Boschert, Hubert G. (Father)

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Fr. Hubert G. Boschert, SJ, who died on November 25, 2023 at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwautosa, Wisconsin. He was 86 years old. May he rest in peace.

Bert was born in Saint Charles, Missouri. He graduated from Saint Louis University High School before entering the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus on August 8, 1955 at Saint Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Missouri. He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1968 at Saint Louis Cathedral in Saint Louis, Missouri, and pronounced final vows on August 15, 1974 at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Mankato, Minnesota.

While in the Society, Bert earned a number of degrees from Saint Louis University: a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (1961), licentiate degrees in philosophy (1962) and theology (1969), and a master’s degree in theology (1969).

During regency, Bert taught history and math at Red Cloud Indian School (1963-1965). After ordination, he returned to Red Cloud where he was the assistant prefect of studies (1969-1970) and principal (1970-1972). Beginning in 1972, Bert spent almost 50 years performing pastoral ministry. He began as the associate pastor of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Mankato, Minnesota (1972-1981), and then ministered for 27 years as a pastor at: Saint Gabriel Parish in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (1981-1993; 2002-2008); Saint Stephen Parish in Bridgewater, South Dakota (1994-1996); the Church of Saint Joseph Parish in Owatonna, Minnesota (1996-1998); and Saint Edward Parish in Austin, Minneapolis (1998-2002). He was a senior associate pastor at Christ the King Parish in Omaha, Nebraska (2009-2010; 2013-2016). Bert also was the assistant to the rector (2010-2013) and performed pastoral ministry at Creighton University (2016-2019). In 2019, Bert was missioned to Saint Camillus Jesuit Community to care for his health.

Bert was very close to his Jesuit classmates who entered at Florissant in 1955. He loved being a Jesuit and a priest. He spent most of his years of active ministry in parishes, thoroughly enjoying sacramental ministry and parish administration. Being approachable and easy to like, there was a simplicity about Bert that drew parishioners to him. He found immense joy in being a pastor.  

When Fr. Terry Brennan was minister of the St. Camillus Jesuit Community, he and Bert played cribbage every evening after supper. They went to the living room in the guest area to play cards. Bert also enjoyed playing sheepshead, bridge, and hearts.

Novice Jon Jue-Wong, nSJ, who did his hospital experiment at St. Camillus had this to say of him: “Bert’s gentle, peaceable nature was such a blessing to be around.”

In the last two years of his life, Bert found it difficult to express himself. He also became physically weak. He stayed in his room and listened to classical music. The aides who cared for him appreciated his gentle demeanor. They admired his courage in diminishment.