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Rev. LaVern J. Flach, O.S.A. (1928 - 2008)

Rev. LaVern J. Flach, O.S.A. entered eternal life November 17, 2008 after a long period of declining health.

LaVern James Flach was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan March 2, 1928 to Clarence William and Anne Barbara Flach. He was Baptized March 11, 1928 at Saint Edward Church, Mendon, Michigan. His family lived on a farm near Scotts, Michigan.

LaVern’s early education took place in a one-room school in Pavilion Township, Michigan. He graduated from Saint Augustine High School, Kalamazoo, in 1946. He then studied at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, for one year (1946-47).

LaVern entered the Augustinian program of formation in September, 1947, doing a year of post-graduate studies in Latin. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1948. He professed simple vows September 10, 1949, and solemn vows September 10, 1952.

Following profession of vows, LaVern completed his college education at Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, earning a B. A. in Philosophy in 1952. He then did theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. from 1952 to 1956. He was ordained a priest June 4, 1955.

While studying theology, he also pursued graduate studies at Villanova University, earning an M.A. in Mathematics in 1956. DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, awarded him the degree of Specialist in Education in 1963.

Father Flach’s first assignment was in 1956 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a teacher and Vice-Principal. He was transferred to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, in 1968. He served as teacher and Vice-Principal there. He was for many years Adviser to the yearbook staffs at Mendel and St. Rita. His work in this area was nationally recognized for its excellence.

In 1971 he was named Principal of St. Rita High School. He held this post until 1979, when he resumed teaching duties at St. Rita. In 1994 Father Flach was named Associate Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan.

He returned to educational work in 1995, teaching for one year at Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, Illinois. In 1996 he began his retirement at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, Illinois. In 2001 he moved to the new retirement community of Our Lady of Grace at Marian Village, Homer Glen, Illinois.

Declining health necessitated his move to Mother Theresa Home, Lemont, Illinois, in 2003. He was afflicted with loss of eyesight and hearing. Complications resulting from diabetes made necessary the amputation of one leg. In 2008 he relocated to St. James Manor, Crete, Illinois.

Father Flach is remembered as a down-to-earth person. He was a demanding teacher who would spend as much extra time as was needed working with students who needed help in learning math.

Over many years, as a hobby, he researched and compiled a thorough genealogy of his family.

He is survived by sisters Marian Woodin and Helen Fleck, and brother Gerald Flach, all of Michigan; brother Donald Flach of Maryland, many nieces and nephews, and his Augustinian brothers and sisters. One sister, Marcelline Fleck, preceeded him in death.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1011.