New Prague Times - April 28, 1904

John J. Skluzacek
(contributed)

"Remember man "The Universal cause acts not by partial, but by general laws." This immortal passage was again exemplified when John J. Skluzacek, theologue, was on Saturday morning April 23, by the will of God, taken from our midst. It is but fitting that we should eulogize him, but profound sorrow at the loss of such a noble friend, and fear lest we should be incapable of doing justice to him whose character was above all reproach, restrain us from indulging to extol the memory of him who: "Knew this truth, enough for man to know That Virtue alone is happiness below." But the link of true friendship, even by death is severed not, and this brief and humble review of a noble life is only a faint expression of that regard we felt for the memory of our dear departed friend.

He was born Nov. 23, 1877, in New Prague. He was always a bright and industrious scholar, and the leader of his classes. He began his studies for the priesthood at St. Benedicts College, Atchison, Kansas, and there completed his classical course. They he pursued the study of theology at different seminaries; St. Francis seminary at Milwaukee, Kenrick Seminary at St. Louis, and St. Nicholas Seminary, Innsbruck, Austria. He was a master of the Greek, Latin, Bohemian and English languages and had not his life been terminate by an untimely death, he would undoubtedly have been a credit to his vocation. His ordination to priesthood was to take place on the 24th, ultimo. "Breathes there a man," who can say, "My path is strewn with roses." Search however we may, we cannot find a man but who has in the path of life some thorns for variety, so to speak. Tho the decease had all means with which to secure his education, at his command, and had the good will and encouragement of his parents, sisters, and brothers, to whom everlasting thanks are due. Yet he felt that as he oftentimes himself said he was no doing enough for the good of God and humanity. It was not ambition merely which thus inspired him, but it was his character, his virtue, and his high and noble aim for the accomplishment of deeds which pleaseth God. For a space of four years, 1898-1902, he devoted his time especially to literature, and by his forceful articles, characteristic of unity and clearness, which he contributed to our leading periodicals, he manifested his ideality. But it was ordained that literature was not the destiny of his hopes and plans, he was again called to labor in the vineyard of the Lord, and there he returned in 1902.

His convictions were equally as strong as the foundation on which they rested, and one really, who had the honor and the pleasure of hearing his arguments is justified in saying "Humanity thou hast lost a true and noble servant."

In 1902 he went to St. Francis seminary at Milwaukee, to pursue his theological studies, and to prepare for the final ordination, but his health failing him, he entered the Kenrick seminary at St. Louis there, but on the 20th of February, 1904, his condition was pronounced critical, and he returned to his home where he was nursed by those loving hands, the hands of his mother.

The funeral was held at 3 P.M. Sunday from the Catholic church in this city and the interment made in the adjoining cemetery.

There funeral services and the sermon, preached by Rev. F. Tichy were highly befitting the occasion. Ven. Wencl Skluzacek, cousin of the deceased, acted as deacon and Rev. Joseph Hovorka as subdeacon. Rev. F. Pezek, of Montgomery and Rev. F. Kotoue of Heidelberg were also present.

The deceased leavings to morn his demise eight brothers and give sisters and his parents. It has pleased God to call him from our midst. His will be done.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

CARD OF THANKS
We wish to thank the public for the kindness shown and for sympathies extended in the sickness and death of our beloved son and brother.
JOSEPH SKLUZACEK SR. and Family