BRO. NORBERT JOSEPH KARPFINGER, S.M. died in the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary on June 23, 2021 at the age of 89 and with 69 years of vowed life. He was born in Milwaukee, WI on May 20, 1932, the son of Charles and Maria (Neuhauser) Karpfinger.

Norbert first met the Marianists at Don Bosco High School in Milwaukee, WI. He made his First Vows on August 15, 1951, and pronounced his Perpetual Vows on July 16, 1955, both at Marynook in Galesville, WI.

Bro. Norb studied at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX where he earned a BA in Math (1954). With grants from the National Science Foundation, he was able to also earn an MA in Science Education from Washington University, St. Louis, MO (1960), and an MS in Math from University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN (1964).

Bro. Norbert would divide his life in two sections. The first part was his service to the Province high schools. He taught math and science at McBride, Maryhurst, Assumption, Roncalli, Vianney, St. Mary's and Thomas More. He also served in administration at some of these schools.

The second half of his life was in East St. Louis. He was there for 26 years. He began at Vincent Gray Alternative School from 1989-1997. He then began working at the Catholic Daycare Center and became their leading fundraiser. He wrote letters to everyone he knew and was please with their generous response. An article in the New York Times about these efforts, aided in additional donations. With an attitude of gratitude, he always thanked all the donors.

After retiring from the Catholic Daycare Center, he continued writing letters of gratitude to donors for the Marianist Mission. He moved to the Marianist Residence in 2015 where his kind and positive spirit touched everyone he met. He would say that he lived a life of gratitude and Mary and Jesus were constantly with him.

Norbert had 5 brothers and 1 sister (Carl, Barney, Therese, Tony, John and Paul). He is survived by his sister Therese Blaski, his brother John, sisters-in-law Barbara and Nancy, and numerous nieces, nephews...as well as great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Tuesday, June 29, 2021, 6:00 PM Viewing and 7:00 PM Rosary.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 10:00 AM Viewing and 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial,

both at the Marianist Residence Chapel; followed by Burial in the Marianist Cemetery.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Marianist Mission, Mt. St. John,

4435 East Patterson Road, Dayton, OH 45430-1033

For those unable to attend services, you are welcome to sign the online guestbook