Rev. Fredric W Schlatter S.J.

Rev. Fredric W. Schlatter, SJ, died October 21, 2016 at the Jesuit Infirmary in Los Gatos, CA. He was 90. A scholar of Classical languages and history, Fr. Schlatter was an outstanding professor, educator, gentleman and priest who influenced the lives of many students at Gonzaga University as well as those studying for the priesthood. He both challenged and cared for each person who entered his classroom with a deep passion and imparted in them increased confidence in their abilities to learn and grow.

Born in Tacoma, WA, June 16, 1926, Fredric and his younger brother James were the two children of Fredrick W. and Genevieve M. (Boyne) Schlatter. Fred graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory (Tacoma) and entered the Jesuit Novitiate in August 1943 at Sheridan, OR. He excelled in the humanities and philosophy, and after his ordination on June 16, 1956 (Spokane) Fr. Schlatter went onto to Princeton University to obtain a doctorate in the Classics in 1960.

With this degree in hand Fr. Schlatter began an era of teaching the Classics. He spent seven years instructing younger Jesuits in formation for priesthood then transferred to Gonzaga University in 1968 where he taught for the next thirty years in the Classics and History departments. Every class he taught started promptly on time and went the full time allotted; never was a moment wasted nor a harsh word spoken by Fr. Schlatter when he was teaching. He was named Professor Emeritus in 1997 by Gonzaga University; with this honor he reduced his work and teaching duties but remained available to mentor and guide students and colleagues. Declining health necessitated his transfer to the Jesuit Infirmary in Los Gatos in October 2014; he remained mobile and lively until the very last few days of life.

Fr. Schlatter was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Milla Schlatter of Tacoma, several nieces and nephews, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by the scores of students whose lives he touched, his many colleagues and friends from Gonzaga University, and his brother Jesuits of the Oregon Province.

A vigil service will be celebrated at 7:00pm, Friday, November 4, at Jesuit House Chapel, Gonzaga University. The funeral Mass will be at 11:00am, Saturday, November 5, at the same location. The inurnment will be at 1:30pm, Saturday, November 5, at Mt. St. Michaels Cemetery. Contributions in honor of Fr. Schlatter can be made to: Oregon Province, Society of Jesus, P.O. Box 86010, Portland, OR 97286-0010, or the charity of the donor’s choice.