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Obituaries

Pray For Them

Fr. Francis Jenks

PASTOR

Father Francis C. Jenks, 64, a resident priest at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge, died July 16 from heart failure at Lutheran General Hospital.

A Chicago native, Father Jenks graduated from Visitation Catholic School and Quigley South Preparatory Seminary. He graduated from Niles College Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in 1970 and was ordained that year by Cardinal John Cody.

He began his parish ministry as the assistant pastor of Our Lady of the Wayside, Arlington Heights (1970-75); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview (1975- 81), and St. Mary of Vernon, Vernon Hills (1981-88).

For 14 years beginning in 1988, Father Jenks served as pastor of Ascension Parish, Oak Park. He was named pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish, Lemont, in 2002 and served there until 2008.

He was involved for many years with Theology-on-Tap, the speaker and conversation series for those in their 20s and 30s, sponsored by the Young Adult Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Father Jenks is survived by a brother, Edward, and a sister, Mary Kay Sotello.

Sr. Hermana Oppreicht

TEACHER, PASTORAL ASSOCIATE

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Hermana Oppreicht, 97, died June 26 in Sinsinawa, Wis.

A Wisconsin native, Sister Hermana made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican in 1933. She taught elementary school and high school, as well as ministering as a pastoral associate. Her ministries took her to Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Hermana taught at St. Luke, River Forest (1934-40), and Trinity High School, River Forest (1950-56).

She is survived by one sister, Dominican Sister Marie Oppriecht, and one brother, Greg Oppreicht.

Sr. Olive Rowley

TEACHER, PRINCIPAL

School Sister of St. Francis Olive Rowley, 89, died June 29 in Naperville. A Chicago native, she was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1946.

Sister Olive lived her religious ministry as a teacher and principal in Illinois and Wisconsin. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Olive taught at St. Nicholas, Evanston (1964-73)

Sr. Jane Elizabeth Berg

TEACHER

Adrian Dominican Sister Jane Elizabeth (Margaret Katherine) Berg, 87, died June 30 in Adrian, Mich.

A Michigan native, she spent 56 years ministering in education in Michigan, Illinois, Florida and Ohio.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Celestine, Elmwood Park (1940-41).

Sister Jane Elizabeth is survived by a sister, Rose Berg.

Deacon Robert Odegard

CLASS OF 1986

Deacon Robert Odegard, who was ordained in 1986, died July 6. Deacon Odegrad ministered at St. Priscillia Parish.

He is survived by his children: Mary Bonk, Denise Podlin, Christine Crook, Stephen and Charles, and six grandchildren.

Sr. Mary Eva Revas

TEACHER, SACRISTAN

Sister of St. Casimir Mary Eva Revas, 72, died July 2. She was a beloved member of the Sisters of St. Casimir for 53 years.

Sister Mary Eva served as a primary grade teacher at St. Casimir School, Chicago Heights; Our Lady of Vilna and All Saints, Roseland. She ministered at Holy Cross Parish as superior and sacristan. Sister Mary Eva served as faithful chauffeur and chapel sacristan of the Sisters of St. Casimir at their Motherhouse.

She is survived by her sister, Sister of St. Casimir M. Juline Revas.

Sr. Elka Becker

90 YEARS IN CONGREGATION

School Sister of St. Francis Elka Becker, 105, died July 11 in Campbellsport, Wis. The Nebraska native was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis in July 1919.

Sister Elka was a teacher, resident assistant and volunteer sacristan in Illinois, Nebraska and Wisconsin. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Elka taught at St. Benedict Grade School (1920- 23); St. Matthias (1926-27); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview (1937-40); and St. Philomena (1940-45).

Sister Elka is survived by her brother, Martin.