Rev. John Terepeka

[Terepka picture]

Rev. John Terepka dies suddenly by Delphine Z. Kaminski Father John Terepka, a retired priest from the Belleville Diocese, died suddenly while visiting his family in Kolno, Poland. Father was preparing to celebrate mass when he collapsed. Before he left for Poland Father spent last summer celebrating his fiftieth anniversary, He formally marked the occasion with a mass in his home parish. St. Hedwig's Church, Wilmington, Delaware on June 13. His good friend, Msgr. Paulin Dobkowski, pastor in Johnston City, Illinois, preached the jubilee homily. A reception followed in Jadjeska Hall, where the jubilarian was feted at a dinner and dance. In Southern Illinois various parishes marked Father Terepka's milestone. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 14, 1916, Father Terepka is a son of the late Alexander and Catherine Mikalojewski Terepka. He had four brothers, Staniey, Joseph, Alexander, and Benjamin and one sister Mary Mieczkowska, all of whom preceded him in death. After completing his studies at Orchard Lake Michigan, he was ordained June 5, 1943 in Belleville, IL. His assignments in the Belleville Diocese have taken him to a variety of parishes including the former St. Adalbert, East St. Louis; St. Michael in the historic Polish community in Radom; St. Lawrence, Lawrenceville; St. Agatha, New Athens; St. John Baptist, West Frankfort, IL; St. Charles, De Bois, IL; and Mary Magdalene, Todds, Mill, IL. After his retirement Father continued his priestly duties assisting at area parishes, including St. Stanislaus Kostka, and numerous times at the Dozynki celebrations at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. And as recently as January, 1992, he installed the Polish American officers at an installation reception. On October 23, the funeral mass was held at St. Michael's Church, Radom, IL. The main celebrant was Msgr. James Margason, Administrator of the Diocese of Belleville. Concelebrants were Father Jerome Hibner and Msgr. Paulin Dobkowski. The homily was delivered by Msgr. Cletus Cunningham. There were 72 priests present at the funeral mass. Father Terepka will be greatly missed. He always had a smile on his face. He was cordial to everyone he met. This was his signature. He was loved and will be deeply missed. This writer admired him greatly because when things were difficult for the HEJNAL he was always there giving me encouragement to continue my work. Father was also very supportive of anything Polish and promoted the Polish-American community. "I Hope the people coming into the world are as good as some of those leaving it." Wieczny odpoczynek racz mu dac Panie, a swiatlosc wiekuista niechaj mu Swieci na wieki wiekow. Amen

From: HEJNAL, Winter 1993