Jesuit Journeys
Fall 2007

In Memoriam

Francis J. Burke, SJ

Fr. Francis J. Burke, 78, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Sept. 7, at the Marquette University Jesuit community in Milwaukee. Fr. “Frank” Burke was born in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Dec. 20, 1928, but did his early studies in Omaha, where he graduated from Creighton Prep in 1946. After one year of studies at the Creighton University College of Pharmacy, he joined the Society of Jesus in Florissant, Mo., in 1947.

Frank obtained a bachelor’s in 1954 from St. Louis University and a doctorate in philosophy in 1955, followed by an M.A. in English in 1956 and finished theological studies at St. Mary’s (Kans.) College, in 1961.

He was ordained a priest in St. Mary’s, June 15, 1960. For the next eight years Frank taught English at Campion Jesuit High School in Priarie du Chien, Wis., then taught English at the Jesuit High School in Portland, Ore. from 1970-73. From 1973 to 1975 Frank was minister at the Jesuit Novitiate in St. Paul. Beginning in 1976 he worked as spiritual director, first at the Cenacle Retreat House in Wayzata, Minn. and then at the Loyola Center for Spiritual Renewal in St. Paul and later at St. John Vianney Seminary.

With the closing of La Storta Jesuit Community in Minneapolis, Frank moved to the Marquette University Jesuit Community in Milwaukee, where he continued his writing ministry...

Donald D. Driscoll, SJ

A gifted and beloved priest was lost with the death, from a sudden heart attack, of Fr. Donald (Don) Driscoll, 73, on March 22. DD, a native of the Chicago area, entered the Society on Aug. 8, 1952 and was ordained June 8, 1965.

After ordination, Don worked as theology teacher, counselor and rector at Marquette University High School. So revered was his service that the school’s counseling area was named in his honor, and named him as recipient of the Spirit of Ignatius Award.

After 20 years at Marquette High, Don embraced new challenges at Creighton University as a theology teacher and vital member of the pastoral program. In 1987 he became chaplain of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, and was a generous and effective retreat director.

Don’s close friend, Larry Siewert, spoke for many at a memorial service in Milwaukee, “Who of us here doesn’t have a personal story of Don the priest touching our lives in a very significant way? How many retreats served as an opportunity to have God’s holy light shine on so many through him?”

Norbert J. Lemke, SJ

Fr. Norbert Lemke died from complications of gall bladder surgery on March 27. Norb entered the Society at Florissant, Mo. from Oshkosh, Wis. in 1931, and was ordained June 21, 1944 at St. Mary’s (Kans.) College. He was 93 and a member of the St. Camillus community in Wauwatosa, Wis.

Norb showed great aptitude for study during formation. Further work led to a doctorate in sociology from Fordham University in 1949 and a doctorate in philosophy from the Gregorian University in Rome in 1962. He then began his career at Creighton University in Omaha as a teacher of philosophy, and served as chair of the philosophy department from 1966 until 1969.

Norb spent several years in New York serving as hospital chaplain in a number of institutions. He returned to Creighton as a pastoral minister in 1993, and was assigned to St. Camillus in 2000. Throughout his later years, he was noted for his efforts to maintain the many relationships he had formed and his continued devotion to classical questions in philosophy and theology.

Eugene E. Zimmerman, SJ

Fr. Eugene E. Zimmerman, 88, a gentle and greatly loved member of the Province died April 19 at St. Camillus in Wauwatosa, Wis. from complications of pulmonary blood clots.

A native of Westphalia, Iowa, Gene entered the Society at Florissant, Mo. He taught English at Regis High School in Denver and, after ordination in 1951, engaged in a number of different works, beginning as minister of Campion High School in Prairie du Chien, Wis. and then pastor of St. Gabriel’s Parish until 1969. After 10 years as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Mankato, Minn., he served as superior of Holy Rosary Mission in South Dakota in the early 1980s. In 1985 he began work in the province office as supervisor of pastoral and Native American ministries. His later career embraced retreat ministry at Oshkosh and work at St. Stephen’s Mission in Wyoming. He joined the St. Camillus community in 2003.

