Midwest Jesuits | Chicago-Detroit Province

Fr. Thomas Gannon, SJ

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October 19, 1936, to
December 19, 2011

Fr. Thomas M. Gannon, SJ, Chicago native and Jesuit for 57 years, died on December 19, 2011, in Pontiac, Michigan.  Fr. Gannon was born to Thomas and Bernice (Pouk) Gannon on October 19, 1936.  “He was a wonderful, generous friend who had helped very many people,” explained friend and fellow Jesuit Br. Jerome Pryor, SJ.  “He generously shared his friends with me and they are now my friends.”

Fr. Gannon joined the Society of Jesus in Milford, Ohio, in 1954 after graduating from Loyola Academy.  During his years of Jesuit formation, he received his B.A. in classics and M.A. in Sociology from Loyola University Chicago, a Ph.L. in philosophy from West Baden College, an S.T.L. degree in Theology from Bellarmine School of Theology, and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. During regency, Fr. Gannon taught at Loyola Academy (1961-1962) where he also led the Glee Club.  He then moved on to St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland where he continued to teach sociology, Latin, and dramatics.

He took on many administrative roles in the Province Office (as associate director of Province Planning, director of the Social Apostolate and social ministries planning, Provincial Assistant for Jesuits in Formation, and Provincial Assistant for Special Projects).  “Tom was a pioneer when the US Jesuit leadership changed from assistants to formation directors.  This was not a mere change of title, but a real and major change in how we supported and guided younger Jesuits,” said longtime friend Fr. George Traub, SJ. Fr. Gannon spent 10 years at Loyola University Chicago (LUC) where he served as Chairman of the Department of Sociology.  He was director and superior of the Woodstock Theological Center in Washington, DC, and he served as the administrator of Holy Family Parish in Chicago.  Most recently, he was the Director of the Heartland Center in East Chicago, Indiana, and the Director of Peace and Social Justice in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana.

Fr. Gannon moved to the Colombiere Center in 2008 where he worked on his writing and served the community until his death.  “During his health difficulties, he never lost his sense of humor,” said Br. Pryor.

Memorial gifts:

Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. Robert (Bob) Beckman, SJ

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June 26, 1923, to
December 7, 2011

Fr. Robert E. Beckman, SJ, who served as a Jesuit missionary to the people of Peru for 39 years, died on December 7, 2011, in Clarkston, Michigan.  Fr. Beckman was born to Vincent and Irene (Hummel) Beckman in Cincinnati on June 26, 1923.  “He was one of the most optimistic people I have ever known,” said longtime friend Fr. John Foley, SJ.  “His gift, his style of leading, was to encourage everyone on the team to do their thing and he’d get out of the way.”

Following his graduation from St. Xavier High School in 1941, Fr. Beckman began studying at Xavier University before joining the Society of Jesus in Milford, Ohio.  During his Jesuit formation Fr. Beckman received various degrees from Xavier University, West Baden College, Loyola University Chicago, the University of Michigan, and Georgetown University. His broad interest earned him degrees in Latin, philosophy, theology, history, education, linguistics, Spanish, and pastoral studies.

Fr. Beckman spent the majority of his years of ministry in the Society in Peru.  As one of the very first Jesuits to go to Peru from the former Chicago Province, he taught, was involved in spirituality programs, and was asked to serve in administration. Among his administration jobs, Fr. Beckman was principal and later director of Colegio San Jose (Arequipa), director of juniors at the Jesuit Center of Spirituality (Lima, Peru), rector of Xavier University (Cincinnati), and even acting regional superior in Peru.  Fr. Patrick Casey, SJ, spent many years with Fr. Beckman in Peru. When describing his impact on the people of Peru Fr. Casey explained, “He was very much involved in the spirit of change of the Society in those days.  He insisted that we American Jesuits make an effort at enculturation into the Peruvian world and he was a leader in social reform.  He encouraged Jesuit members of the community to live among the poor, and then eventually went to live there as well.”

Because he was a truly gifted spiritual director, the Peruvian Provincial asked him to live in the novitiate to serve as an inspiration to the young Jesuits. “In spiritual direction, when someone shared with him what had excited them most in prayer, he would get as excited as the person he was directing,” explained Fr. Foley.  “Spiritual direction was more like a pep rally, and people flocked to him.”

