Midwest Jesuits | Chicago-Detroit Province

Fr. Francis J. Smith, SJ

Fr. Francis J. Smith, SJ
May 22, 1920, to
December 13, 2012

Fr. Francis (Frank) Smith, SJ, published poet and John Carroll University professor, died on December 13, 2012, after 63 years as a devoted Jesuit priest. Born to parents Thomas and Ella (Stack) Smith on May 22, 1920, Fr. Smith was an Ohio native. He is survived by his brother, James. “What a great man and mind and how very lucky we were to have known him,” writes Angie and Kevin Geraci in an online tribute. “We so loved him and his wisdom.”

Following his graduation from St. Mary’s High School in Lorain, Ohio, he joined the Jesuits at the Milford Novitiate. During his Jesuit formation, he earned numerous degrees including a BA in literature from Xavier University (1941-1943), a PhL in philosophy and STL in theology from West Baden College (1943-1946 and 1949-1953), and an MA from Oxford University (1954-1957). Fr. Smith celebrated his priestly ordination on June 18, 1952.

Fr. Smith had a love for education and shared his passion through teaching. He served as an English professor throughout his life. During regency, he taught Latin and English at the University of Detroit High School (1946-1949). Fr. Smith then went on to become a professor and taught English at the University of Detroit (1957-1959), Colombiere College (1959-1963), and John Carroll University (1963-2006).

As well as being a devoted educator, Fr. Smith was also a published poet with four books of poetry to his name. John Carroll University inaugurated the “Francis J. Smith, SJ, Endowment for the Promotion of Poetry” in his honor. “Father Smith and I would talk about his poetry—especially a poem dealing with the violence in El Salvador in the 1980s,” explains Fr. Robert Scullin, SJ, a longtime friend of Fr. Smith. “Through his poetry he engaged the world with his unique vision as a Jesuit.”

“My family remembers Fr. Smith as holy enough to wear vestments, but human enough to love Las Vegas,” writes Tony Drew, a longtime family friend.

In 2006, Fr. Smith moved to the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he remained until his death.

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. J. Peter Deane, SJ

Fr. J. Peter Deane, SJ
February 24, 1934, to
December 1, 2012

Fr. J. Peter Deane, SJ, dedicated Jesuit for 59 years, died on December 1, 2012, at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, at the age of 78. Father Deane was a Detroit native born to parents James and Eleanor (Mahoney) Deane on February 24, 1934. He is remembered by many cousins, friends, as well as his Jesuit brothers.

Following his high school graduation from the University of Detroit High in 1951, Fr. Deane attended John Carroll University in Cleveland and the University of Detroit. He entered the Milford Novitiate in 1953. During his formation training, Fr. Deane received various degrees including a BA in literature from Xavier University (1957), an MS in library science from Western Reserve in Cleveland (1963), an STB in theology from West Baden College (1967), and a MEd in guidance and counseling from the University of Toledo (1985).

Father Deane was ordained a priest on June 14, 1966, at West Baden College, West Baden Springs, Indiana, by John Cardinal Dearden. He professed final vows on May 1, 1976.

His love for literature blossomed throughout his Jesuit career and also during his first assignment at St. John Jesuit High School in Toledo where he served as the school’s librarian (1967-1974). Father Deane then moved on to fulfill the challenging but much needed chaplain position in the alcohol rehabilitation unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo. “Father Deane had a remarkable ministry to people suffering from alcoholism; he also did tremendous work with adolescents in a residential facility near Monroe,” explains Fr. Robert Scullin, SJ, a longtime friend of Fr. Deane. “He really made himself available to Christ’s poor in those ways.”

Father Deane went on to serve as a counselor and chaplain in various institutions in the Midwest, putting into practice his degree in guidance and counseling. These ministries include Flower Memorial Hospital (1979-1992) in Toledo, Boysville of Michigan (1995-2006) in Monroe, and Guest House (2006-2007) in Lake Orion, Michigan, where he ministered to the women religious.

In 2010, Fr. Deane moved to the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he remained until his death.

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. Lothar Nurnberger, SJ

Fr. Lothar L. Nurnberger, SJ
March 10, 1910, to
November 1, 2012

Fr. Lothar L. Nurnberger, SJ, professor and Jesuit for 80 years, died on Thursday, November 1, 2012, in Clarkston, Michigan. Born to parents Lothar and Anna Mabel (Burke) Nurnberger on March 16, 1910, he was raised in Chicago until the age of 22. At the time of his death, he was 102 years of age, the oldest living Jesuit in the US. “Fr. Nurnberger was a gift from God to the Society of Jesus,” explained a friend in an online tribute. “He is survived by numerous extended family members.

