Father Elmer Joseph Muggli

Elmer Joseph Muggli was born on March 15, 1925, to John and Eleanor (Pallansch) Muggli in Richardton. There he attended grade school and Assumption Abbey High School. Elmer enrolled at Saint John’s University in 1942. He entered Saint John’s Abbey novitiate in 1944, receiving the name Florian, and professed as a Benedictine monk on June 14, 1945. He completed a B.A. in philosophy in 1947 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1951.

Father Florian received an M.S. degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in 1952, and served as instructor in the department of mathematics at Saint John’s University and as prefect until 1955. In 1955, Father Florian was appointed treasurer of Saint John’s Abbey and University. During his 16-year tenure, he oversaw a great flurry of activity: construction of the new Breuer monastery wing, the new Abbey Church, the Liturgical Press building, Saint Thomas Hall, a new preparatory school, Alcuin Library, a new Science Building and three new dormitories. Father Florian served as pastor of many parishes throughout Minnesota from 1971-2003. In February 2003, Father Florian returned to the abbey for retirement.

Father Florian died on Jan. 26, in the retirement center at Saint John’s Abbey. He is survived by his sister, Noreen Carroll, of Dickinson; his aunt, Martinella Muggli, of Cold Spring, Minn.; his nephew, John (Lois) Muggli, of Waite Park, Minn.; nieces Jane Muggli of Medora, and Mary Ann (Pat) Haws of Avon, Minn.; five great nieces and nephews; two great-great nieces and the Saint John’s Abbey community.

Father Florian was preceded in death by his brothers Norbert Muggli and Father Julius Walter Muggli, OSB; sisters: Sister Joanne Muggli, OSB, Sister Nillon Muggli, OSB, and Sister Alexia Muggli, OSB; sister-in-law Doris (Hennessy) Muggli; and brother-in-law Eugene Carroll.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Father Florian on Jan. 30 in Saint John’s Abbey Church with interment in Saint John’s Cemetery.