Fr. Beckman returned to the US many times during his career.  In October of 2007, he returned to Clarkston, Michigan, where he remained until his death.

Those in Peru have described him as “a messenger from God,” “one who reflects the great stamp that the Jesuits have inherited from St. Ignatius of Loyola and lived it to the fullest,” “friend, guide, and man of God,” and “a spiritual father.”  His light-hearted, enthusiastic and warm spirit was infectious. He was greatly loved wherever he was missioned.

Memorial gifts:

Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, click here.

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.

To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. Theodore C. Thepe, SJ

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August 17, 1925, to
November 23, 2011

Fr. Theodore C. Thepe, SJ, avid photographer and chemistry professor for 50 years died on November 23, 2011, in Clarkston, Michigan.  Fr. Thepe was born to Theodore and Mary (Gailbraith) Thepe in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 17, 1924. 

After graduating from St. Xavier High School in 1942, Fr. Thepe joined the Society of Jesus in Milford, Ohio.  Following two years at the novitiate, he received various degrees including a B.A. from Loyola University Chicago in Latin (1946-1947), philosophy and theology degrees from West Baden College (1946-1979 and 1952-1956) in West Baden, Indiana, and an M.S. in Chemistry from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio (1958-1961). Chemistry would prove to be a passion that would continue for the remainder of Fr. Thepe’s life.  “A great teacher and a great love for science was obvious,” said former student Anne Leugers of Midland, Michigan.  Fr. Thepe was ordained on June 15, 1955. 

Fr. Thepe began his first assignment at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, where he taught physics and geometry from 1949-1958. Beginning in 1961, he began a long career at Xavier University (XU) that would last 50 years and allow him to impact the lives of many students.  Fr. Thepe taught both chemistry and photography during his years at XU.  On the university’s website, a tribute written in Fr. Thepe’s honor explained, “Thepe was popular with students and maintained friendships with them long after they left his classes.  He was known for his classes on radioactivity in the 1950s and 1960s when it was a new science.” 

A self-taught photographer, Fr. Thepe’s enthusiasm for photography began at age four and would also become a part of his career at XU.  Known as the “camera man,” Fr. Thepe embraced the digital age while still remaining loyal to his traditional film cameras.  In an interview with Fr. Thepe in the summer 2009 issue of Xavier Magazine, he described how his love for photography began, “My uncle loved photography.  Uncle Clement had no children, and he treated me like a son.  He took photos of every family event, and he gave me the camera when he died.  It was important to me because he did it and enjoyed it and because I could represent people at events, even to be able to find sunlight and shadows that made sense to me.”  (For more from this article and others about Fr. Thepe, click here.)  His favorite subjects included flowers and Xavier’s women’s basketball team.

Fr. Thepe remained at Xavier University until his retirement in 2010.  Today, he is fondly remembered by his former students.  In an online tribute one student wrote, “It was a joy to have you as my professor at Xavier.  I loved learning about photography from you and have never forgotten you or your class.” 

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. W. Henry Kenney, SJ

Fr. W. Henry (Hank) Kenney, SJ
September 28, 1918, to October 3, 2011

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Fr. W. Henry (Hank) Kenney, SJ, Jesuit Priest and missionary to South Africa, died on October 3, 2011, in Clarkston, Michigan.  Born on September 28, 1918, to parents Herbert Kenney and Alice Terstegg, Fr. Kenney was an Indiana native and one of six children (five boys, one girl). Fr. Kenney is survived by his brother James C. Kenney. “He was dedicated to his ministry,” explained Fr. Walter Bado, SJ, fellow Jesuit brother and longtime coworker at Kentucky Jesuit Mission. “He was so dedicated that he just wanted to serve as long as he could, and people appreciated that about him.”

After earning his high school diploma in 1935 from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, Fr. Kenney attended St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana.  It was there that he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in both English and physics (1939). Immediately following college he entered the Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio.  For the next 11 years, as he studied to become a Jesuit, Fr. Kenney received numerous degrees including a licentiate in philosophy (Ph.L) from West Baden College in 1946, as well as a licentiate in sacred theology (S.T.L) in 1953. He was ordained on June 18, 1952, in West Baden, Indiana.

