August 11, 2010

Former Regis professor Father ‘Jack’ Teeling dies

ST. LOUIS—Denver native Father John P. “Jack” Teeling, S.J., died in his sleep early Wednesday, Aug. 4 at the Fusz Pavilion in St. Louis. He was 86 years old and a Jesuit for nearly 68 years.

Born on Dec. 11, 1923, he entered the Society of Jesus at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Mo., on Aug. 8, 1942, and was ordained on June 16, 1955, at St. Mary’s College in Kansas.

After ordination and tertianship, Father Teeling completed a doctorate in modern British literature at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. After doctoral studies, he taught English at Regis College (now university) in Denver where he served as rector of the community from 1971 until 1974.

Father Teeling was always interested in other cultures and enjoyed teaching at many different schools throughout the world: Baghdad College in Iraq (1966-1968), the University of San Francisco (1974-1980, 1981-1983), Sogang University in Korea (1980-1981), Escuelas Profesionales in Andalusia, Spain (1985-1986), and Jushin College in Nagasaki, Japan (1989-1990.)

He returned to Regis in 1986 to become a supervisory professor for the continuing education program (RECEP) and served as the first superior of the Xavier Jesuit Community in Denver.

He rejoined the Regis University Jesuit Community in 1997 and provided sacramental and pastoral ministry at several parishes and skilled nursing facilities.

In 2001 Father Teeling had an extended stay at the Fusz Pavilion recovering from a medical setback and returned to the pavilion as a permanent community member in 2008.

A longtime fan of Notre Dame and Denver Broncos football, Father Teeling stayed in contact with friends throughout the world, was always interested in the works of the Society, and cheerfully supported his fellow Jesuits in community.

Visitation and a funeral Mass were held Aug. 10 at St. Francis Xavier College Church. Burial was set for Aug. 11 in Calvary Cemetery.