Brother Bruce A. Jendraszak, O.S.A. (1948 - 2003)
Brother Bruce A. Jendraszak, O.S.A., 54, entered eternal life on July 6, 2003 in his home at Austin Friary.
Brother Bruce served as Province Treasurer of the Augustinians of the Midwest since 1991. He was also manager of Tolentine Center, Olympia Fields, from 1983 to 2002.
Bruce Alan Jendraszak was born on August 9, 1948 to Edmund A. and Matilda L. (Godbout) Jendraszak in Chicago, Illinois. He was baptized on September 26, 1948 at St. Catherine of Genoa Catholic Church, Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on November 25, 1956 at St. Louis of France Catholic Church, Chicago.
Following his graduation from St. Louis of France Elementary School, Chicago, Bruce entered the Augustinian program of formation at Augustine High School Seminary, Holland, Michigan. Because the school’s facility in Michigan lacked sufficient space for all its students, its freshman program took place at Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois.
After successfully completing his freshman year, Bruce studied for the next three years at the Michigan campus. He graduated from St. Augustine in 1966.
Bruce was received on September 3, 1966 into the Augustinian Novitiate, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on September 4, 1967 and solemn (permanent) vows on September 3, 1972.
He earned a B.A. from Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois, in 1971 and studied theology at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois, in 1971 and 1972.
Brother Bruce was assigned in 1972 to Tolentine Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he established and operated AP Press, which did job printing for the Center, for the Augustinians of the Midwest, and for other religious groups.
In 1983, he was named manager of Tolentine Center, a post he held until 2002. He was elected Treasurer of the Augustinian Midwest Province in 1991 and served in that position until his death.
Brother Bruce was elected to the Augustinian Province Council for five consecutive terms, beginning in 1987, and was a member of the Council when he died.
In addition, he was Prior (local superior) of his Austin Friary community from 1983 to 1991 and again from 1999 until the time of his death.
A man of many talents, Bruce was equally at home working with his hands to repair a broken item, managing the fiscal affairs of the Augustinians of the Midwest, or cutting grass on the Tolentine Center tractor. He built several desktop computers. Residents and regular visitors to Tolentine Center looked forward to his extensive Christmas decorations that he put up each year. Bruce could always be counted on to take numerous photographs of Province events. He enjoyed nature. Friends admired his large collection of teddy bears and John Deere tractor paraphernalia.
Bruce is remembered as a kind-hearted and caring man who was always willing to help others. Those who knew him and worked with him considered him to be their brother.
He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Online Giving Page.