Fr. Kenney spent the first 21 years of his priesthood teaching at both the high school and college levels at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, (1946-1979) and Xavier University (1957-1967). He traveled around the Midwest serving in various positions such as superior of the philosophers at Bellarmine School of Theology, of the collegiate (First Studies) program at the University of Detroit, and assistant for communities and apostolates at the Province Office (1969-1973).

In 1973, Fr. Kenney took his work to Ghana and Nigeria for spiritual renewal before returning back to his roots as a professor of philosophy in Sudan (1975-1979). He briefly returned to the United States during which time he spent a year teaching at Loyola University Chicago. For the next five years (1981-1986) Fr. Kenney returned to South Africa and served as spiritual and retreat director and superior. “He was a great spiritual director –a prayer coach in many ways,” said Fr. Bado. He joined the Kentucky Jesuit Mission in Lexington in 1987 and remained there for 24 years offering outreaching programs, individual and group retreats, direction of the Bluegrass Spirituality Center, providing chaplaincy to various hospitals and other activities to aid the community. “Fr. Kenney began Spiritual Direction for me and we met for 25 years. I will truly, truly, truly miss him,” said longtime friend of 25 years Rev. Willis Polk.  He taught me to be with God and to love him.

In July of 2011, Fr. Kenney was moved to the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, until his death in October.

Memorial gifts:

Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. Neil Curtin, SJ

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September 12, 1925, to September 21, 2011
Pontiac, Michigan

Fr. Cornelius (Neil) Curtin, SJ, Jesuit priest and missionary in Patna, India, for 40 years, died on September 21, 2011 in Pontiac, Michigan. A Chicago native, Fr. Curtin was born to parents Cornelius Curtin, Sr. and Susan Murphy Curtin on September 12, 1925. “I will remember him most for his round face, rosy smile, and infectious chuckle laughter,” said Fr. Jim Dressman, SJ, fellow Jesuit who spent 10 years with Fr. Curtin in Kathmandu. He is survived by four brothers, three sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Immediately following graduation from Saint Ignatius College Prep in 1943, located on the west side of Chicago, Fr. Curtin entered the Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio. After spending four years at the novitiate (1943-1947), he began studies at West Baden College in West Baden, Indiana. He moved on to Loyola University Chicago where he received both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English.

In the 19050s, during his years of formation, Fr. Curtin was selected as one of the first Jesuits to travel to Patna, India, where the Chicago Province of the Jesuits hoped to create a new mission. Upon arriving in Patna in 1959, Fr. Curtin began his assignment as co-pastor to various churches in the Patna Diocese. In 1960, his assignment as co-pastor to various churches in the Patna Diocese. In 1960 he was appointed school director of a parish school in Durbhanga where he remained for 13 years before moving on to serve at another school in Dumraon (1973-1978). Fr. Curtin then took on a very different role as he began teaching at the K.R.H. School in Bettiah from 1980-1986.

“By reason of his girth and warm smile, he was a dominant presence in the classroom,” explains former community member and long-time friend, Fr. Paul Faulstich, SJ. “He knew the strengths of his students and was methodical in giving assignments and correcting them. They felt privileged to have such a teacher.” During this time, Fr. Curtin also served as the chaplain to the Sacred Heart Sisters Novitiate. He spent the remainder of his time in India as a teacher at St. Xavier’s high school in Jawalakhel. “This was a very happy period in his life, the last mission chapter. He was thrilled to be part of building the Lord’s kingdom in one of the most ancient of kingdoms…literally on top of the world,” continued Fr. Faulstich.

In 1999, Fr. Curtin joined the Colombiere community where he resided until his death.

“Neil is now enjoying his well-earned reward in Heaven,” said Fr. James Chambers, SJ.

Memorial gifts:

Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. Thomas F. Tobin, SJ

March 15, 1926, to July 31, 2011
Patna, India

Fr. Thomas Francis Tobin, SJ, who served as a Jesuit missionary to the people of India for 50 years, died on July 31, 2011, in Patna, India.  Fr. Tobin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to parents Joseph and Rosemary (Lardner) Tobin on March 15, 1926.  He is survived by his sister Mary Iorantha Tobin Buck as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, to whom he was a beloved brother and uncle.