In a recent article in the summer issue of Partners, Fr. Nurnberger explained that the beginning of his relationship with the Jesuits dated back to 1923, when he convinced his parents to allow him to attend the Jesuit-run Loyola Academy. After graduating from Loyola Academy in 1927, he attended Loyola University Chicago (1927-1931) where he earned a BA in history with a minor in philosophy and Latin. The Jesuits at Loyola Academy and Loyola University had such a strong impact on him as a young man that he decided to become one of them. Following his graduation from Loyola University and a year spent working with the Mars Candy Company as a salesman, Fr. Nurnberger joined the Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio. “During my year at Mars I came to realize that I belonged in the Jesuits. My mother and father were satisfied with my decision because they felt it would help me behave better,” Fr. Nurnberger explained in Partners. Throughout his ten years of formation, he earned various degrees including a MA in Classics (1935) from Xavier University, as well as a MA from the University of Toronto (1959).

Fr. Nurnberger began his teaching career in 1937 and continued to teach at various high schools around the Midwest until 1974 including St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, and the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He served as a professor of philosophy (1949-1950) at West Baden College in West Baden, Indiana, and Loyola University Chicago (1955-1974). Fr. Nurnberger spent much of his life studying and completing research in Champaign, Illinois. In 2007, he retired to the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan until his death.

As the oldest living Jesuit in the US, Fr. Nurnberger had high hopes for the future of the Society. “Life is a gift from God. As Jesuits, we are responsible for building a culture of life,” he expressed in Partners.

Br. Daniel McCullough, SJ, a longtime friend, remembers Fr. Nurnberger as a passionate man. “Our personal friendship grew and endured until he died. We were true friends and still are,” he explained.

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. John Reilly, SJ

Fr. John E. Reilly, SJ
October 22, 1928, to
October 29, 2012

Fr. John E. Reilly, SJ, Chicago native and former Saint Ignatius College Prep president, died on October 29, 2012. He was born to parents Norman and Helen (Colnon) Reilly on October 22, 1928, and is remembered by numerous brothers and sisters as well as nieces and nephews. “Fr. Reilly was a Jesuits’ Jesuit. He was an outstanding priest, a great listener, and compassionate friend to all. He was much beloved by those he served,” said Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, a longtime friend of Fr. Reilly.

Upon receiving his diploma from Saint Ignatius College Prep (SICP) in Chicago in 1946, he joined the Jesuits at the Milford Novitiate. He earned many degrees including a STL in theology (1960) from West Baden College in Indiana and a MS in educational administration (1962) from Fordham University in New York.

Fr. Reilly spent much of his early Jesuit life at his high school alma mater, SICP. While there, Fr. Reilly held the positions of teacher and assistant principal (1962-1968), principal (1968-1970), and president (1970-1975). “He loved Saint Ignatius College Prep and was always interested in its progress during the years I served as president,” explained Fr. Paulson. He then moved on to Loyola University Chicago where he spent 33 years in a variety of roles such as assistant to the chancellor and acting director of athletics (1976-1978), assistant vice president for development (1984-1997), and assistant vice president for special advancement projects (1997-2008).

In 2008, Fr. Reilly moved to The Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he remained until his death in 2012.

“Fr. John Reilly was a ‘gentle giant’ of a priest, held in the highest regard by everyone. While he suffered great physical diminishment in these last years, he had a Loyola cadre of friends and relations who kept contact with him,” expressed Fr. Donald Rowe, SJ, fellow Jesuit and longtime friend.

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. John O'Neill, SJ

Fr. John D. O’Neill, SJ
July 9, 1929, to
October 28, 2012

Fr. John D. O’Neill, SJ, professor, mathematician, and Jesuit priest for 65 years, died on October 28, 2012, in Clarkston, Michigan at the Colombiere Jesuit retirement facility. A Detroit native, Fr. O’Neill was born on July 9, 1929, to parents Michael and Ellen Mary (Dacey) O’Neill. “Fr. John O’Neill was a world renowned mathematician and a faithful Jesuit. Colleagues and friends from around the world came to him for advice, as did his students,” said Fr. Gerald Cavanagh, SJ, longtime friend.

