Innocent Gertken, OSB
May 10, 1877 - July 17, 1953
May 10, 1877 - July 17, 1953
Father Innocent Gertken, OSB, was born in Richmond, MN, on May 10, 1877. He made profession as a monk of Saint John's Abbey on August 15, 1898 and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1903. He died July 17, 1953.
After making vows in 1898, Father Innocent began teaching music at Saint John's College (University) in Collegeville, MN. He was one of the 10 children of the Gertken family who entered religious life. Father Innocent taught music for 50 years, he held at one time, every post in the music department. Father Innocent was an abbey organist from 1903-1946.
Tribute prepared by Saint John's Abbey Archives.