Fr. Thomas Schwab

PASTOR EMERITUS

Father Thomas E. Schwab, pastor emeritus of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Rosemont, died Oct. 11. He was 82 years old.

Born in Chicago, Father Schwab was born in Chicago went to St. Lucy School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained in 1956.

He was associate pastor at St. Margaret Mary Parish (1956-62) before helping establish the new St. Damian Parish in Oak Forest as associate pastor (1962-64). He then served as associate pastor at St. Leonard Parish, Berwyn (1964- 66).

In 1966, Father Schwab became a professor and spiritual director at Niles College Seminary, now St. Joseph Seminary at Loyola University. He earned a masters degree in religious education from Loyola University in 1972 and taught at the seminary until 1974.

He then was associate pastor at St. Marcelline Parish, Schaumburg (1974-78) and he coordinated the West Suburban Parish Liturgy Training program and had the largest religious education program in the archdiocese with 1,875 children.

He briefly served as administrator of Queen of Apostles Parish, Riverdale, before becoming pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in 1979. He served there for 20 years. He is survived by his brother, Bill Schwab.

Fr. George Artis

PASTOR

Divine Word Father George Artis Jr., 79, died Sept. 11 in Techny, Ill.

A North Carolina native, he professed first vows in 1954 and perpetual vows in 1960. He was ordained in 1962 by then-Archbishop John Cody of New Orleans.

He served at parishes in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, as well as on the boards of several civic organizations. While serving at St. Paul in Baton Rouge, Father Artis discovered and inspired R&B artist Arlington “Tunnie” Smith, who scored a Billboard chart-topper in 1973. He recognized the pre-teen’s talent, introduced him to a local band and helped him land a record contract.

He is survived by his sister, Hazel Shaw.

Sr. Ann Margaret Geary

EDUCATOR, PARISH MINISTER

BVM Sister Ann Margaret Geary, 86, died Sept. 12 in Dubuque, Iowa.

A Chicago native, she entered the Sisters of Charity BVM in 1942 from St. Gertrude Parish. She professed final vows in 1950.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Ann Margaret was principal at Holy Name Elementary School (1972- 77). She served in the treasurer’s office at Immaculata High School (1979-81) and in parish ministry at Holy Name Parish (1982-91).

Sr. Mary Claudette Glass

EDUCATOR, NURSE

BVM Sister Mary Claudette Glass, 85, died Sept. 15 in Dubuque, Iowa.

A Michigan native, she entered the Sisters of Charity BVM in 1950 and professed final vows in 1957.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Mary Claudette taught first grade at Our Lady of Angels (1952-55). She was a nurse at Little Company of Mary Hospital (1970-71). She is survived by a stepmother, Mrs. Rudy Glass, and a brother, Eugene.

Deacon Edward Zimmerman

CLASS OF 1988

Deacon Edward Zimmerman, 77, died Sept. 14.

He was ordained in 1988 and served at St. Camillus, St. Symphorosa and Our Lady of the Snows in Chicago, and Christ the King Parish, Lombard, Ill.

He had been involved with the baptismal preparation program and the share food program, as well as helping out at funerals and assisting at Mass. During his work life, he was a truck driver.

He is survived by five daughters and seven grandchildren.

Sr. Muriel Ratigan

EDUCATOR, ADMINISTRATOR

Sister of the Holy Child Jesus Muriel (Mother St. Agnes) Ratigan, 95, died in Rosemont, Pa., Sept. 17.

Born in New York, N.Y., Sister Muriel entered the Society of the Holy Child Jesus in 1947 and made final vows in 1955.

Sister Muriel served in Pennsylvania, Italy, California, Illinois and New York. From 1955-1960, she served at the former Holy Child High School in Waukegan. She is survived by her brother, William.

Br. Herman F. Elsaesser

CARPENTER, TEACHER

Jesuit Brother Herman Elsaesser, 90, died Sept. 24 in Grand Blanc, Mich.

A Cincinnati native, Brother Elsaesser entered the Jesuits in 1938. He taught at St. Ignatius College Prep (then St. Ignatius) in Chicago (1946-51).

After St. Ignatius, Brother Elsaesser began a training program in carpentry, a field he worked in for the rest of his ministry.

After studying and working as a carpenter for five years, he returned to St. Ignatius College Prep to teach until 1959.

He then taught at Loyola Academy until 1970.