In Memoriam - Robert Lechner, C.PP.S

Fr. Lechner, Former SJC Faculty Member, Dies

Father Robert Lechner, C.PP.S., former Saint Joseph's College faculty member , passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, OH on February 22 following complications from heart by-pass surgery. He was 82 years of age at the time of his death.

He was ordained a priest on February 2, 1946. Eight months after ordination he was sent to study philosophy at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, where he received his doctorate in 1950. He was assigned to teach philosophy at Saint Joseph's College where he remained until 1961. From there he moved to Saint Charles Seminary to continue teaching until the philosophy program was closed. He then taught at DePaul University in Chicago until his retirement in 1992.

In 1957 he founded Philosophy Today as a journal that would bring the best of contemporary European thought to North America. It grew to be an influential media for Continental thought. In the early years, most of the articles were translated from European journals, but as time went on major figures made original contributions. Although Fr. Lechner published little of his own work, he was known in the philosophical world as a mentor to many young scholars. In 1991, Philosophy Today published a Festschrift in his honor.

That same mentoring capacity marked his relationship with many students. He will be remembered for his care and attention, as well as his interest in their lives and work. Alongside his philosophical work, he was active in many of the renewal movements that began in the Church in the late 1950's. He worked regularly with the Grail movement, the Trappist monks of Gethsemani Abbey, and with many others in the areas of art and spirituality.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters. The funeral wake will be held at Saint Charles Center in Carthagena, Ohio at 12 noon (EST) on Thursday, February 25. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. (EST).

St. Joseph College website, www.stjoe.edu, February 23, 1998

In Memoriam - Fr. Edmund Fitzpatrick

ARCHDIOCESAN PRIEST, REV. EDMUND J. FITZPATRICK, DIES
DePaul University Professor for 26 Years

Chicago, IL  (January 7, 2011) – Fr. Edmund J. Fitzpatrick, STD, a priest for 63 years in the Archdiocese, died on Wednesday, January 5, at Bethany Methodist Hospital in Chicago. Fr. Fitzpatrick, who was 89 years old, had been a professor for many years at DePaul University.

A Chicago native, Fr. Fitzpatrick was educated in Catholic elementary schools and graduated from Archbishop Quigley Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary.  Samuel Cardinal Stritch ordained Fr. Fitzpatrick in 1947.  For three years immediately following ordination, Fr. Fitzpatrick did post-graduate studies at Mundelein, earning a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree in 1950.

From 1950 to 1957 he was the assistant pastor at Queen of All Saints Parish on Chicago’s northwest side.  For seven years beginning in 1957, Fr. Fitzpatrick served as the assistant director of the Archdiocese’s Cana Conference. During that time, he was an assistant pastor at St. Kilian Parish on the south side.  In 1964, he began a one-year term as assistant pastor of St. Timothy Parish.

In 1965, Fr. Fitzpatrick joined the Theology faculty of DePaul University as an assistant professor with residence at St. Pascal Parish on the northwest side.  He taught at DePaul for 26 years before retiring from the university and from active ministry in 1991.

Visitation for Fr. Fitzpatrick will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, at St. Pascal Church, 3935 North Melvina Avenue in Chicago.  Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, will be the main celebrant at a funeral Mass for Fr. Fitzpatrick at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 10.  Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. 

www.archchicago.org January 7, 2011,  Archdiocese of Chicago

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Father Edmund J. Fitzpatrick, beloved son of the late Edward and Esther; loving brother of the late Rosemary Fisher Matthews; dear uncle of Anne Evers of Canada and Marc Fisher of MO. Father Fitzpatrick attended Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary School, Quigley and Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary. He was ordained in 1947 and earned his Doctorate in Sacred Theology in 1950. He was an assistant at Queen of All Saints, Sauganash, 1950-57, at St. Kilian Church, 1957-64 and at Saint Timothy Church, 1964-65. Father taught, part time, at Leo High School. He became the Assistant Director of the Cana Conference in 1952 and served as the Chaplain of the Catholic Family Information Clinics. He worked in the Theology Department, Rosary College, 1961-65 and Mundelein, 1965. Later in 1965, Father was appointed Assistant Professor of Theology, De Paul University. Since 1965 Father Fitzpatrick has been a member of the Saint Pascal Parish family. During that time, his preaching and personal style brought depth, joy and laughter to the hearts of many. His faith in Our Lord and dedication to the priesthood and Church was evident to all. Father Fitz was called home on Jan. 5, 2011. May he rest in peace. Visitation will be Sunday 3 to 8 p.m., Vigil 6 p.m., and Monday, 9:30 a.m. until Funeral Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m. at Saint Pascal Church, 6200 W. Irving Park Rd. (Irving Park and Melvina). Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary would be appreciated. For funeral info please call Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 773-777-3944 or 

http://www.gibbonsfamilyfh.com/

 

Published in Chicago Tribune on January 9, 2011

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It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death on January 5th, after a long illness, of the Rev. Edmund Fitzpatrick.  Fr. Fitzpatrick was a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and a retired faculty member in the department of Religious Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.  Fr. Fitzpatrick was one of the last remaining founders of the department.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Pascal Church, 3935 N. Melvina Avenue in Chicago.  The Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, January 10th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pascal's.

