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Rev. Gerard J. Theis, O.S.A. (1927-2001)

Rev. Gerard J. Theis, O.S.A. entered eternal life October 15, 2001 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (A.L.S., also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease).

Gerard Joseph Theis was born July 28, 1927 in Dayton, Ohio. He was the son of Raymond Theis and Bernadette (Desch) Theis. He was baptized October 6, 1927 at St. Ann Catholic Church, Hamilton, Ohio.

After studying at Chaminade High School, Dayton, Jerry entered the St. Monica Minor Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He completed his high school studies at Augustinian Academy Minor Seminary, Staten Island, New York, graduating in 1945.

Jerry was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 8, 1945. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1946 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1950.

He was awarded a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania in 1950. Following theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, he was ordained a priest September 19, 1953.

He taught at St. Rita High School, Chicago (1954, 1957-1964) and Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago (1954-1957).

In preparation for an assignment to Perú, Jerry studied at Cody International Institute, Nova Scotia, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin during 1964-1965.

He served in Chulucanas and Ayabaca, Perú from 1965 to 1975. For four of those years, he was Mission Superior of the Augustinians (1971-1975) and Vicar General of the Prelature of Chulucanas (1971-1975).

Jerry returned to the United States, where he took part in the preaching ministry of the Mission Band, located at St. Rita High School, Chicago (1975), St. John Stone Friary, Chicago (1976) and St. Mary Parish, Rockford, Illinois (1977). He also served as Associate Pastor at St. Mary.

Returning to Perú in 1978, Jerry was a member of the formation team for candidates for the Order and/or for priesthood at Santo Domingo, Lima and Trujillo. He was Master of Novices there for several years.

Jerry left Perú in 1993 to minister at Holy Rosary Parish, Kenosha, Wisconsin. The following year he became a counselor at Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, Illinois.

The progression of A.L.S. prompted Jerry’s retirement in 1997. As his body gradually weakened, Jerry maintained a positive and faith-filled attitude until the time of his death on October 15, 2001.

Jerry was an accomplished artist. His sketches and paintings depict mostly religious themes. He was also a student of St. Augustine. While in Perú, he was well known for directing retreats based on St. Augustine’s spirituality and lecturing on themes from St. Augustine’s thought. He produced an extensive set of notes on St. Augustine’s theology of sacrament, prayer and social justice.

He is remembered for his deep concern for the poor, his love of children and his abiding sense of humor, even as his physical condition deteriorated.

He is buried in the Augustinian Plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, 5401 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, IL 60615-5664, or via Augustinian Guild Secure On-line Giving.