Submitted by: Dan Rich
Sept. 6, 1908 - Jan. 2, 2004
South Bend Tribune 1/4/2004
The Rev. Claude L. Boehm, CSC, 95, died after a long illness on Friday, Jan. 2, in Holy Cross House, Douglas Road, Notre Dame, Ind. Father Boehm was born to Michael and Margaret (Caveny) Boehm in Carlinville, Ill., on Sept. 6, 1908. He attended Carlinville public schools until the family moved to South Bend, Ind.
After two years at South Bend Central High School he enrolled at Holy Cross Minor Seminary at Notre Dame during his junior year. After graduating in 1926, he received the Holy Habit at Notre Dame on July 1, 1926, and made first profession July 2, 1927. After graduating with a degree in philosophy in 1931 from the University of Notre Dame, Father Boehm began graduate studies in theology at Holy Cross College and Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood in Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame, on June 24, 1935.
After earning a master's degree in English from the University of Notre Dame in May 1936, Father Boehm moved to Austin, Texas, and St. Edward's University where he spent the next 10 years teaching in the high school division. In 1946 he moved to the University of Portland and taught there until 1953. His love of literature, poetry and writing served Father Boehm well as an assistant editor at Ave Maria Press where he served for four years. In 1957 Father Boehm moved to St. Mary's College and served as chaplain there in many ways until 1986 when he moved to Holy Cross House where he resided until his time of death.
Father Boehm is survived by his sister, Martha Boehm of St. Paul's Retirement Community, South Bend; a niece, Anne Shoinacky; nephews, Michael Boehm of South Bend and Paul Boehm of Niles, Mich.; and by several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Paul Boehm.
Viewing will be held for Father Boehm in the chapel of Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, on Monday, Jan. 5, from 3:30 to 9 p.m. with a wake service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 3:30 p.m. Burial will follow at the Community Cemetery, Notre Dame. The Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of arrangements.