Fr. Luke Frank Poczworowski

Father Luke (Richard) Poczworowski, 80, passed away on Wed. Jan. 10, 2018 in Chicago. He was born Dec. 16, 1937 on the southeast side of Chicago. In the summers of 1953-54, he worked as a gas station attendant and fixed flat tires. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1955 and subsequently entered the Novitiate in August at Lake Forest, IL. Father Luke made his first profession in 1956 and professed his solemn Vows on Aug. 15, 1959. He studied in Carey, Ohio and received his Bachelors Degree from Dayton University. He was then sent for theological studies at Assumption Seminary in Chaska, MN. He was one of ten Franciscans and twenty-five diocesan seminarians who were ordained priests on Feb. 22, 1964, at the Cathedral of St. Paul in MN. In 1969, after several summers of study, Father Luke received a Masters Degree in religious education from Loyola University in Chicago. As a member of the Province of St. Bonaventure, Father Luke's ministry has entailed the following assignments: Parish priest at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Rockford; Vocation Director at the House of Studies, Formation Director for the Province; Chaplain of the Felician Sisters in Chicago at which time he also taught religion at an all girls catholic high school; Parish priest at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Fort Madison, IA; Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Peoria; two term Minister Provincial; Pastor of St. Anthony Padua Parish, Rockford; Pastor of St. Mary, Winona; St. John the Baptist, Lostant and St. Patrick, Minonk, St. Ann, Toluca and Sacred Heart, Rutland. Fr. Luke was in residence at the Basilica of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee, WI. Father Luke's greatest joy as a Franciscan Priest was celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He has spread that joy among parishioners he has served over the years and also had a great love for the Franciscan camaraderie and fraternity. Father Luke was indeed a "People Person" from the word, "go!" and an extremely generous soul as well! He was indeed a "Gift" to the Friars! Surviving are many confreres, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Mary Poczworowski. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm with a wake service at 8 pm Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 at St. Ita's Church, 5500 N. Broadway St. Chicago. Visitaiton will begin at 9:30am, before Mass at 11 am Sat. Jan. 20, 2018 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 8237 South Shore Drive, Chicago. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City. In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Bonaventure Province, 6107 N. Kenmore Ave. Chicago, IL 60660. Arrangements are by the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. Info: 847-362-3009 or please sign the on-line guest book at www.burnettdane.com.

Fr. Luke Frank Poczworowski

January 10, 2018