The Rev. John P. S.J. Schlegel

1945 - 2015

Schlegel, The Rev. John P. S.J. 1943-2015 Raised in Dubuque, Iowa, Fr. Schlegel, who died Nov 15, 2015, was one of six children born into a loving and devoted blue collar family. From his parents he received his faith, learned the value of education and developed a solid work ethic. He spent a year at Loras College before entering the Society of Jesus at St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, in 1963. He earned degrees in philosophy and political science from St. Louis University, a degree in theology from the University of London and a doctorate in international relations from Oxford University. He served as dean of Arts and Sciences at Rockhurst University and Marquette University and was executive vice president at John Carroll University. He was president of the University of San Francisco (1991-2000) and Creighton University (2000-2011). In 2014, after 16 months as president and publisher of America Magazine in New York, he came to his last ministry as pastor of the Gesu Parish in Milwaukee. Fr. Schlegel was an adventurous global traveler, an enthusiast for the performing arts and a great believer in the transformational power of a Jesuit education. Echoing Pedro Arupe's observation: We (Jesuits) chart our success by what our students become. He is survived by three sisters: June (Ralph) Kinney of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Janet (Robert) Deans of New Albany, Ohio and Linda (Kenneth) Friedman of Tucson, Arizona; two brothers, Roger (Genie) Schlegel of Dallas, Texas and Dennis (Barbara) Schlegel of Dubuque, Iowa; Twelve nieces and nephews and 21 great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irma and Aaron Schlegel. Visitation is at St. John's Church on the Creighton University campus Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4-6:30 PM followed by a wake from 6:30-7:15 PM. Funeral is in St John's Church at 10 AM on Friday. Memorials to the Midwest Jesuits, 2050 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614; the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice at Creighton University or Holy Family Catholic Schools Schlegel Scholarship Fund, Dubuque, Iowa.