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John Endejan Obituary
Father John Endejan, 82, passed away January 13, 2014. He was born on April 19, 1931 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin a son of the late Herman and Emma Bachmann Endejan.
Father Endejan's priestly formation began at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in 1951 and continued until his ordination to the priesthood on May 25, 1957 by the Most Reverend Albert G. Meyer, Archbishop of Milwaukee, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Father Endejan began his priestly ministry on June 21, 1957 as an assistant at S. Anne Parish in Milwaukee. Father was appointed the assistant director for the Archdiocese's CYO on July 12, 1962, and on July 1, 1963, appointed CYO director. He was appointed a member of the pastoral team at Old St. Mary Parish, Milwaukee, on April 16, 1974, and on March 31, 1981, was appointed to his first pastorate to serve St. Matthias Parish, Milwaukee. On August 30, 1983, he was appointed administrator and pastoral team member at St. Matthias. Father Endejan was appointed to serve the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, the Archdiocese's Mother Church, on August 20, 1991, first as pastor, then on January 25, 2000, as both pastor and rector. Father retired from active ministry on June 30, 2001; however, he continued to help out at many area parishes. Father John was appointed by the Archbishop as Boy Scout Director and Chaplain of the Girl Scouts. He served as director of the Search Retreat Movement for many years. Being fluent in German and Spanish, he was able to take on unique pastoral duties.
Survivors include cousins, Ingrid (Will) Braun, Frank (Paulette) Endejan, Agnes Wellens, Thomas (Martha) Endejan, Anne Thorpe and John (Jean) Endejan all of Fond du Lac, Peter Endejan of California, Frances (Gil) Titus and Judy Endejan all of Washington, Scott (Abby) Endejan of Milwaukee, Gregg (May) Endejan of West Bend, Gerda Dexheimer of Sullivan, and many relatives in Germany.
Visitation: The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday January 17, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:15 PM at Holy Family Parish Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Endejan will be celebrated at 4:30pm on Friday, January 17, 2014, at Holy Family Parish in Fond du Lac. Two Memorial Masses for Father Endejan have also been scheduled: Saturday, January 18, 2014, 11:00am, at St. Matthias Parish, Milwaukee (9306 West Beloit Road); and Monday, January 20, 2014, 11:00am at St. Columbkille Parish, Fort Meyers, Florida (12171 Iona Road). Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Fond du Lac.
Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Endejan
Ruth Gielow
April 18, 2024
I am going on a tour that includes Old St..Marys church and brought back memories of Father John and CYO and the Search programs we were both involved in. He was a great friend of my whole family and visited often. He is missed by many.
James Walker
November 20, 2014
We first met in Cancun, Mexico. An immediate friendship began with fthr John traveling to the different sites with our little family. We so enjoyed his company. He offerred us his condo accomodations on the beach when he left, which was greatly enjoyed by all.
Through the years he would check on us. We were blessed with a few visits from him along the way. One visit he announced to our friends that he was a PGA golfer which caught their attention. He explained his PGA was the Priest's Golf Association. He always had a "funny" to tell.
I had the privilege of being able to visit with him and learned about his dedication and his life. What an active, busy and giving person he was.
He engaged my kids in good conversation and left them feeling enriched.
He officiated at my youngest daughter's wedding. The effort he put forth to preside over our Brooke's wedding was tremendous. He confided that he had some "physical problems" but that he would be there if at all possible.... he was. After the wedding I told him that I hadn't realized what a nice voice he had until the ceremony! That seemed to please him and it was the truth!
An operation and some discomfort kept me from communicating much towards the end of 2013 and 2014. I deeply regret not having talked with him more that last year. I did not learn of his passing for a long time.
My family will miss him. We will always have him in our hearts.
