Brother Donald Michael Fleischhacker, C.S.C.

Brother Donald Michael Fleischhacker, C.S.C., age 78, died on November 18, 2015, while undergoing medical treatment in South Bend, Indiana. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 29, 1937, the son of Michael and Marie (Kaltinger) Fleischhacker. He attended St. Sylvester and Bernard Moos Elementary Schools and Lane Tech High School in Chicago, graduating in 1956. He worked for a year at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago and then followed a calling to the religious life. He entered Sacred Heart Juniorate in Watertown, WI in June of 1957 and went to St. Joseph's Novitiate, Rolling Prairie, IN where he professed his vows as a Brother of Holy Cross on August 16, 1958. He began his college studies at St. Edward's University that fall. Brother Donald received his first assignment in the fall of 1959 and joined the staff at Gibault School in Terre Haute, IN and then worked in the business office at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, OH. He returned to work at Gibault School and then served on the staff of Ave Maria Press at Notre Dame, IN for six years. He taught for a year at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA. During summers he continued his studies at St. Edward's University and earned a bachelor's degree in 1972. He taught at Le Mans Academy in Rolling Prairie, IN and Cardinal Mooney High in Rochester, NY. He then studied full time at the University of Notre Dame and earned a Master's degree in theology in 1976 and later a second one in 1980. He joined the faculty at Holy Cross High School at River Grove, IL in 1976, where he spent the next 20 years teaching his specialties in theology. He was an active member of the Chicago Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus. He was always sympathetic to social concerns and the plight of the needy within the city. In 1996 he joined the staff of the Franciscan Outreach Association, was a member of the Board of San Jose Obrero Mission in Chicago for four years and Case Management Director of the Outreach Association for two years. In 2002 he joined the staff of Andre' Residential Services at Notre Dame while living at Columba Hall and served the residents of Schubert Villa and Dujarie House in a variety of nursing duties. In 2007 he retired but continued to volunteer his services to friends and needy at the same facilities, even while undergoing vigorous treatment and dialysis for the diabetes he suffered. He once wrote in the Franciscan Outreach bulletin: "It is humbling how trusting the men and women are, whom we care for. Being able to share their secrets in conversation and counseling is one of the greatest needs. Every day I pray that I may show compassion to them recalling how Our Lord likewise helped the needy and afflicted." Visitation will be held on Monday, November 23, 2015, at Our Lady of Holy Cross Chapel within Schubert Villa/Dujarie House from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on the grounds of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame. The Mass of Resurrection will follow with interment afterward in St. Joseph's Cemetery of the Village. Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions, in honor Brother Donald Fleischhacker, C.S.C., to support the mission and ministries of the Brothers may be sent to: Brothers of Holy Cross, Office of Development, P.O. Box 460, Notre Dame, IN 46556.