Whenever I take a walk or run through the Quincy University Campus,I reflect on the lessons taught to me by the wonderful Franciscan Friars on faculty. Father JJ Lakers was definitely one of the most influential. He was a shining example of God’s grace for me, and my prayers are with his family. QU and the community were so blessed to have his nurturing attention all these years. God Bless Fr. JJ!
I truly love and respect Father JJ for his neat stories about my hometown before I was around (teutopolis) and his great christian insight. I would often think of you, I missed you ten years ago after I Left QU and I miss you more today, more than ever. Your laughter will fill Heaven, of this I am certain.
Fr. J.J. was my teacher, friend, mentor, priest and even counselor. He always encouraged me even when things looked unbearable. He somehow guided me through college and was a person I greatly admired and tried to emulate in my life. Upon graduating from Quincy I applied to work for Habitat for Humanity International in Africa. Afraid I would not be accepted since I was young and inexperienced I called Fr. J.J. and asked him about my choice and if he would write a recommendation for me. He encouraged me to apply and said that not only would he write a recommendation for me but he would “make them believe they would be fools not have me.” That is possibly the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me. I was accepted and Fr. J.J. and I wrote back and forth while I was there and continued writing after I came home. After many years our writing lessened but we always reconnected at Christmas. In 2008 I asked Fr. J.J. for the honor of presiding over my wedding to my husband John. He was unable to come because he was not travelling much at that point but as usual sent a heartfelt letter of congratulations and good wishes for John and I. About two weeks ago I found that letter and thought of calling him. But I didn’t. I wish I had. I will greatly miss him but know that he continues to be a part of me in what he taught me about philosophy and life, in my memories of him and of course he lives on in my spirit. I know he blessed many other peoples lives the same way. My sincerest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. This is a great loss for all of us.
Fr. John, is who I have known him by since the mid 60’s. Fr. John and my father became friends when they were in the seminary together. When he moved to Quincy in the mid 60’s Fr. John would come over to our home to visit several times a month. My siblings and I had a lot of fun with father. We played games, went fishing and just enjoyed each others company. Fr. John has been a great friend to our family. He married my wife and I, plus my other 3 siblings and their spouses. He celebrated my father & mother’s 25th wedding anniversary and several family baptisms. There are many stories I could tell about Fr. John being in our lives. We will all miss him dearly. He was a great religious person and was a great influence on me and my family.
Dear JJ,
JJ just wanted to say we all miss you at the friary. May the Angels take you into paradise?
Pray for us!
God our Father,Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
We pray for Father JJ and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ, JJ died and now lives,
he rejoice in Your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again with JJ,to sing Your praise forever and ever. Amen.
Peace and love,
Ed
Whenever I take a walk or run through the Quincy University Campus,I reflect on the lessons taught to me by the wonderful Franciscan Friars on faculty. Father JJ Lakers was definitely one of the most influential. He was a shining example of God’s grace for me, and my prayers are with his family. QU and the community were so blessed to have his nurturing attention all these years. God Bless Fr. JJ!
I truly love and respect Father JJ for his neat stories about my hometown before I was around (teutopolis) and his great christian insight. I would often think of you, I missed you ten years ago after I Left QU and I miss you more today, more than ever. Your laughter will fill Heaven, of this I am certain.
Fr. J.J. was my teacher, friend, mentor, priest and even counselor. He always encouraged me even when things looked unbearable. He somehow guided me through college and was a person I greatly admired and tried to emulate in my life. Upon graduating from Quincy I applied to work for Habitat for Humanity International in Africa. Afraid I would not be accepted since I was young and inexperienced I called Fr. J.J. and asked him about my choice and if he would write a recommendation for me. He encouraged me to apply and said that not only would he write a recommendation for me but he would “make them believe they would be fools not have me.” That is possibly the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me. I was accepted and Fr. J.J. and I wrote back and forth while I was there and continued writing after I came home. After many years our writing lessened but we always reconnected at Christmas. In 2008 I asked Fr. J.J. for the honor of presiding over my wedding to my husband John. He was unable to come because he was not travelling much at that point but as usual sent a heartfelt letter of congratulations and good wishes for John and I. About two weeks ago I found that letter and thought of calling him. But I didn’t. I wish I had. I will greatly miss him but know that he continues to be a part of me in what he taught me about philosophy and life, in my memories of him and of course he lives on in my spirit. I know he blessed many other peoples lives the same way. My sincerest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. This is a great loss for all of us.
Fr. John, is who I have known him by since the mid 60’s. Fr. John and my father became friends when they were in the seminary together. When he moved to Quincy in the mid 60’s Fr. John would come over to our home to visit several times a month. My siblings and I had a lot of fun with father. We played games, went fishing and just enjoyed each others company. Fr. John has been a great friend to our family. He married my wife and I, plus my other 3 siblings and their spouses. He celebrated my father & mother’s 25th wedding anniversary and several family baptisms. There are many stories I could tell about Fr. John being in our lives. We will all miss him dearly. He was a great religious person and was a great influence on me and my family.
Terry Wensing
Sincerest thank you for all you have done for us and our families. Rest in peace.