Brother Cletus George Behlmann S.M.

Behlmann, Brother Cletus George, SM, 82, died on Tuesday, July 12 in San Antonio, Texas. A native of Florissant, Brother Cletus was a member of the Society of Mary (Marianists) and a commercially successful artist known for his bold, colorful works.

He was born Nov. 3, 1933, the 11th of 12 children in the family of John and Mary (Gettemeier) Behlmann. He attended McBride High School, where he was taught by Marianist brothers. He entered the Marianists, professing first vows in 1953 and final vows in 1958.

In his early career, he taught at schools in Texas. He taught art at St. John Vianney High School in Kirkwood from 1966 – 1977. He then returned to Texas, where he was able to dedicate himself full time to creating art, establishing the St. Mary’s University Art Center. For nearly 40 years he was a celebrated and prolific artist-in-residence at the Marianist university.

There will be a wake and funeral services July 18 in San Antonio. On July 30, Brother Cletus’ life will be celebrated with a Visitation and Mass at Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, 401 S. Lindbergh, from 10:00 am until time of Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Maryhurst Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Gallery both on the grounds of Vianney High School.

Brother Cletus is survived by three brothers, Harry, Lambert and Robert, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Donations in memory of Brother Cletus may be made at marianist.com/donate or to the Marianist Mission, 4435 E. Patterson Road, Dayton, OH 45430.