Rosary Service for Father W. Franz Schorp, S.M.

FR. W. FRANZ SCHORP, S.M. Died in the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary on February 19, 2023, at the age of 91 and with 70 years of vowed life. He was born in the small farming/ranching town of Pearsall, TX on December 3, 1931, to Francis J. Schorp and Mildred L. (Teal) Schorp, the eldest of three children. His parents are both deceased as well as his sister Mary Ann, who was a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word. He is survived by his brother James A. Schorp, also of Pearsall, TX and his children, Paula (Burleson), James A. Schorp, Joseph Schorp and their children.

Except for 2 years of parochial school at Immaculate Heart of Mary, he was educated in Public grade and high school. While attending St. Mary University, he was influenced by Brothers John Hahn and William Fuytinck. While at St. Mary’s a brother suggested he should try going to the novitiate, which he did in July 1951. On August 15, 1952 he professed his First Vows and continued his studies both at Maryhurst in Kirkwood, MO, and St. Mary University, graduating with a degree in philosophy and math. Franz made his Perpetual Profession in St. Louis, MO on July 13, 1958.

His pre-seminary assignments included teaching high school Religion, Math, Language and Science in San Antonio, St. Louis, and Chicago. Seminary studies at Fribourg University culminated in Ordination on March 14, 1964. While studying in Europe, he visited the city of Bieringen, his ancestors’ roots, in Germany. Since that time, he has continued a special relationship with the people of that city.

Following Ordination, he was a teacher and chaplain at Nolan H S in Fort Worth, served on the seminary staff in St. Louis and did three years of doctoral studies while living at Chaminade H S in St. Louis.

In 1973 he began a long teaching career in the Philosophy Department at St. Mary University. He continued a life-long interest in cooking, playing violin and cello, as well as involvement in a variety of manual work and lock-smithing. His mechanical skills were coupled with an abiding interest in philosophy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marianist Mission, Mt. St. John, 4435 East Patterson Road, Dayton, OH, 45430-1033, or to an endowment he started at St. Mary University.

Funeral Arrangements:

Sunday, February 26, 2023

3:00 PM Viewing 4:00 PM Rosary Service
At GUADALUPE CHAPEL – ST. MARY UNIVERSITY
Live-Streamed: www.stmarytx.edu/live

Monday, February 27, 2023

3:00 PM Viewing 4:00 PM Mass of the Resurrection
At HOLY ROSARY CHURCH

Interment immediately following at the Marianist Cemetery