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John Stretch Obituary
Stretch, John J.
John Joseph Stretch, Ph.D. died on May 20, 2022 from complications of Alzheimer's dementia. While a consultant to The Salvation Army, Dr. Stretch developed a Continuum pf Care for homelessness and affordable housing. The model was replicated in the State of Missouri and nationally.
Jack was born February 24, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Theresa Carmelita and John Stretch. He is preceded in death by siblings Mary Stone (Tim), Jimmy, Mike (Babs), Betty Houseman, and Larry, and former son-in-law Robert Benner.
He was drafted into the US Army and served in the Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1970.
He is a graduate of Most Holy Trinity grade school, Kenrick Seminary High School, Maryknoll Seminary, Glen Ellyn, IL. (BA), Washington University in St. Louis, (Master of Social Work), Tulane University (PhD in Philosophy), and Saint Louis University (MBA). He was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Missouri for over forty years.
Dr. Stretch was a Full Professor, Assistant Dean, and Director in the Masters and Ph.D. programs in the School of Social Service at Saint Louis University for forty years. He taught social work practice and management, research design, and social policy.
Jack authored books, articles in scholarly journals, and research studies, focusing on homelessness and fair health care and housing. He was on the editorial board of and a frequent contributor to "Social Work", the preeminent journal of social work research. Jack was a board member, board president, and consultant with several organizations, including Beyond Housing, the United Way of St. Louis, the Catholic Health Association, Missouri Association for Social Welfare, and The Salvation Army.
He is survived by Barbara (Stewart) Stretch, his children Paul (Alicia Richards), Leonmarie Benner (Greg Mason), Sylvan Schulz (Dan), Adrienne, Sharon DeVries (Kevin), Margaret, and Thomas, mother of five of his children Marilee Milroy, his siblings Pat Moeslein (Charlie), and Joe Stretch (Debbie), fourteen grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jack will be profoundly missed by friends and family, the social work community, and advocates for affordable housing and health care and social justice.
Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Services: Catholic Mass and memorial services are pending.
Memories and Condolences
for John Stretch
Larry Kreuger
May 20, 2023
Jack was my professor, mentor, colleague, friend, co-author, co-investigator and fellow-in-fun from 1979 to 2009. We probably attended 50 conferences together...from Kansas City to Seattle to San Diego to Honolulu to Boston, Charleston, New Orleans to Chicago to Amsterdam, Netherlands to Sydney, AU. Always a wit, confidant and sometimes a pest...but he turned my life around. Bless you Jack on your final trip.
Jody L Serkes
June 4, 2022
My dear girl, I am so sorry to hear this but I am guessing it was a challenge. Either way, I am so sorry. My best to you, the girls, and your family.
Lawrence Biondi, SJ
June 3, 2022
I always found Jack to be a positive and enthusiastic SLU faculty member and a Servant-Leader in his advocacy for a more just environment at SLU and in the St.Louis metro Community.
May Jack Rest In Peace with Our Lord.
Larry Biondi, SJ
Rich Hennicke
June 2, 2022
What a tremendous mentor, friend, social worker, change agent, and professor. Jack's joyous humor seasoned his wise counsel and brilliant insights. We who were beneficiaries of his gentle and yet powerful guidance cherish his memory and pray for his dear family as you mourn - and celebrate-his life and legacy.
Susan Taylor
June 1, 2022
Sincere sympathy to Barbara and family. Jack was a good man whose contributions to the world were
immeasurable. Grateful to have known this unique soul.
Andrea Sugar
May 31, 2022
My deepest sympathies to you and your family
Much love
Lisa B. & Tom suntrup
May 30, 2022
Sylvan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Lisa & Tom Suntrup
Dave & Pat Segasture
May 30, 2022
Sending our deepest sympathies to the entire Stretch family.
Your dad made a real and important difference in life, and in the lives of so many.
Jan otto.
May 29, 2022
So sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers go out to the whole family.
Debbie & Gene Swacker
May 29, 2022
Jack was a kind and good man whose values and good works will stay alive through his children. We pray you all find peace and acceptance.
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