St. Joseph’s Brother Hugo Dies
By Lenny Roberts
St. Joseph’s Health and Retirement Center and the Ojai community lost one of its treasures Thursday morning when cancer took the life of Brother Hugo Stippler.
Stippler, 86, died Thursday at 6:31 a.m., according to Brother Michael Bassemier, St. Joseph’s administrator. Diagnosed in 2007 with prostate cancer that had metastasized into a kidney, Stippler continued his duties at the center on East Ojai Avenue and celebrated his golden anniversary in March with the Los Angeles-based Order of Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God when he renewed his vows.
Stippler entered the order in Ojai in 1957 and made his final vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and hospitality on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 1959. The Ojai center opened in 1960.
“His entire life,” said Bassemier, “was for other people. He never thought about himself.”
Bassemier explained the type of cancer Stippler had was rare, affecting only 5 percent of prostate cancer victims. He had kidney surgery in December 2007.
Stippler, who was raised in Evansville, Ind., and graduated from Purdue University with an engineering degree, is survived by four sisters and one brother.
A memorial service will be held Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. at the chapel at St. Joseph’s Health and Retirement Center, 2464 E. Ojai Ave.
Rest in peace, dear Brother
Anna
27 Aug 09 at 5:33 pm
Br. Hugo was my Uncle Walt. He was loved and will be missed.
Molly
28 Aug 09 at 10:05 am
Brother Hugo was a living saint and his loss leaves a huge void in his community. Our family is eternally grateful to Bro. Hugo for his loving care and devotion to others. May he rest in peace.
Maureen
28 Aug 09 at 10:15 am
Brother Hugo was one of a kind. He was loved by all and all loved him. May he rest in peace.
Anonymous
31 Aug 09 at 11:24 am
My life is better having known you, Brother Hugo. I hope there is a place near the right hand, for you.
Peace, -allen carrozza
PS. Frank Noyes has his old friend back, nearer to thee.
Allen Carrozza
2 Sep 09 at 1:28 pm
Many years ago before I was married, I had the opportunity to witness the blessed and saintly life of this man. I spent a summer as a novice with the brothers and was mentored by this holy and pious religious. My wife and I will pray for the repose of his soul as he was a spritual joy and treasure to all who knew him. In many ways, he was like the surrogate grandfather I never had, and I know that God placed hime in my life to assist me in my own faith journey….
Duncan
8 Sep 09 at 10:57 am
Brother Hugo was an exemplary model of humility and Catholic servitude. Heaven is a richer place now, and I will miss his passing……..
Duncan
8 Sep 09 at 11:07 am
I’v had the great fortune to have known Brother Hugo over many years. He was a true holy man and his humbleness and love for mankind has taught me things you rarely find in our days. He did not ‘die’, but to use his own words he just moved on. Auf Wiedersehen Brother Hugo, old Bavarian friend, you have made it into God’s all-embracing happiness.
Still, I’ll miss you……
Joseph Murboeck Lenggries Germany
29 Mar 10 at 3:48 am