Rev. William A. Botzum CSC

Aug. 20, 1916 -- March 2, 2006

South Bend Tribune 3/5/2006

Rev. William Albert Botzum, C.S.C., peacefully passed away Thursday, March 2, 2006, in Holy Cross House after a long illness. He was 89 years old and had been a Holy Cross religious for nearly 68 years and a priest for nearly 63 years.

Fr. Botzum was born August 20, 1916, to Charles and Margaret (Trockle) Botzum in Akron, OH. He attended St. Vincent grade and high schools, graduating in 1930 and 1934. He attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated in 1938 with a degree in philosophy.

He received the Holy Cross habit at the novitiate on August 15, 1938, and made first profession of vows September 10, 1939. For the next four years he studied theology at Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood June 24, 1943, in Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame.

Following ordination, Fr. Botzum stayed in Washington studying psychology at Catholic University. In 1945 he began doctoral studies at the University of Chicago, earning his degree in 1950. During that time, 1948 to 1951, he taught and prefected in residence halls at Notre Dame.

In 1951 he moved to the University of Portland teaching psychology, working in residence halls and assisting at parishes near and far in Oregon. Fr. Botzum spent two years, 1964-1966, studying at Stanford University before returning to Notre Dame where he taught in the psychology department until he retired in 1996. For many years before his retirement and many years afterward he was a regular chaplain to the Holy Cross sisters living on Erskine Road.

In addition to helping the sisters, he also helped in pastoral work at Faith, Hope and Charity Chapel in downtown South Bend and Healthwin Hospital. Declining health required a move to Holy Cross House in 2000.

Fr. Botzum was a quiet man deeply dedicated to his life as a priest and teacher. He had a dry wit and sparkling eyes that lit up during table conversation. His main work in psychology was in the area of statistical inference. This background spilled over into Fr. Botzum's main hobby, playing bridge. Every week he went downtown and played with local men and women who shared his interest. He was well-known in bridge circles and frequently played in tournaments. It was not uncommon to see Bill walking across campus while reading a book detailing winning combinations in that card game. In 1958 he was awarded the "Life Master -- Life Member" award by the American Contract Bridge League.

Fr. Bill Botzum was a winner in all areas of his life. He was a great teacher, a wonderful minister of God's goodness and grace as a priest, and a true brother to all in his religious community. He will be greatly missed.

Fr. Botzum was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Margaret Botzum, and a sister, Margaret Botzum Marshall. He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A wake service will be held for Fr. Botzum in the chapel of Moreau Seminary, University of Notre Dame, on Monday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, on Tuesday, March 7, at 3:30 p.m. Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.