“Night Abbot” Br. Willie Passes Away

The beloved night watchman at Saint John’s University passed away Saturday, April 11.  Br. William Borgerding, OSB, was 94.  Br. Willie made scores of friends among Saint John’s students while making his rounds, checking for unlocked doors and dropping in on students.  The campus pub in Sexton Commons was dedicated in his honor in 1993. 

A native of Freeport, Minn., Br. Willie made his first vows at Saint John’s Abbey in 1937.   He served as a herdsman through 1966.    He was affectionately known as the “Night Abbot” while a member of Saint John’s security department over the next 34 years.