I am sure Jesus smiled at his arrival "Well done my faithful servant"
We Loved him
RALPH RENK
June 3, 2014
WE MET YOU IN FT.MYERS,FL.YOU WERE SO VERY KIND THAT WE ADOPTED YOU INTO OUR FAMILY. YOU MET MOST OF THE FAMILY AND THEY ALL LOVED YOU. WE WILL MISS YOU OUR PRAYERS WILL BE WITH YOU FOREVER
Jane Bachman
June 3, 2014
Father John, you were always there for our family. There are so many wonderful memories. There must be a very joyful reunion in heaven.
Besides your prayers your wedding gift to us, February 1, 1969 and as always hung the place of honor in our house
David Bachman
June 2, 2014
Dear Father John, thank you for the crucifix you have given to Doreen and I on our wedding day in 1969 it has hung in a place of honor for the last 45 years. You have offered your prayers for her, but now you can praise the Lord together forever
January 22, 2014
Words can't express the loss that we feel. You were always there for me and Judy growing up. You married me and Gil way back when and you came all the way to Washington State for the weddings of our sons. We shared some very special times. I am comforted that you are past your suffering and are now one of the "great cloud of witnesses" where we will join you some day. We love you and will miss you until the day that we join you in heaven.
Franny and Gil
Gary Dexheimer
January 21, 2014
I remember as a child looking forward to Father John coming over. He and I would sit on the outside steps and tell jokes. He was such a kind and generous man. He left this world and many of us better for his being part of our lives.
Grace Elliott
January 19, 2014
I am so glad we had a chat before Christmas, you looked so good then. Thanks for being my first "boss" at the Archdiocesan CYO Office. You were a super friend then and through the years. You will be missed.
Jim, Anne, and Nolan Klinkowitz
January 19, 2014
We would like to thank Fr John for always being there for our family, and especially for visiting our father when he was in hospice care in late 2012. You will truly be missed but all of your good works will live on in all of us.
Joyce Staehle
January 19, 2014
Father John officiated our marriage back in 1983 at St. Matthias. We are saddened by his passing and we were fortunate for the guidance he gave us as we now celebrate our 31st anniversary. Rest in peace and prayers for your family.
Rev. Anthony Pogorelc, SS
January 19, 2014
Fr. John was a great priest and I always appreciated the hospitality he showed me when I visited the Cathedral. I will offer Mass for his eternal rest.
Theresa Hudson
January 19, 2014
I sing in the St Columbkille Church Choir and have considered it a privilege to know Fr. John. He will be missed by every one of us. Rest in Peace, Father.
January 19, 2014
Humorous and down-to-earth. Enjoyed his company. God bless.
Siobhan Haggerty
January 19, 2014
Such a kind and inspirational leader and shepherd for our faith. I will remember the always fun and laid back Fr. John golf outings where, somehow, he almost always was on the winning team. Pray for us.
Siobhan Haggerty, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
Patrick Marcott
January 17, 2014
Father John you will be missed. I'm sure God is very proud of everything you did in His name. You were like no other priest I met. Enjoy eternal life my friend. Peace be with you...
Saint Matthias Parish, Saint John's Cathedral
Harvey & Kay Schaefer
January 17, 2014
Fr. John ...We will miss you ...You were our Wisconsin connection here in Ft. Myers...Thank you for being a big part of our 50th ...God must love you very much
Mary Guy-Franke
January 17, 2014
We followed Fr. John when he was transferred from St. Matthias to the Cathdral. A homily was not a homily without an opening joke. He was a truly wonderful man and will be greatly missed. While his passing leaves us feeling a little bereft, we know that he has gone on to salvation. Godspeed!
January 17, 2014
Thank you for the music… and the good company for baseball games! Rest in peace… and now that you can't be here, SEND HELP! Dan Drew
Tom Grebe
January 16, 2014
See ya in Heaven , Father John, at the 19th hole, if you could just exert a little influence!
January 16, 2014
I am sorry to hear of the passing of my grade school and boy scout friend of many years ago. John was a bright and helpful companion from the distant past and I was privileged to treat his father many years ago when I practiced in Fond du Lac. I'm sure his ministry will be missed by many in Wisconsin and in Florida.
