Fr. Andre Schludecker

Fr. Andre Schludecker, OFM, a Franciscan friar of the Sacred Heart Province, died on Friday afternoon, September 30, 2022, at the age of 86, at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation in Manitowoc, WI. He was born on July 13, 1936, in Indianapolis, IN, to Edward and Esther (Bates) Schludecker. He was baptized at St. Catherine Church and confirmed at Sacred Heart Church, both in Indianapolis, IN. After his years of education, Richard Schludecker was received into the Franciscan novitiate in Teutopolis, IL, and given the religious name Andre. He professed solemn vows on June 22, 1960. Fr. Andre was ordained a priest on January 19, 1964 in Teutopolis, IL, by Bishop Henry Pinger, OFM.

For the next 36 years, Fr. Andre served in various churches, first as first assistant and then pastor, in Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Alaska, Michigan, and Missouri. Following these years, he served the Franciscan sisters of Springfield, IL, as their chaplain for sixteen years. He retired in 2020 and came to Blessed Giles Friary in Manitowoc, WI.

Fr. Andre was described by his close friends as “a magnetic, inviting, warm, and humble man.”

“His love and charisma was profound and he left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He made you want to be a better Christian.” Fr. Andre’s favorite saying as a Franciscan priest was “Peace and Everything Good.”

Fr. Andre was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Esther, his brother, John and sister, Mary Lou. He is survived by his Franciscan brothers of the Sacred Heart Province, his brother, Edward, and his wife Carol, of Cleveland, OH, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and special friends, Edward and Regina Sacha.

The friars would like to express their appreciation to Fr. Andre’s caregivers: those at Blessed Giles Friary, at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital in Manitowoc, WI, and to Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation, and Sharon Richardson Memorial Hospice.

The Mass of Resurrection will be on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 10:00 in the Calvary Cemetery Chapel, in Manitowoc, WI. Following the Mass, Fr. Andre will be buried in the friars’ plot at Calvary Cemetery in Manitowoc, WI.

In your kindness, please consider making a donation in memory of Fr. Andre Schludecker, OFM, for the continued care of our retired Franciscan brothers and priests. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Please send your charitable donations to: Blessed Giles Friary, 1820 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc, WI, 54220. May God bless you.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, WI, is assisting the friars with funeral arrangements.

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