JOHN ALEXANDER LEIES, S.M. died in the service of the Blessed Virgin on December 22, 2021 at the age of 95 and with 77 years of vowed life. He was born in Chicago, IL on April 24, 1926, the son of Alexander and Thecla (Eggar) Leies.

He met the Marianists at St. Michael High School in Chicago, IL. John  made his First Vows on August 15, 1944, and pronounced his Perpetual Vows on July 15, 1948, both at Marynook in Galesville, WI. He was ordained on July 22, 1956 in Fribourg, Switzerland.

John graduated from St. Michael High School in 1943. He later received his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education from the University of Dayton, OH in 1947, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB) in 1954, a Licentiate of Sacred Theology (STL) in 1965 and a Doctorate of Sacred Theology (STD) in 1958, all from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Prior to going to the seminary, from 1952, John was a teacher at Don Bosco High School in Milwaukee, WI from 1947-1952. After completing his seminary studies in 1958, he returned to Don Bosco HS as a chaplain and teacher until 1961, when he was asked to serve the former St. Louis Province as Assistant for Religious Life until 1964. He then traveled to Lima, Peru to serve as administrator of Colegio Santa Maria for 4 years.  In 1968 he returned to Chaminade HS in St. Louis, to teach and serve as school chaplain for six years.

In 1974 he began a lifetime of service with St. Mary’s University as professor, chaplain, Chair of the Theology Department, Administrative Vice-President and President of the University. In 2007 he began his semi-retirement, always willing to help in any way possible.

Fr. John had 2 sisters, Marie (Perry) and Carol (Ferrari), both deceased and a brother who died at a very young age. He is survived by nieces and nephews: Suzanne, Mark, Janet, Steve, Dave & Jeff (Perry); and John, Beth, Nora, Claudia & Edward (Ferrari).

FUNERAL SERVICES

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

6:00 PM Viewing with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at Holy Rosary Parish

159 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228

Thursday, December 30, 2021

9:30 AM Viewing followed by

Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Holy Rosary Parish.

Burial in Marianist Cemetery.

Both Services can be viewed on: Facebook.com/HolyRosarySA/ under (Facebook Live)

and after January 5 on St. Mary’s University Webpage.

There will be no reception due to caution for the Covid-19 concerns.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the

Marianist Mission, Mt. St. John, 4435 East Patterson Rd, Dayton, OH 45430-1033

or to the

John A. Leies Scholarship Fund at St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX. 

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