Obituary of Brother Theophane Ballmann

Br. Theo (Richard) Ballmann, OFM (January 24, 1936 - December 10, 2012) Our fellow friar of the Sacred Heart Province, Br. Theo Ballmann, OFM, died on Monday, December 10, 2012 at St. Mary's Home Felician Village, Manitowoc, WI, at the age of 76. His transition to heaven was one of peace and anticipation. Richard Ballmann was born to Joseph Ballmann and Hedwig (nee Feldman) Ballmann on January 24, 1936 in Dutzow, MO. He was received into the Franciscan community on February 11, 1955 and was given the name Theophane. He entered the novitiate on June 22, 1958. Br. Theo made his solemn profession on June 22, 1961 at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Cleveland, OH. Br. Theo served the Franciscan fraternity and the Church well during his 60 years of active apostolic work. He served the community as a cook, tailor, sacristan, porter, formation director, and in 1984 began his ministry working with those suffering from the disease of alcoholism. He was on staff at Matt Talbot Inn in Cleveland, OH, providing caring support and outreach to those afflicted. He later received recognition for his work and accepted a position on the board at Matt Talbot Inn. Br. Theo was also stationed at Sacred Heart Friary in Indianapolis, IN for many years and more recently at St. John the Baptist Friary in Joliet, IL. He continued his outreach and involvement in AA and served the community as Guardian and associate director of the postulants. A title that was given to a pope many centuries ago, "Servant of Servants" could also best describe Br. Theo. Our God not only gifted our brother with hands as instruments of healing to the broken but also a heart that led others to praise and love the Lord as much as he did. Br. Theo was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hedwig Ballmann of Dutzow, MO, and his siblings. He is survived by his Franciscan family and many nieces and nephews. The Franciscan community would like to express their deep appreciation and assurance of prayers to the staff at St. Mary's Home and Assisted Living at Felician Village. We would also like to thank Holy Family Memorial Hospice for overseeing the care of our brother in his final days. In your kindness, please consider making a donation for the continued care of our brothers and priests. Any donation would be much appreciated. Please send your charitable contribution to Blessed Giles Friary, 1820 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc, WI 54220. May God bless you. Family and friends will gather at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 N. Hickory St., Joliet, IL (815-727-4788) at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2012. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 11:00 a.m. Bro. Theo will be buried alongside his Franciscan brothers at St. John's Cemetery in Joliet. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com