Rev. John R. Winterlin
Deceased: 2010-06-13
Diocese: GARY
Seminary Graduation Year: 1969
Reverend John R. “Jack” Winterlin, age 75 of Munster, a Roman Catholic Priest in the Diocese of Gary for over 41 years, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, June 13, 2010 after a lengthy illness. Father Jack was a graduate of DePaul University and received his Masters Degree in Music Theory and Performance at the American Conservatory of Music. After music school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he spent two years in Germany. When his tour of duty was finished and after teaching and concertizing for several years, he entered the seminary at the North American College in Rome, Italy where he served as director of music and was ordained in Rome in December of 1968. Bishop Grutka immediately appointed Father Jack as Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at Bishop Noll Institute where he directed music and taught theology for 20 years and was inducted into the BNI Hall of Honor in 2004. He also served as diocesan director of liturgical music for 30 years. After serving parishes in LaPorte, Griffith, East Chicago, Whiting and Hammond, Father Winterlin became pastor at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Whiting in 1985; pastor at St. Stephen the Martyr in Merrillville in 1988; and pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Hammond in 1996 until his retirement in 2005. Father Jack was currently a member at St. James the Less Church in Highland. Father Jack is survived by his sister, Dolores J. Winterlin of Munster; cousin, Mary Krick of Dyer; and numerous other cousins. Preceded in death by his mother, Margaret. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at St. James the Less Church, 9640 Kennedy Ave., Highland, IN from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 10701 Olcott Ave., St. John (new church) beginning with the Rite of Reception at 2:00 p.m. and continuing thereafter until Evening Prayer at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, June 18, 2010 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. (please refer to www.stjohnparish.org for directions to church). Funeral services will be held Friday, June 18, 2010 atSt. John theEvangelistChurch (new church) beginning beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Morning Prayer. Immediately following Morning Prayer, the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Bishop Dale J. Melczek along with concelebrating priests of the Diocese. Burial to follow atCalumetParkCemetery,Merrillville. Father Jack’s memory and faith will live on in the music and ministry of those he touched along his journey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity. Arrangements entrusted to Fife Funeral Home,4201 Indianapolis Blvd.,East Chicago,IN.
