregory Obee

Father Gregory Obee, O.S.B., age 81, a Benedictine monk of Marmion Abbey, Aurora, died peacefully in the Lord on May 14, 2011, at the Abbey, attended by his brother monks. He is survived by the members of his monastic community, his sister-in-law, Florence Obee of Toledo, Ohio, and seven nieces and nephews and their children. He was the second of two sons of the late Clifton and Madeline Haller Obee. Father Gregory was born on December 7, 1929, and was baptized Richard at St. Teresa Church, Toledo, Ohio. He left home in 1948 at the age of 19 to study for the priesthood at St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, Indiana. He entered Marmion Abbey in 1950 and professed his first vows there on August 6, 1951, taking the name Gregory. He made solemn profession of vows on August 15, 1955. Father Gregory was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1956. In 1967 he earned a Masters degree in Fine Arts at the University of Notre Dame. From 1956 through 1975 Father Gregory taught art, religion, English and mathematics at Marmion Academy. He was editor of the Academy's yearbook for many of these years, and an accomplisher photographer. From 1970 to 1984 he was the manager of the Academy's bookstore, as well as kitchen master and purchasing agent for several of these years. He was later assigned as the purchasing agent and procurator (building manager) of Marmion Abbey until 1992. After this time his health began to deteriorate, yet he continued to be faithful to community life and to limited pastoral ministry. Throughout his life Father Gregory was well known for his artistic work. Art was his passion. He was especially known for his ceramics, enamels, paintings and metalwork, many of which adorn the Abbey and the homes of his family and friends. He continued his artwork until his eyesight began to seriously deteriorate during the final years of life. For many years he suffered from diabetes and other ailments. He was a faithful monk and priest, who dearly loved his monastic community and family. Father Gregory will be missed by his religious brothers, family members, and many friends. Father Gregory's body will be received by this monastic community and family on Wednesday, May 18, at 4:00 PM. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:30 PM in the Abbey Church at 850 Butterfield Road, Aurora. The Office of the Dead will be prayed at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Thursday, May 19 from 8:00 AM until the Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Abbey Cemetery. May he rest in peace. Published in Beacon News on May 16, 2011