REV JOSEPH KELCHAK

REV JOSEPH KELCHAK obituary

REV JOSEPH KELCHAK

JOSEPH KELCHAK Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 12, 2018.
Reverend Joseph M. Kelchak Reverend Joseph M. Kelchak, age 92. Born March 1, 1926, At Rest November 9, 2018. Fr. Kelchak was born in Gary, IN, attended Holy Trinity Grammar School, St. Procopius College Prep and Seminary and St Francis Seminary in Wisconsin for Philosophy. He was ordained on May 27, 1950 receiving valedictorian honors at every level of education. 1990 brought Fr. Joe to Notre Dame for sabbatical studies after his retirement. Fr. Kelchak served in over 53 parishes, St Mary's Hospital as a chaplain, and multiple nursing care facilities during his 68 years as a catholic priest. Fr. Joe built multiple design award recognized churches during his life. His duties as senior priest at St. John the Evangelist Church were a special highlight during his retirement years. The family would like to give a special thank you to Fr. Sammie Maletta and all the parishioners at St. John for taking him in. Fr. Joe adored all his parish families and spoke of them often. A very special thank you to the Sisters of the Albertine Home and Hospice of the Calumet Area for their great care of Fr. Joe. His pastoral duties included St. John The Baptist and St. Joseph's both in Rhinelander Wisconsin, St Patrick's in Centuria, Wisconsin and St. Joseph's in Barron Wisconsin. Fr. Kelchak was instrumental to the Chippewa Indians, bringing running water, the wild rice co-op and electricity to the reservations. Serving on numerous boards: including Chairman of the Liturgical Commission, Indian Commission, Presbyteral council, and Pastoral council. He served 9 years on the Permanent Diaconate Board and was a director for continuing education for priests and deacons for 14 years. He was a published author during the 1960's with over a dozen books on the liturgy, family, and marriage counseling. As a certified consultant he administered workshops in personal profiles, positive thinking and psychology. A sought-after speaker for retreats, days of recollection, Native American Spiritually, works of art and the Bible. Fr. Joe led tours in the 1960's and 1970's to the Holy land, Greece and Rome. His collaboration with international artist Bill Mack is well documented producing his vision of the " Madonna With Child " sculpture. Fr. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Mary Kelchak, his sister Marge Simko, brother, Dr. Michael Kelchak, brother in law Ernest Buczek, sister in laws Sandra Kelchak and Betty Kelchak. He is survived by his brother George Kelchak and sister Anna Buczek, brother in law John Simko, and many nieces and nephews. His love of family brought him home. His famous phrase "GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I" will forever remain in our hearts. He will be truly missed. Funeral arrangements for Rev. Joseph Kelchak are as follows: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at St. John the Evangelist Church 10701 Olcott Ave. St. John, Indiana 46373. Rite of Reception will take place at 2:00 pm. Viewing and visitation will follow Rite of Reception until time of Evening Prayer at 7:30 p.m. Visitation and Funeral Services on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. until time of Morning Prayer at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Funeral Chapel, St. John, Indiana. In lieu of flowers masses for Fr. Joe or memorial contributions to the Albertine Home preferred. For more information 219-365-3474 or www.elmwoodchapel.com

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November 6, 2019

Jan Adler posted to the memorial.

March 17, 2019

Ekaterina Stoyanova posted to the memorial.

January 8, 2019

Vonnie Quirk posted to the memorial.

Jan Adler

November 6, 2019

Dear Kelchak family, I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Fr. Kelchak during my lifetime. God bless all of his family. You are in my prayers.

Ekaterina Stoyanova

March 17, 2019

My husband and I met Father Kelchak during his visits to Arizona, where he admired our Christian artwork. We will cherish his kindhearted blessings.

Vonnie Quirk

January 8, 2019

Rest in peace, Father Kelchak. You have no idea what an influence you've had on my life and faith. So many years ago when you were a young priest, living in Webster, Wisconsin, and Pastor of a little country church called Sacred Heart, my brothers served Mass for you and my mother taught CCD. At that time, the Church didn't have anything for young girls to do, which was a disappointment for me. My, how times have changed! You were the first priest I ever experienced saying Mass facing the people...unheard of in the late 50's. Your love for modern art was also exemplified by the statues both inside and outside of the church.

My father was in the military and overseas. I know my mother probably struggled bringing up three young children on her own, but I'm sure you reminded her of God's love and to trust in Him at all times. You gave her a woman's prayer book, which I use to this day. I also fondly remember you coming to our house for Sunday dinner after Mass. My brothers and I always enjoyed your magic tricks! You blessed my family is so many ways.

No matter where our lives have taken us, I know we will see each other again in the Kingdom of God.
"God loves you and so do I."

Peace to all your family.

Vonnie Quirk
Oakdale, MN

Ann Buczek

November 18, 2018

He lived his life as a priest for 68 yrs. HE LOVED THE CHURCH. Those four words sum up his priestly life. I am a better person for having him as my brother and my friend and he was totally dedicated as a priest-servant of the church. He was a scholar, priest, liturigist, preacher, teacher, pastor,and my confessor. God loves you dear brother and so do I.

Michael & Mary Ziemkowski

November 16, 2018

I know you're already helping people out. That's who you are.
Mary and I will keep you in our hearts each day.

Mary Jane

November 13, 2018

Eternal rest grant unto +Father Kelchak Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace through the mercy of God. AMEN .

Ann Sabocik

November 13, 2018

Thank you Fr. Joe. You gave me a health tip many years ago that I still use daily. May the Lord reward you richly. Bless you!

Jack and Jo Powell

November 13, 2018

Pleasant memories of
Father Kelchak. May he rest in peace.

Jan Petroff Adler

November 12, 2018

Thank you Fr. Joe for being such a good friend to my father Peter Petroff. It was a pleasure getting you know you. God's blessings to the Kelchak family.

Mark Wopinski

November 12, 2018

You are loved Father Joe. Rest in God's grace and peace. Remember God loves you and so do I.

November 11, 2018

Those who pass on God Keeps in his memory because he cares for them. Sorry for your loss.

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Sign JOSEPH KELCHAK's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 6, 2019

Jan Adler posted to the memorial.

March 17, 2019

Ekaterina Stoyanova posted to the memorial.

January 8, 2019

Vonnie Quirk posted to the memorial.