In Memoriam
We give thanks for the following Jesuits who have gone home to God.
Fr. Frederick P. Zagone, SJ
April 30, 1958 — March 10, 2026
“Fred was a Jesuit priest who was fiercely and enthusiastically determined and committed to continue to lead, guide, and serve others to become closer to God — even during a year and a half of struggling with his illness.”
Staff member of campus ministry and student services departments at Xavier University in Cincinnati; director of development at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa.; director of development, assistant to the vice president for advancement, acting vice president for mission and ministry, and university chaplain at Marquette University (MU) in Milwaukee, where he was also the minster of the Jesuit community. Although he remained a member of the MU Jesuit Community, during his illness he spent a good deal of time in the St. Camillus Jesuit Community.
Fr. Leo P. Cachat, SJ
April 27, 1933 — March 14, 2026
“Leo was a bigger man than words can describe. After holding many leadership positions in the Orient, once he heard the term ‘physical fitness trainer’ he liked to refer to himself as a ‘spiritual fitness trainer.’ He was certainly a deeply appreciated teacher of prayer and director of souls. His kindness and love, liveliness, humor and humanity made him a delight to be with, a friend, I suspect, to everyone who met him, and the glue that kept our little Jesuit community together.”
Teacher and principal at St. Xavier’s School Godavari in Kahtmandu, Nepal; director of Godavari Ashram; superior of the Formation House Kamal Niwas; regional superior of the Nepal Region of the Patna Province; director of St. Aloysius English Language Institute in Taunggyi, Myanmar; faculty chaplain at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School; retreat director at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; missioned to Colombiere Center.
Br. James E. Small, SJ
January 10, 1922 — March 19, 2026
“Jim was a devoted Jesuit who had a special place in his heart for Mary, the mother of Jesus. He was prayerful, humble, and easy to be with. He was a practical man who got things done. Jim loved engaging people and his smile attracted others to him. Those who encountered him found a kind, gentle person with a wonderful sense of humor.”
Infirmarian at Milford novitiate and West Baden College; carpenter at Milford novitiate; carpenter and “artist-in-residence” for four decades at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Ill., where he was known for making copies of famous paintings and selling them to support the school, and later painting original artwork; missioned to Colombiere Center.
Fr. John A. Schwantes, SJ
May 9, 1938 — March 20, 2026
“John was a devoted priest and Jesuit. His deep love of the Eucharist directed his thoughts and, more importantly, his heart towards cura personalis for those he lived with, worked with, and encountered each day. He saw Christ in everyone and treated others with respect, love, and concern.”
English, theology and social studies teacher at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha; director of the campus ministry department at Creighton University in Omaha; superior of Jesuits in formation at Fusz Memorial; socius to the Wisconsin Province novice director at the Jesuit novitiate in St. Paul, Minn.; superior of LaStorta Apostolic Community in Minneapolis, where he also directed retreats and offered spiritual direction; associate director of Marquette University’s Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Milwaukee; adult formation assistant at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee; superior of the Pere Maquette Jesuit Community; minister at the Sioux Spirituality Center in Plainview, S.D.; director of the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wis., where he was also superior of the Jesuit community; missioned to St. Camillus Jesuit Community.
Fr. William S. Kurz, SJ
November 9, 1939 — April 5, 2026
“Bill was both an accomplished New Testament scholar and a zealous priest. Over his long years at Marquette University, he influenced thousands of undergraduate and graduate students. He was a man of strong convictions and much enthusiasm, a lively companion to his brother Jesuits.”
Philosophy instructor at Creighton University; Latin teacher at Creighton Preparatory School; theology instructor at Marquette University for more than 40 years, where he was a New Testament scholar and a recipient of the Marquette University award for Teaching Excellence; author of many articles and eight books, including Acts of the Apostles, Following Jesus: A Disciple’s Guide to Luke and Acts, and Reading the Bible as God’s Own Story: A Catholic Approach to Bringing Scripture to Life; missioned to St. Camillus.
To read the full obituaries of Jesuits who have gone home to God, visit us at www.jesuitsmidwest.org/In-Memoriam
IN THIS ISSUE
ON THE COVER
The 2026 ordinands at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee.
Photo: Steve Donisch