John C. Yockey, DDS
January 16, 2014
Fr. John is so much a part of St. Columbkille Parish. We will miss his beautiful smile, wonderful singing and his inspirational homilies. He brought a lot of joy and we miss him.
Mary Wambaugh
Janice Knapp-Cordes
January 16, 2014
Father John helped to start and guide the "Search" program for young adults in the late sixties. I was privileged to work with him. He was so good at letting the youth take responsibility yet always being there when we needed adult wisdom. We were blessed to have him work with us and I know many of those youth treasured him. With respect, gratitude and love, Janice Knapp-Cordes
Jane (Dreifuerst) Leland
January 16, 2014
What a dear, wonderful man Fr. was. He baptized my son at the Cathedral in 1997. Everyone that knew him will surely miss him but how wonderful that he is finally home with our Lord & his beloved mother.
David & Denise Kaminski
January 16, 2014
We send our sympathy to Father John's family. He will alway be remembered by his wonderful homilies and a never ending smile.
January 16, 2014
Fr. John was such an amazing priest during his time at St. Matthias. His sermons were a joy to listen to and always started with a story or joke. He also celebrated mass for my parents 50th wedding anniversary and truly made it a special day. Rest in peace. Say hi to my mom & dad.
Kathy Martinez & family
Jane Boardman
January 16, 2014
We were so saddened to hear of Fr. Johns death but know he is having a great golf game in Heaven! He was such a true gentleman with a kind heart that never quit. Our family time with him over the years is time we will always treasure. His visit with us in NC, was like we saw each other everyday. His time on earth was a Blessing to our family but he touched so many others with that smile, jokes and gentle heart! He did so much to draw me closer to my Catholic faith. Thoughts and prayers!
January 16, 2014
Good bye Father John, we will miss you and your christmas cards!!
Elmar Endejan & Marion Menzer
Anne & John Balzanto
January 15, 2014
We send our heart-felt sympathy to Fr. John's family. I got to know him through my Uncle Frank Sanfelippo over many many years. May he walk in the sunshine of the Lord.
January 15, 2014
Father John is a great humanitarian and did great service as a priest with his kind and gentle manner.He was often a guest in our home in the 60's and 70's.
He lead a great and memorable life and will be missed by more people than he ever would have imagined. RIP FR John
Bob Young
Peggy Wildeman - Chrzan
January 15, 2014
I sit here crying and heart broken tonight and yet grateful that God called you quickly and quietly. I do wish I would have had a chance to say good by, John. You were such a treasure, such a blessing to me and your entire extended family. Such an incredible example of integrity, goodness and charity to all. Enjoy your rest and reunion with all the Wildeman family members who are there to greet you. Those of us still on this side of heaven will miss you terribly. Love always,
Your 2nd cousin, Peggy
Bob Mansell
January 15, 2014
Father John,
I believe that, in your goodness and love for us, God saw fit to have the angels escort you into God`s Eternal Life. I will always remember your insight into the human heart and your untiring open-heartedness for all. Intercede for us.
Terri Klug
January 15, 2014
Fr. John was a gentle, kind and wonderful man who was a special friend of our family for the past 30 years. We met him at St. Matthias where he baptized two of our children. He even let us use his condo in Florida for a family vacation. Fr. John married our daughter Sarah on 05.18.13 and we are honored that it was the last wedding that he officiated. We will miss him dearly (and his jokes) but know he is enjoying his heavenly home. The Klug Family
Janet Michell
January 15, 2014
I wish to extend my deepest condolence to Fr John's family. All of Fr. John's homilies were messages that I took home each week. They enhanced my daily life...he gave me so many gifts. Fr. John will be missed.
Mary Ann & Larry Brinegar
January 15, 2014
Will miss singing Ach du lieben Agustin with you at your annual birthday dinners at our home.Rest in peace dear heart.
Paul Hinkfuss
January 15, 2014
We will miss you, Fr. John. Your humanity, warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on every person you touched and every parish you served, including St. John Cathedral. Our 3 kids are blessed that they came of age in the Church under your gentle guidance and were baptized or received First Holy Communion from you. Rest in peace and enjoy the heavenly golf courses.
