This web site is a memorial to those individuals who were passionate about the reform of the
Roman Catholic liturgy as set forth in Sacrosanctum Concilium (the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)
and who now, in eternal life, worship the God whom they served in this life.

Norbert Gertken, OSB

Norbert Gertken, OSB
February 28, 1885 - December 1, 1957



Father Norbert Gertken, OSB, was born in Richmond, MN, February 28, 1885. He made profession as a monk of Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, on July 11, 1906 and was ordained a priest on June 13, 1911. He was one of the 10 children of the Gertken family who entered religious life. He died on December 1, 1957.

After making vows, Norbert taught piano, organ, and brass at Saint John's College (University) in Collegeville, MN. From 1908-1935 he taught piano and directed the college band and orchestra. He directed the student choir from 1920-1935 and from 1922-1945 taught Gregorian chant. He also gave Gregorian chant workshops in schools, college, and seminaries as well as parishes in the Diocese of Saint Cloud, the Diocese of Crookston and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Tribute prepared by Saint John's Abbey Archives.