THE ABBEY BANNER - St. John's Abbey

Lee Hanley
Linus Thomas
Aschemann, OSB
1948 – 2007
Brother Linus, 58, director of
the physical plant at Saint
John’s for the past sixteen
years, suffered a massive heart attack
and died June 27. Dietrich Reinhart,
OSB, president of the university, commented
about his novitiate classmate:
“I will always be grateful for Linus’
great care for this campus and all its
people, for his tenacity and humor,
for his tangible service of others from
sunrise to sunset. We have lost one of
the great ones.”
The following are excerpts from
the funeral homily by Abbot John
Klassen, OSB:
Born in the small town of Clontarf,
Minnesota, Thomas was the last of
ten children. Entering our novitiate,
he asked for and received the name
Linus, the immediate successor of
Peter the apostle but also the cartoon
figure in Charles Schulz’ comic
strip “Peanuts.” There Linus amazes
Charlie Brown and Lucy with his
philosophical reflections and solutions
to problems.
After serving as assistant to university
president Michael Blecker, OSB,
Linus was asked by Abbot Jerome
Theisen, OSB, to become headmaster
of the Prep School. He reluctantly
agreed to do it. After all, he was a
strong introvert and this position
required him to be engaged with
crowds at formal events. Sometimes
he even had to wear a suit.
At the end of his second four-year
term as headmaster Abbot Jerome
suggested he get a degree in administration.
Linus responded, “I would
just like to work in the woodworking
shop.” “Linus, we all want to work
in the woodworking shop.”
After earning a Masters in Business
Administration from the University
of San Diego, Linus became manager
of the physical plant. Seldom did he
have to wear a suit; blue jeans and
work boots were fine. He had a huge
capacity for work, for juggling multiple
projects at different stages and
letting his creative imagination be
fully engaged.
Architect Gregory Friesen e-mailed
this to us regarding Linus: “Brother
Linus was one of my favorite people.
He extended to me respect, trust, and
OBITUARIES
friendship. I have worked for governors,
three-star generals, mayors,
college and university presidents. No
one has demonstrated the skill that
Brother Linus had. He was an exceptional
individual.”
Truly Brother Linus was a faithful
servant, committed to being at prayer
and Eucharist in spite of the relentless
demands of his work. He was ready
for our Lord’s call. May he rest in
peace. +
Linus, MBA, from the University of
San Diego
Linus’ cap collection is symbolic of the many hats he wore.
Daniel Durken, OSB
The Abbey Banner Fall 2007 page 29