Robert G. North, SJ

Fr. Robert Grady North, 91, a man of grace, graciousness and outstanding learning, died at St. Camillus community in Wauwatosa, Wis. on June 2.

A native of Iowa City, Bob graduated from Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha and entered the Society at Florissant, Mo. on Aug. 8, 1931 and was ordained in 1944. After studies in Latin, Greek, and philosophy, he taught at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. He was an extraordinary scholar and teacher, and a genius at languages. His classes in archeology and geography charmed Jesuit Journeys – Fall 2007 generations of students at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and students were inspired by the expeditions he led to the Middle East. He was also a tireless visiting professor, sharing his expertise at Creighton and Marquette universities and many institutions abroad. One of his great contributions to biblical scholarship was the “Elenchus Bibliographicus Biblicus,” an index of contributions in the field and an indispensable tool to biblical research.

Alongside his academic talents, Bob was an engaging companion, whose interests inspired delightful conversations in the communities he graced. In 2000 he moved to the St. Camillus community, continuing his writing and worldwide correspondence with scholars.

Theodore F. Zuern, SJ

Fr. Theodore F. Zuern, 86, whose life centered on service to Native Americans, passed away from cardiac failure on June 25, at St. Camillus in Wauwatosa, Wis. Ted entered the Society in 1946 and recently celebrated his golden jubilee in the priesthood.

Ted, a native of Hartford, Wis., received a doctorate from Marquette University before entering the Society at Florissant, Mo. in 1946 and was ordained in 1952. He became pastor at St. Francis Mission in South Dakota after ordination, and after two years moved to the Mother Butler Center in Rapid City. He served as superior of the Holy Rosary community in Pine Ridge, S.D. from 1968-73, during which time he helped found the annual Indian Art Show. In 1974 he developed the pastoral plan for ministry to Native Americans in the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocese.

In 1979 he coordinated the National Office of Social Ministry for the Jesuit Conference in Washington, D.C., and then was superior of Leonard Neale House there. Ted then worked with the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions returning to St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Rapid City, S.D. as pastor from 1987-94. He joined the St. Camillus community in 2001.

Timothy J. Howard, SJ

Fr. Timothy J. Howard, 77, died June 24, at Froederdt Hospital in Wauwatosa, Wis.

Tim was born in Milwaukee and graduated from Marquette University High School. After study at Holy Cross College, he entered the Society at Florissant, Mo. in 1950. He then taught Latin at Campion High School in Prarie du Chien, Wis. After receiving a master’s in psychology from St. Louis University, Tim studied theology at St. Mary’s (Kans.) College, and received his doctorate in psychology from St. Louis University in 1971. From 1970-72, Tim served as Assistant Professor of neurology and psychiatry at the Creighton University School of Medicine.

Tim moved to the Tucson, Ariz. area and entered private psychiatric practice in 1973 and was generous in providing pastoral services. In 1991, Tim returned to Milwaukee and served as minister to the Marquette University Jesuit community for two years, while maintaining a small practice on Milwaukee’s east side. In 1993 Tim returned to Tucson to resume his practice and pastoral work, but poor health forced a return to Marquette in 2004.

Thomas N. Brennan, SJ

Fr. Thomas N. Brennan, 75, died Aug. 28 at the St. Camillus in Wauwatosa, Wis.

Fr. “T” Brennan was born in Milwaukee, on Aug. 6, 1932. After graduation from Marquette University High School he entered the Society of Jesus at Florissant, Mo. in 1950. “T” received a degree in philosophy from St. Louis University in 1956 and then taught Latin, history, and theology at MUHS. In 1961 he received a master’s in history and in 1965 in theology, both from SLU.

After theology studies he taught Latin, history and drama at MUHS through 1980. During the sabbatical year that followed, he did studies at the Jesuit School of Theology in Chicago, the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, and at the Gild Hall School of Drama in London. He took time also for study at the Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Rome.

From 1981 to 1988 he was again teaching theology, history and drama at MUHS. In 1988 he was assigned to Marquette University where until 1996 he was chaplain to, and taught theology in, the school of Business Administration. After a year of sick leave, he returned to the same ministry until February of 2005, when he moved to St. Camillus.