Submitted by: Dan Rich

Rev. Paul E. Beichner CSC

July 23, 1912 - Sept. 21, 2003

South Bend Tribune 9/23/2003

Rev. Paul E. Beichner, CSC, died peacefully Sunday morning, Sept. 21, in Holy Cross House on Douglas Road, Notre Dame. He was 91. Father Beichner was born in Franklin, Pa., on July 23, 1912 to Edward and Mable (Piper) Beichner. He attended St. Patrick Elementary School and two years of high school before entering Holy Cross Minor Seminary at Notre Dame in 1928, his junior year. Upon graduating in 1930 he entered St. Joseph's Novitiate, Notre Dame, where he received the habit on July 1, 1930 and made first profession on July 2, 1931.

Upon graduation from the University of Notre Dame in 1935, Father Beichner spent the next four years studying theology at Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood in Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame on June 24, 1939. The fist two years ordained found Father Beichner teaching at Holy Cross Seminary and attending graduate classed in English Literature at Notre Dame. Upon completion of a master's degree in English in 1941, Father Beichner entered the doctoral program at Yale, receiving his doctor's degree in English in 1945.

In 1945, Father Beichner began serving at the University of Notre Dame. He has held many posts there: teacher of English, assistant head of the English department, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Letters, director of the Summer Session, assistant to the vice president for Academic Affairs, member of the Medieval Institute since its inception, and, for 19 years, dean of the Graduate School. In his 'spare time' he authored many scholarly works in the area of Medieval literature in addition to his delightfully entertaining "Once Upon a Parable: Fables for the Present." His art work, linoleum cuts of Holy Cross personalities and pastoral and wildlife scenes, adorned the walls of Corby Hall and the residences of many religious of Holy Cross. Father Beichner also continued to teach undergraduate and graduate courses and assisted at neighboring parishes.

Because of failing health, Father Beichner moved to Holy Cross House at Notre Dame in 1992 and remained there until he died. Father Beichner is survived by his brother, Martin of Charlerni, Pa., and by several nieces and nephews.

A wake service will be held for Father Beichner in the chapel of Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, Ind. at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The funeral mass will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25 in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame. Burial will follow at the Community Cemetery, Notre Dame.

The Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of arrangements.