After his family moved from Tennessee to Chicago in 1940, Tom attended De La Salle High School until his graduation in 1944.  At the age of 17, he joined the air corps where he worked as a navigator for three years (1944-1947). After completing his service, he attended the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan (1947-1952) and began work as a tool and die designer until his entrance into the Society on August 8, 1954 in Milford, Ohio.  Following his years at the Milford Novitiate in Ohio, Fr. Tobin earned a masters degree from St. Louis University in engineering mechanics.

In 1960 he was assigned to serve in Patna, India, thus beginning a long career serving the poor.  Given his background in mechanics and engineering, he was assigned to various mission stations where his talents could be put to good use such as solar energy projects in Phulwari. “Tom made it a point to bring new ideas to his various assignments,” explained longtime friend Fr. Jerry Drinane, SJ.  “He had the joy and opportunity of pastoral work.  Obviously he was a man of wide interests and abilities but in all of this, Tom brought his priestly and religious charism.”  Fr. Tobin spent many years working closely with the mentally and physically challenged children of Barauni, Bihar, where he devised a number of aids to help them speak and understand. Later, he compiled a dictionary of land-related terms to help those who had to deal with land purchases and real estate to communicate more easily.  During his 50 years of missionary work in India, he served in various locations including Jamalpur, Sasaram, Basauni, and many others.

As well as being a dedicated priest, Fr. Tobin remained close to his family despite the great distance between them. Between visits, he kept in touch through letters and occasional phone calls, and in more recent years, emails, as Tom was always interested in new technology and delighted in this new form of communication. Fr. Tobin was often present through the years for family first communions and baptisms, and he proudly showed off pictures of his large family at home while in India.

In 1994, Tom’s sisters, Io and Rosemary, had the privilege of visiting him in India and treasured the opportunity to see Tom in his adopted home. Fr. Tobin’s last visit to the United States was to celebrate his 50^th Jubilee in Chicago in 2004 where he was supported by numerous family and friends from both the Chicago and Detroit areas.  “It was fitting that he went to his eternal rest on the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, which he served for more than 50 years,” says Isabel (Bob) McEachern, Fr. Tobin’s niece.

“He was indeed a dedicated Jesuit and devoted priest.  His memory will be cherished by all of us in Patna,” says Fr. Drinane.

Fr. Tobin’s funeral and burial took place in Patna, India, on August 1, 2011.

Memorial gifts:
Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, please click here.

Fr. James Hasse, SJ

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November 25, 1934, to June 19, 2011
Pontiac, Michigan

Fr. James W. Hasse, SJ, United States Navy metalsmith, artist, and Jesuit priest, died on June 19, 2011, in Pontiac, Michigan. “Fr. Jim Hasse was a wonderful Jesuit priest and pastor, and he was also a very gifted artist,” says Fr. George Lane, SJ, longtime friend.

A native of Joliet, Illinois, Fr. Hasse was born to parents Robert and Marie (Grill) Hasse on November 25, 1934.  One of nine children, he is survived by three sisters and two brothers.

After graduating from Joliet Catholic High School in 1952, Fr. Hasse joined the United States Navy, where he served three years as a metalsmith before being discharged in 1955.  He pursued higher education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for two years (1959-1961).  On August 8, 1959, Fr. Hasse entered the Society of Jesus at the Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio.  Picking up where he left off with his studies, Fr. Hasse received his Bachelor of Arts (1964) and Master of Arts (1965) degrees in philosophy and anthropology from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri.  He cultivated his talent for art at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1970.  Upon returning to his native Illinois, Fr. Hasse received his Masters in Divinity from the Bellarmine School of Theology.

Following his ordination on May 29, 1969, Fr. Hasse began his Jesuit service at Holy Family Church in Chicago, Illinois.  His position at Holy Family lasted almost 20 years (1970-1987), and was the beginning of his lifelong ministry with the African-American community.  His art was often inspired by those with whom he worked closely. “As much as Jim found beauty in nature, the place where he most found beauty, most found God, was in people,” explains friend and former community member Fr. Joseph Folzenlogen, SJ. “During the years, Jim painted and sculpted in the African-American communities where he ministered.  His hope was that seeing themselves mirrored in his images, they would become aware of their own beauty and dignity.”

