April 14, 2024
REST IN PEACE
RESTING IN THE HEART OF GOD
John spent his life surrounded by people who loved him and who he loved. Being the oldest of 10 children with myriads of cousins and friends, he learned early how to best be with others: to simply be himself, to enjoy life and to love, all the while being deeply rooted in his faith and God's love. John was not showy unless it was his booming voice which was at its best when it was singing, especially hymns of praise. His life is not so much a list of achievements, though they were there, but his joy, presence and radiant loving heart. It was that energy that gave him 93 years of life and years of HEART TO HEART MINISTRY.
That ministry first took shape as a Missionary of the Oblates of Mary for over 30 years. During that time he served as a vocation recruiter. His warm heart encouraged other young men to serve the poor and the needy. He formed many lasting friendships with the priests and associates in the Oblates. Most of whom he outlived. Just as he outlived all his brothers and sisters. He also returned home to his family from time-to-time to celebrate marriages, baptisms and the simple fun of holidays. Although he left the formal priesthood, he remained an Associate Member of the Oblates. More importantly, he continued his Heart to Heart ministry in a myriad of ways.
He was the Director of a Mental Health Clinic in Chicago, ministering to the mentally ill and helping keep them off the streets. He shared a loving marriage with his first wife, Terese, who also ministered to the sick and aging. She died in his arms after 14 years of marriage.
Soon after Terese's death, John retired but not from love, life and service. Through some mutual friends he met his present wife, Janet. It was love at first sight among the flowers of the Lincoln Park Botanical
Garden and the animals of the park zoo. They were able to celebrate that love of nature and people by visiting all seven continents of the world together, marveling at its beautiful sights, culture and people. They lived a life of Heart to Heart ministry together in a parish in Boulder City, Nevada forming small communities of parishioners to minister to the needs of the sick, elderly and dying in their homes and in two nursing homes. John also served as a Deacon celebrating burial services for parishioners and their families.
John spent the last 5 years of his life housebound by the COVID epidemic and his own faltering health. However, his heart, his love of God and zest for life still burst forth from those confined walls. His deep love of Janet, her family, his own family and many friends near and far kept him in a gentle joy and peace until the end of this life. He seemed to be deeply in touch with a more eternal life that gave him a deep faith and stability.
Although he is deeply missed by his wife and the many who loved him, we catch glimpses of him in the faces of those he loved and who loved him. He is resting in the Heart of God and it is there we will find him and each other.
John was long time members of CORPUS.