Rev. John E. Naus S.J.

1924 - 2013

Naus, Rev. John E. S.J. Marquette University mourns the death of Rev. John E. Naus, S.J., who served for nearly 50 years at the University. Born to Eternal Life on September 22, 2013, at the age of 89. Beloved son of the late Susan and Edwin Naus. Milwaukee native and 1942 graduate of Marquette University High School, Father Naus was born on Aug. 28, 1924, and was ordained as a priest in 1955 at the Church of the Gesu on the Marquette campus. He held degrees from Saint Louis University and the Gregorian University in Rome. Father Naus began his work at Marquette as Dean of Students and served in a variety of capacities, including Director of Spiritual Welfare, Residence Hall Minister, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Faculty Adviser to Alpha Sigma Nu and the Evans Scholars, Assistant to the President and Chaplain to the Alumni Memorial Union. He was well-known throughout campus, including his history as Tumbleweed the Clown, his famous July Christmas cards, and his long tradition of celebrating the 10 p.m. Mass at the St. Joan of Arc Chapel on Tuesdays. He retired from Marquette in 2012 though continued to make frequent visits to campus. At his retirement party, former University President Father Robert Wild said, "It's this silliness and sly humor that have made the 88-year-old priest perhaps the best known and most beloved Jesuit at Marquette for the past 49 years." "Smiling builds trust," Naus said, so he tried to make others smile on first impressions. He'd ham up his first day of class with silly antics and tease new or prospective students by telling them he was born weighing 64 pounds. Visitation will be held at Gesu Church in Milwaukee (1145 W. Wisconsin Ave.) on Thursday, September 26 from 2 PM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 7 PM. Committal services will be held 9 AM on Friday, September 27 at Calvary Cemetery in Milwaukee. Parking is available at the Wells Street Parking Structure 1240 W. Wells Street (located between 12th and 13th Streets) and Lot F, after 5 PM only (located on 12th Street between Wisconsin Avenue and Wells Street). In lieu of flowers, Father Naus requested memorials be made to the Rev. John Naus, S.J., Scholarship Fund, which was established in 2004 to support Marquette students like the thousands he served, taught and inspired as a Jesuit.