After receiving his high school diploma from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1947, he entered the Jesuit novitiate in Milford, Ohio.  He earned various degrees including a BA, MA, and MS from Loyola University Chicago as well as a PhD from Wayne State University in Detroit. Fr. O’Neill excelled at mathematics and truly found his calling with the Jesuits during his first assignment at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland as a math teacher. From there he went on to become a professor of mathematics at the University of Detroit (1963-1978; 1979-2009) and a visiting professor at the University of London and UCLA.

Fr. O’Neill returned to his hometown of Detroit in 2009 to server as professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM). “Fr. O’Neill was a gifted mathematician and dedicated professor with man surprising talents (e.g. cutting hair, playing piano, etc.),” explained Katherine Snyder, PhD, associate dean at UDM. “He was not shy about giving his opinion, helping keep faculty meetings interesting and productive. His brilliance, honesty, and approachable teaching style made him a popular teacher and valuable colleague. He will be sorely missed.”

In 2010, Fr. O’Neill joined the Colombiere Community where he remained until his death.

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. Richard M. Mackowski, SJ

Fr. Richard M. Mackowski, SJ
May 19, 1929, to
September 10, 2012

Fr. Richard M. Mackowski, SJ, died at 7:15 am on Monday, September 10, 2012, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan.  May he rest in peace. He is survived by numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews.

A native to the Midwest, Fr. Mackowski was born on May 19, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to Martin and Helen (Borowski) Mackowski. After graduating from the University of Detroit High School, he entered the Society of Jesus on July 24, 1948 at Milford, Ohio. He was ordained a priest on June 15, 1961 at Colombiere College, Clarkston, Michigan, and final vows on June 30, 1977.

He spent many years of his life teaching including: teacher of Latin during regency at Loyola Academy in Chicago (1955-1958); teacher of Latin, Greek, and French at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland (1962-63); and professor of Greek and Biblical Archaeology at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem (1968-73). While in Jerusalem, he spent time as a tour guide. “What Fr. Mackowski indicated he treasured dearly was his role as a director of tours of biblical lands. Beginning while he was a doctoral student in Jerusalem, and continuing during vacation periods during his long satay in Rome, Fr. Mackowski led over 325 tours of biblical locations. His secrets was not only the meticulous care with his he planned each trip, but also his efforts to make each stop along the way meaningful and explain scriptural texts referring to each stop on the tours. It was hard work because he did not take a tour group to a site he had not previously researched and visited himself.”

Following his time in Rome, Fr. Mackowski continued his service in teaching as professor of theology at Loyola University Chicago (1975-78); professor of Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Archaeology at the Gregorian in Rome (1980-87); adjunct professor at the Gregorian (1988-99); emeritus professor at the Gregorian (1999-2002); and a visiting professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit (2007-10).  Fr. Mackowski was also a writer, and for a year, was director of the Loyola University Chicago Rome Center.

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. Walter Farrell, SJ

To sign the guest book for an individual Jesuit, please click his name and you will be directed to a page that allows comments.

June 7, 1916, to July 13, 2012

Fr. Walter L. Farrell, SJ, dedicated Jesuit for 78 years, died on Friday, July 13, 212 at the Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. Born on June 7, 1916, in Cleveland, Ohio, Fr. Farrell was born to James and Dorothy (Lewis) Farrell.

After receiving his diploma from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland in 1934, Fr. Farrell entered the Milford Novitiate on August 7. During an interview in 2011, when Fr. Farrell was asked about how his vocation with the Jesuits came to be he responded, “When my older brother, Jim, left home and entered the novitiate, I obviously thought about it. I worried that people might think I only entered to follow in my brother’s footsteps. Then I realized that if that’s what’s I’m supposed to do, let’s do it.” Fr. Farrell attributed much of his interest in the Jesuits to a scholastic, Jake Howard, who taught Greek at St. Ignatius. “I found Jake to be an excellent teacher and a very impressive young man,” explained Fr. Farrell. “The society was an attractive thing. I wasn’t driven away from the diocesan priesthood, I just never thought seriously about becoming a diocesan priest.” He was ordained a priest on June 18, 1947, at West Baden College and took final vows on August 15, 1951.

Throughout his life, Fr. Farrell directed the Spiritual Exercises and shared his considerable knowledge and understanding of the history, Institute, and workings of the Society of Jesus with others. He was entrusted with bestowing Ignatian Spirituality as Director of the Spiritual Exercises Center at Colombiere Center (1973-80), serving on the Archdiocese of Detroit Continuing Formation of Team (1979-81), President of Jesuit Retreat & Renewal Ministries (1980-1981), Director of the Romero Center (1981-83), National Ecclesial Assistant for Christian Life Communities (1991-96), and as Acting Director of Manresa Jesuit Retreat House (2007-08).