May he rest in peace.

Mission and Values, January 8, 2011

DuSable Museum Tour, May 20, 2011

The DuSable Museum of African American History, the first and oldest institution of its kind in the country, has been dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent for more than 46 years.  Will you be joining us when the DePaul Emeritus Society takes a tour of the museum?

The DuSable Museum is conveniently located in Washington Park at the corner of 57th and Cottage Grove, at 740 East 56th Place.  Currently, the DES plans to have a shuttle available for attendees which will leave from the Lincoln Park Campus and return in time for all to enjoy the May 20 luncheon in the Commons.  More information regarding the tour will be provided with the DES Luncheon invitation.  Mark your calendars now so you won't miss this wonderful opportunity.

Our very own DES member, Harvette Grey, was honored by the DuSable Museum last March.  She will join us as we tour the facility

March 16, 2010 - DuSable Museum News:

Chicago, IL. —- "Twenty local women who committed time, support and inspiration, and also fought for social justice and parity during the Civil Rights Movement have been named “Chicago Freedom Sisters,” by the Board of Trustees and staff of the DuSable Museum of African American History. The women were chosen during a promotion sponsored by the DuSable Museum and Macy’s, which asked the citizens of Chicago to nominate a local woman activist who participated in the Civil Rights Movement and has historically demonstrated an unbridled commitment to our struggle for equal rights. The women selected will now become a part of the attendance record-breaking exhibition, “Freedom’s Sisters,” which continues through April 4, 2010 at the Museum which is located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago.

"The twenty “Chicago Freedom Sisters,” were honored and presented with Certificates and special gifts during a breakfast ceremony which was held at the Museum and they will become a part of the “Freedom’s Sisters” exhibition for its remaining time at the Museum. “Freedom’s Sisters” is a collaboration between The Smithsonian Institution and Cincinnati Museum Center that brings to life 20 African American women. The women range from key 19th century historical figures to contemporary leaders who have fought for equality for people of color. Now, those 20 women will be joined by 20 Chicago women who are champions of freedom in their own right." Among the Chicago Freedom Sisters is Dr. Harvette Grey.

Click here for more information about the DuSable Museum.

In Memoriam - Nancy Gall

Nancy E. Gall, nee Grek, a faith-filled, kind, thoughtful and generous woman was born in Chicago on September 20, 1941, departed on December 15, 2010 and resided in Niles, Illinois.  Loving daughter of Harriette V. and the late John D.; beloved wife of the late David; dear sister of Roberta (Gene) Dieden and Rev. Richard Grek, C.R.; fond aunt of Gene (Joan), John (Donna), Tom (Cynthia), Mark (Erica) and Cynthia Dieden and John (Melinda) and Julie Gall; great-aunt of Ava, Auden, Adelaide, Katrina, Bridget and Sean.

Nancy will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends. Visitation Sunday, December 19, 2010 3-9 P.M. at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 6250 N. Milwaukee Ave. Lying in State Monday, December 20 at Mary Seat Of Wisdom Church 920 Granville, Park Ridge, IL 60068, 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass 11:00 A.M. Entombment St. Adalbert Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers donations to The Anti-Cruelty Society appreciated. Info 773-774-0366 or www.colonialfuneral.com

This Memorial Obituary provided by Colonial Wojciechowski Funeral Home of Chicago


It is with deep sorrow that we have learned of the death of Nancy Gall.  Nancy served the university from 1970 until her retirement in 2000 from the Office of the Registrar.  Nancy passed away on December 15 at the age of 69 after a long illness.  She is survived by her mother, brother, sister, and many extended family.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends, and long-time colleagues who mourn the loss of Nancy.  May she rest in peace.

Mission and Values, December 17, 2010

More photos from the 25-Year Club Luncheon, 2010

Thanks to Jose Vicens, one of our DES members, we have more photos from the 25-Year Club Luncheon held November 19, 2010 at the Union League Club.

The photos include both DES members and SOON to be DES members* i.e., when they retire they will be eligible to join us!