Fr. Hasse spent ten years (1990-2000) as associate pastor at Holy Rosary/St. John parish in Columbus, Ohio, before becoming a founding member of Claver Jesuit Mission in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2000.  Located in and serving a predominantly African-American community, Claver strives to proximate solidarity with the poor. In an article for Partners magazine (spring 2003), Fr. Hasse spoke about his desire to become part of the community in which he served: “That’s why we live here.  If we’re going to have an effective ministry, we have to be treated as equals.  And by rubbing elbows each day, our images of the people who live here and their images of us become truer.”  While at Claver, Fr. Hasse used his passion for art to connect with his neighbors.  Marilyn Evans, Cincinnati native and community member for 38 years, told Partners that when Fr. Hasse began hanging his paintings on the fence outside Claver Mission, neighbors were concerned kids would vandalize them.  They didn’t.  “The kids came and he taught them art,” she said. “They were going around with pieces of paper and crayons and they came and hung them up on the fence.  It was their own art gallery.”  The Jesuit community created a safe haven for children of the neighborhood.

In 2008, Fr. Hasse received the Martin Luther King “Keep the Dream Alive Award” presented by St. Mark’s parish in Cincinnati, Ohio, recognizing over 40 years of service in African-American communities.

After moving to Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, he devoted his time to working on his art and praying for the Church and Society.

Although he was recognized for his beautiful artwork and dedicated service, “the most important recognition for Jim was the love and affection of his many friends,” says Fr. Folzenlogen. “And that love and affection was mutual.  He will be greatly missed.”

To view the full article on Claver Jesuit Mission from the spring 2003 issue of Partners magazine, click here.

Memorial gifts:

Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, click here.

Br. Joseph A. Shubitowski, SJ

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January 21, 1935 to May 29, 2011
Cleveland, Ohio

Br. Joseph A. Shubitowski, SJ, skilled tradesman and Jesuit brother for over fifty years, died on May 29, 2011, in Cleveland, Ohio.  Br. Shubitowski was born to Bernard Shubitowski and Eleanor Schulte on January 21, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan.  He is survived by two brothers, Bernard and Paul.

“Joe was a remarkable man; there was nothing he couldn’t do, and he would use his skills to help people any way he could,” says Fr. Norman Dickson, SJ, longtime friend and classmate.  “He was stubborn in a good way; he would settle for nothing but the best, and he was always looking to improve upon his work.”

After attending St. Cecelia’s school in Detroit, Michigan, for 12 years, Br. Shubitowski graduated in 1953, and immediately entered the Society of Jesus on March 13, 1954, in Milford, Ohio.  He began his Jesuit career working in general maintenance at Loyola Retreat House (now Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford), and served in various schools across the Midwest including John Carroll University, the University of Detroit High School and Academy.  Br. Shubitowski spent 15 years (1965-1980) at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, tending to maintenance needs and acting as superintendent, during which time he professed final vows on August 15, 1965.  While at Walsh Jesuit, Br. Joe spent a lot of time with longtime friend Fr. Jack White, SJ.  “We would spend a lot of time playing poker and golfing.”  “He loved to golf, he wasn’t great at it,” joked Fr. White, “but he loved the game nonetheless.”

In 1980, Br. Shubitowski was asked to oversee the building of Loyola High School in Wau, Sudan.  He readily accepted, and spent the next six years supervising the construction.  “Without him, there wouldn’t be a school,” explains Fr. Dickson.  “Two years after Joe left Walsh Jesuit, I volunteered to go to Sudan; it gave me confidence knowing Joe was there.”  As the Sudanese Civil War began in 1983, the military took control of the school, and Br. Shubitowski returned to the U.S. to aid in rehabilitating buildings in Detroit, Michigan.

Again receiving a call to action, Br. Joe spent six years (1990-1996) in Tanzania aiding the construction of the Jesuit Novitiate in Arush, as well as the Rwanda Refugee Camp with the Jesuit Refugee Service.  Ten years later, Br. Joe returned to Sudan to help with the reconstruction and reopening of Loyola High School after the Jesuits regained control of the school.

In 2008, Br. Shubitowski joined the grounds and maintenance department at Jesuit Retreat House in Parma, Ohio, where he worked for the remainder of his years.

“I always felt inspired by Joe,” says George Davis, who was a driver on Br. Shubitowski’s bus fleet at Walsh Jesuit High School.