Along with the many important roles listed above, Fr. Farrell also taught rational psychology at the University of Detroit (1952-53) and West Baden College (1953-65). He offered direction, guidance, and leadership to members of the Society as Rector of West Baden (1958-65), Consultor to the Detroit Provincial (1962-65), Provincial of the Detroit Province (1965-71),  Detroit Province Delegate to General Congregations 31 (1966) and 32 (1974-75), Secretary for Formation at the USA Jesuit Conference (1971-76), Tertian director (1976-78 and 1990-96), President of the USA Jesuit Conference (1984-90), Treasurer of the Detroit Province (1996-2007), Consultant to the Provincial on Ignatian Values in Ministry (1996-2011).

“Father Farrell was a giant in the Society of Jesus. He offered care, instruction, and guidance both inside and outside the Society,” said Fr. Timothy Kesicki, SJ, provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province. “Many people around the world experienced Fr. Farrell’s wisdom, influence, and wry sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.”

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. Francis X. Budovic, S.J.

To sign the guest book for an individual Jesuit, please click his name and you will be directed to a page that allows comments.

November 27, 1920, to
June 13, 2012

Fr. Budovic was born on November 27, 1920 in Holic, Slovakia. He entered the Society of Jesus on July 30, 1938 in Rosenberg, Slovakia. He was ordained a priest on July 9, 1949 in Rome, Italy.  He took final vows on February 2, 1977.

Fr. Budovic entered the Slovakia province.  Because of WW II, he studied theology in Rome and then immigrated to the USA.  For a while he worked in the Maryland province as a pastoral minister to Slovakian immigrants (missio excurr) and displaced people.  He ministered in:  Philadelphia, PA (1951-54), Scranton, PA (1955-58), and in Galt, Ontario (1969-72).  Fr. Budovic also taught at the Maryland Novitiate at Wernersville (1954-55) and the University of Scranton (1958-68).  Frank found his way to the Detroit Province in the early 1970′s and the Provincial, Paul Besanceney, discovered him and had Frank transcribed to the Detroit Province.  In the Detroit Province Fr. Budovictaught at:  Central Catholic High School in Cleveland (1976-79) and the University of Detroit High School (1979-83).  He was a pastor at St. Simon Parish in Chicago (1983-94).  Fr. Budovic was a pastoral minister at St. Joseph Home in Detroit (1994-2003) and at Colombiere Center (since 2003).

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. William Haas, SJ

To sign the guest book for an individual Jesuit, please click his name and you will be directed to a page that allows comments.

November 23, 1925, to
May 26, 2012

Br. William R. Haas, SJ, who served as a Jesuit and infirmary specialist for 65 years, died on May 26, 2012, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. One of two children of J.R. and Mary (Schwiderski) Haas, he was born on November 23, 1925 in El Paso, Illinois. He is survived by his sister, a niece and nephew, and countless friends.

“One of the things I appreciate about Br. Bill was what a hard and dedicated worker he was. He prided himself on being the first one up and at work at the retreat house,” explained Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ, a longtime friend who served with Br. Haas for many years at the Bellarmine Retreat House and spoke at his funeral mass on May 30, 2012. “I was shocked to hear that Br. Bill had asked me to preach at his funeral because all he ever did was criticize my homilies. He complained they were always too long and that I talked too much. But that was just his way; he was stubborn at first but softened later.”

Br. Haas entered the Milford Novitiate in 1947, shortly after graduating from St. Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois, in 1943. In 1949 he began his infirmary training at the Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis. His first assignment brought him back to Milford, where he cared for his Jesuit brothers. From 1955 to 1963 Br. Haas served as promoter of brothers vocations.

For much of his Jesuit life, Br. Haas was able to put his nursing education to good use serving as infirmarian at the Milford Novitiate (1950-1955 and 1963-1970), infirmary supervisor at the Bellarmine School of Theology (1969-1970), and the Assistant for Province Health Care at the Loyola University Jesuit Residence (1978-1980).

In 1985, he began a much different role as the director of director of facilities and community treasurer at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House. “The diversity of Br. Bill’s vocation speaks volumes to the enormous competence that he possessed. He could learn and figure out anything he put his mind to,” said Fr. Sparough.

During his time at the retreat house, Br. Bill became close with his fellow Jesuits and laypeople, even staying in touch once they had moved on. “When one of our co-workers had a stroke and had to be moved to a nursing home, Br. Bill would visit and bring family and friends to cheer her up. This went on for years. This wasn’t an exception, this was the norm,” said Fr. Sparough.

