Fr. Gerald C. Walling, SJ, 1928-2011
November 28, 2011 in 2011, News, Obituaries
Fr. Gerald C. Walling, SJ
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June 26, 1928, to
November 25, 2011
Fr. Gerald C. Walling, SJ, who worked as a professor, writer, and actor for over 50 years, died on November 25, 2011, in Clarkston, Michigan. A Chicago native, Fr. Walling was born to parents Charles and Clara (Stachler) Walling on June 26, 1928. “He will always be remembered by his friends for his wonderful sense of humor. He was an inspiration to us because of his humble and sweet spirit,” wrote a former coworker in an online tribute.
Following his graduation from St. Rita High School in Chicago in 1946, Fr. Walling began studying at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He earned his B.S. in psychology with a minor in sociology from Loyola University Chicago. From 1948 to 1950, Fr. Walling served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Despite his father urging him to reenlist, Fr. Walling felt an inner voice was telling him not to. On August 8, 1951, Fr. Walling joined the Society of Jesus in Milford, Ohio. During his time with the Jesuits Fr. Walling received degrees in numerous fields including humanities, philosophy, theology, and theater. When asked why he became a Jesuit, Fr. Walling credited an ill-fated date. He explained, “On a date in February, 1951, she stunned me by saying she was going to become a nun. How could she take all that talent and vivacity, and pour it into a life of service of others? God showed me it was love.”
From 1956 to 1978 Fr. Walling worked all around the Midwest in Jesuit high schools and universities teaching theater, and writing and directing plays. In April of 1978, former provincial Fr. Dan Flaherty, SJ, urged Fr. Walling to become a professional actor explaining, “You can meet and influence people that other Jesuits would never contact.” Following the advice of his provincial, Fr. Walling spent the next six years working as a professional actor in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. His work included roles in musicals, soap operas, and most recognized, The Blues Brothers movie alongside Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi in 1980.
For the remainder of his career Fr. Walling stayed close to his hometown and continued his work in fine arts. He retired in 2008 and lived in Clarkston, Michigan, until his death in November 2011.
Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.
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I was a scholastic at St. Ignatius 1967-1968 and was Father Jerry’s assistant director in the theater program. He taught me so much that, when I moved to Cincinnati at the end of the year, I was offered a teaching position and the theater program at La Salle High School, which I directed for the next 18 years; we also began an alumni theater that lasted 10 years. I’ve continued to use Jerry’s teachings in much that I continue to do including directing at Xavier University and mounting productions for the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education in Cincinnati. Thank you, Jerry….your life continues in all of us.
Gerry was a long-time friend in the Society and fellow worker in the media vineyard. Always bouyant and enthusiastic about his and also others’ endeavors, bubbling with energy and wit, he followed “the road less traveled…” in theater and film.
The Rutkowski family is very saddened to learn of the death of Fr. Walling. The Jesuits have lost a very good man. My family is very certain Ignatius is very proud of him. Ron Rutkowski
Fr. Walling was one of my all time favorite teachers. He inspired me to join the Jesuits. Although I only lasted two years, the experience changed my life. I’m glad I finally had the chance to tell him this, about two years before he died. God bless you Fr. Walling.