Catherine Arnold
January 15, 2014
Every Christmas, I received a Christmas letter ( with a joke) from Father John. He also included something short and personal on the card. I got to know him when he was at the CATHEDRAL, working on the remodeling. I was very fond of him and am greatly saddened by the loss.
Norma Myers
January 15, 2014
How much sadness fills my heart but how much Joy for you Fr. John, to see our Lord face to face. I sure do love you and you've been missed during your illness & now will be continually missed. Rest in Peace in the Arms of God.
Vince O'Connor
January 15, 2014
I will miss Father John's wonderful humor during his Sunday homilies and I hope to meet up with him for a good round of golf on the heavenly links.
Vicki Beckman
January 15, 2014
What a wonderful man. He influenced so many of us in such a positive way. Rest in peace.
Vicki Beckman
Bernie Sans
January 15, 2014
Fr. John was a good and holy man and a very special friend to my family and me. I was proud to be his director of music at St. Matthias. We have another angel in heaven!
Dr. Bernie Sans - Director of Music at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, St. Augustine, FL
Marie Gilpatric
January 15, 2014
I will miss Father John! He is such a sweet man. I know him from long ago - swimming at the pool - and then he witnessed my marriage and baptized our first child. He will be greatly missed. mg
Howard and Agnes Maney
January 15, 2014
We will miss Fr. John. A good friend and a good priest. Rest in peace.
Jeff, Cheryl, & Kaitlyn Klinkowitz
January 15, 2014
An extra special priest and family friend who we have known for over 30 years. Will be greatly missed until we meet again in Heaven.
Pat & Roger Wisialowski
January 15, 2014
What a gift to so many! You will be missed greatly! Rest in peace!
Rob Elliott
January 15, 2014
Father John you will be missed. Thank you for your friendship and guidance. You will always hold a special place for me with your sense of humor and the way you treated everyone. God Bless You
January 15, 2014
Fr. John, not only were you a Florida neighbor, golf partner and dear friend to my parents, Bob and Addie, you also married my husband Dave and I 26 years ago, were the family spiritual support on the death of Bob and Addie and so much more. May you and Bob have many golf dates and laughter in heaven.
Judy (Majszak) Felkner
Greg Brauch
January 15, 2014
1957-62 St.Annes church Milwaukee,wi. serving 5:00am mass for Fr. John .RIP. Greg Brauch Milwaukee,Wi.
Kristine Martynski
January 15, 2014
He was a wonderful priest and a great man. He will be missed by so many.
Tom Schwalbach
January 15, 2014
Dear Fr John,
So happy you are now at peace,after a wonderful life example of what a priest is. We have many memories of you. We always loved your homilies beginning with a joke. You are now in the arms of our Lord.
Tom and Mary Schwalbach
Colleen and Doug Hahm
January 15, 2014
Father John was an amazing man! He married my husband and I in 1997 and baptized our 3 children. I am proud and honored to say I knew him. You will be missed Father John. God bless you.
Diane Haubner
January 15, 2014
As a member of The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, I will always remember Father starting his homilies with a funny story. It was so like him to share that wonderful, positive love for the gift of life God gave us. He demonstrated that so well in all he did. He was an extremely kind and sincere gentleman.
Dan Flanders
January 15, 2014
I send my deepest sympathy to your family. I remember Father John From the days of Search.He was always a great guy he made a young man feel wanted.
Scott/Abby Endejan
January 15, 2014
Rest in peace we will miss you . God bless you Father John
Ann Buckley
January 15, 2014
Fr. John will eternally hold a special place in the hearts of myself and my husband Kevin. He was an integral part in helping us find our life together during our Search for Christian Maturity. In addition to being a part of our beginning, he also blessed our marriage of 25 years. I know that Fr. John will be welcomed in heaven by Kevin. I am sure they are already filling heaven with their laughter.
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