“I loved his spirituality,” said Heidi Bianchi, a fellow Bellarmine co-worker, “when he was on his tractor trailer, you could see that he was in his own world communicating with God. I was often jealous of how close he was with God. He was a special type of person.”

Br. Haas remained at Bellarmine until 2006 when he joined the Colombiere Jesuit Community. For many years he worked in the maintenance department at Colombiere.

“Br. Bill was a great pal,” said Br. Jim Small, SJ, a friend for 60 years. “When I walked into the novitiate 60 years ago he was there on the tractor cutting the grass and we’ve been friends ever since. Since that first day at the novitiate, we’ve talked at least once every week to catch up on each other’s lives. We spoke just before he died and I’m grateful we got that last conversation in. He will be missed not only by me, but also by the entire Jesuit community that he worked so hard to serve the past 65 years.”

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. Edward Konerman, SJ

To sign the guest book for an individual Jesuit, please click his name and you will be directed to a page that allows comments.

April 10, 1929, to
February 24, 2012

Fr. Edward Konerman, SJ, who served as a Jesuit for 66 years, died on February 24, 2012. Fr. Konerman was born to Edward and Clara Mary (Bloemer) Konerman in Covington, Kentucky, on April 10, 1929. He is survived by three brothers.

After graduating from Covington Latin School in 1945, Fr. Konerman joined the Society of Jesus in Milford, Ohio, where he remained until 1949.  He received various degrees including a Ph.L. in philosophy (1952) and S.T.L. in theology (1959) from West Baden College in West Baden, Indiana. Fr. Konerman also earned a B.A. in Latin and Greek (1950) as well as an M.A. in philosophy and history (1956) from Loyola University Chicago. In 1966 he received his S.T.D. from Gregorian University in Rome. Fr. Konerman was ordained on June 18, 1958 at West Baden, Indiana, and professed final vows on February 2, 1964.

Among his many assignments, Fr. Konerman taught Theology to seminarians at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary (Mundelein, IL) from 1963-1985 and was the Praeses (chairman) of the ecclesiastical faculty from 1979-1985. In 1967 Fr. Konerman began assisting the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and remained there until 1988. From 1976-1996 Fr. Konerman was the secretary for the Catholic Theological Society of America. He also served as the Freshman Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Loyola University Chicago from 1986-1995 before spending a year as a coordinator for the NCAA life skills program at Loyola University.  Before moving to Colombiere Center in January 2012, Fr. Konerman was a chaplain for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (Donaldson, IN). “He presented some wonderful forward thinking in Theology. During his 16 years as our chaplain he really called us to reflect on the Scriptures in a new way with up-to-date background, the fruit of his own study and research. He was also pastoral, assisting our Sisters and lay residents whenever there was a need day or night,” explained S. Nora Hahn, provincial of the Poor Handmaids. “We are sure he is enjoying his reward for all he gave to us and to all throughout his life.”

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. Glenn Williams, SJ

To sign the guest book for an individual Jesuit, please click his name and you will be directed to a page that allows comments.

April 26, 1924, to
January 23, 2012

Fr. Glenn F. Williams, SJ, counselor, professor, and Jesuit for 68 years, died on January 23, 2012 in Pontiac, Michigan. A Cleveland native, Fr. Williams was born to Charles Grover and Grace Frank on April 26, 1924.

Following his graduation from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland Fr. Williams spent two years at John Carroll University before joining the Society in Milford, Ohio, on August 20, 1943. His fascination with human nature led to an M.A. in experimental psychology and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Loyola University Chicago. Fr. Williams also expanded his interests to literature, philosophy, chemistry, and theology.

Fr. Williams spent the majority of his years ministering in his hometown of Cleveland.  He was an instructor of psychology at John Carroll University from 1963-1970 and was associate pastor of Gesu Parish in University Heights from 1970-1978.  “Fr. Williams had a great ability to recall events in history, especially parish history and Jesuit history. He knew many of the families in Gesu Parish personally because he grew up in the parish.  He was one of those remarkable Jesuits who could describe in detail the history of the Society of Jesus depicted in the stained glass windows high above the sanctuary on both sides of the main altar at Gesu,” explained Gesu parishioner John Power.

For many years Fr. Williams served as a student counselor at St. Ignatius High School (1978-2003) before moving to Colombiere Center where he remained until his death in 2012.

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

To make an online contribution, click here.