“He had a sense about him, an integrity that stood out.  He will be greatly missed,” says Fr. Dickson.

Memorial gifts:

Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, click here.

John J. Beckman, SJ

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February 25, 1921 to March 11, 2011
Cincinnati, Ohio

Fr. John J. Beckman, S.J.,

longtime pastor and administrator, died on March 11, 2011, in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Fr. Beckman, known to friends and family as “Jack,” was born to Vincent and Irene (Hummel) Beckman on February 25, 1921.  He is survived by his brother, Fr. Robert E. Beckman, also a Jesuit, and numerous nieces and nephews.

“Jack had an outgoing personality; he was very lighthearted and encouraging,” says Fr. Walter Deye, SJ, Socius for the Chicago-Detroit Province who since childhood has known the Beckman family. “He met people well.  He was always open to and looking forward to meeting the next stranger.”

Fr. Beckman graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1939 and Xavier University in 1943, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and philosophy. That same year, he joined the Jesuits. During his formation he earned a Ph.L. in philosophy and an S.T.L. in theology from the former West Baden College, Indiana, as well as an M.A. in theology from Loyola University Chicago.  He was ordained on June 14, 1954, and later professed final vows on August 15, 1960.

From 1956 to 1958, Fr. Beckman served as the assistant pastor at Holy Family Church in Chicago.  He went on to serve in various ministries throughout the Midwest as an instructor of philosophy and theology, and student counselor at Loyola University Chicago from 1959-1960.  Fr. Beckman then functioned as the director of men’s residence at Loyola from 1960-1961 before moving on to his roles as assistant principal and principal at St. Xavier High School for eight years.  “Jack was principal of St. X when I started high school,” explains Fr. Tom Kreidler of Cincinnati, Ohio, in an online tribute.  “He was a wonderful colleague when I was ordained, and he provided help at my parish.  He was a fine gentleman and faithful priest.”

After six years at St. Xavier High School, Fr. Beckman went on to serve as assistant director of university college at Loyola University Chicago from 1967-1969.  Jack then spent eight years as the director of admissions and counseling at Loyola University before acting as retreat house director at the Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford in Milford, Ohio from 1979-1992.  “People felt welcome with him there,” says Fr. Deye, SJ.

Fr. Beckman spent the remainder of his years serving as an alumni and hospital chaplain at St. Xavier High School where Fr. Deye joked that Fr. Beckman had “probably married half the city.”

In an online tribute a longtime friend writes, “Father Beckman changed my life when I met him 48 years ago.  I have so many wonderful memories both religious and fun times.  He loved his vocation and his family and friends.  I will miss seeing his warm smile.”

Memorial gifts:

Memorial gifts may be made to The Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

To make an online contribution, click here.

Fr. Robert J. Hagee, S.J., who served as a Jesuit missionary to the people of Bihar, India, for over 35 years and rooted his life’s work in caring for the poor, died on January 9, 2011, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.  Fr. Hagee was born to George and Elizabeth (O’Brien) Hagee in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 2, 1928.

After graduating in 1946 from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Fr. Hagee joined the Society of Jesus at the Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio, in 1947. In 1955 he was assigned to serve in Bihar, a state in northeastern India, where he was later ordained in 1961. He professed final vows in Patna, India, in 1964.

Fr. Hagee spent 35 years, the majority of his priestly life, in India.  While there, he worked as a parish priest and administrator; helped to establish schools in Buxar, Bakhtiyarpur, and Jamalpur; taught at St. Xavier’s School in Jaipur, Rajasthan; and worked extensively with the poor.  Reflecting on his experiences for Partners magazine (winter 2007), he said: “In India I learned about what it means to be poor and what the poor can teach us about our goodness and generosity.”

After returning home to the states in 1990, Fr. Hagee attended the Institute of Pastoral Studies in Chicago, Illinois.  He then spent a short time working as an associate pastor at St. Francis Church in Pikeville, Kentucky, before joining the Faber Community in Cincinnati in 1992.  He spent the next eight years in pastoral work and serving as sacristan for the house chapel. “My ministry now is to visit the elderly at two nursing homes that cater to the poor,” he told Partners. “It’s very rewarding to be attentive to people’s needs and let them know they are loved.”

Memorial gifts:

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