Joan Lakebrink and Sr. Frances Ryan

Elaine Beaudoin and Margaret Power

Kathryn DeGraff and Mary Kizior*

Sr. Frances Ryan and Peter Pereira

Lazarus Rice* and Martin Williams*

Michael Kazanjian* and Frank Bellizzi*

Joe Clark*, Chris Mennella*, Cindy Summers*,
Randy Shire* and Frank Bellizzi*

James Simantirakis*, Mary Wasniowski*,
Christine Werdrick* and Tom Hojnacki*

Sophie Cervantes*, Mary Wasniowski*,
Jose Vicens and Mary Kizior*

Jeanne Lenti*, John Lawler*, Jim Doyle*,
Cindy Summers* and Peggy Burke*

Also see the previous 25-Year Club Luncheon post.
* DePaul Emeritus Society members in waiting
Photos courtesy: Jose Vicens

In Memoriam - Bruce Vawter, CM

Rev. F. Bruce Vawter, 65, a Vincentian priest and a Scripture scholar, was chairman of De Paul University`s department of religious studies from 1969 until last June. He was an expert on both the New and the Old Testaments and the author of several books on both.

A memorial mass for Father Vawter, a member of the Congregation of the Missions (the Vincentians), will be offered at 5 p.m. Thursday in St. Vincent`s Catholic Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave. He died Monday in St. Joseph`s Hospital following a long illness.

His most recent book was ``Job and Jonah: Questioning the Hidden God`` (Paulist Press, 1983). In it, he wrote: ``The biblical message is meant not only to console but to challenge and provoke. If one reads the Bible only to find comfort and consolation in fixed positions, the meaning of the Bible has been missed. Some Bible-Christians misunderstand the Bible precisely in this way. They search it for confirmation in their prejudices rather than for a summons to re-examine their premises.``

Father Vawter, a native of Ft. Worth, joined the Vincentians in 1942. He was ordained in 1947. A Fulbright scholar, he studied at Eberhard University in Tubingen, West Germany, after receiving a doctorate in sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. Before coming to De Paul University, he taught at Kendrick Seminary in St. Louis, St. Thomas Seminary in Denver and St. Mary`s Seminary in Perryville, Mo. He was also a visiting professor at Vanderbilt University and at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. Among the books he wrote besides ``Job and Jonah`` were ``The Path of Wisdom,`` ``Amos, Hosea, Micah: With an Introduction to Classical Prophecy`` and ``On Genesis.`` He also edited all the work issued by the Catholic Biblical Association of America and was editor of ``Old Testament Abstracts.``

Chicago Tribune, December 3, 1986

In Memoriam - Thomas P. Munster, CM

Reverend Thomas P. Munster, CM, who held a number of key positions at DePaul University and the former DePaul Academy over the course of a career that spanned nearly 60 years, died on December 7, 2007. He was 85.

The son of Martin and Catherine (nee Browne) Munster, Fr. Munster was born on March 7, 1922. He grew up in Chicago and graduated in 1935 from St. Vincent’s School, the now-closed grammar school of St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Fr. Munster attended St. Vincent’s College, the Vincentian high school seminary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, graduating in 1940. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at St. Mary’s Seminary in Perryville, Missouri, and continued his theological studies there before being ordained in 1948. He earned a master’s degree in English from DePaul University in 1953.

Shortly after ordination, he returned home to Chicago and became a member of the faculty at DePaul Academy, the all-boys high school sponsored by the Vincentians. Fr. Munster taught English, Latin and religion. From 1952 to 1957, he served as dean of men at the school. In 1957, he was named principal, a post he held until 1965 when he joined DePaul University as director of high school relations, a newly formed position. After serving two years in that role, Fr. Munster was named DePaul’s Director of Admissions, a role he held for the next 14 years.

In 1981, he was named Superior of DePaul Vincentian Residence, which had been his home since 1952. He returned to the university in 1990 as Vice Chancellor in Advancement, working closely with the Athletic Department. “Fr. Tom Munster was not only DePaul’s institutional memory, but a real treasure to our Athletic Department and the entire university community,” said Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto. “We will always remember him as a great ambassador of DePaul’s values, a servant to the needy with a kind and open heart to all who crossed his path.”

Fr. Munster was keenly interested in the state of the Lincoln Park neighborhood in which he was raised. To revitalize the neighborhood, he helped found two neighborhood organizations: the Lincoln Park Conservation Association and the Sheffield Neighborhood Association. For many years, Father Munster celebrated Sunday Mass at St. Tarcissus Catholic Church in Chicago.

He is survived by a brother and his family, of Chicago: Martin, wife Margaret, and their children Catherine (James) Hartnett, Patricia (James) Suszka, and Sean Munster.

Requiescat in Pacem!

The Vincentian, Earth City, Mo., March, 2008