Reverend John Lefko, CPPS

 

Born on October 5th, 1912, John Lefko was one of six children of Ukrainian immigrants who settled in New York's Lower East side.  Growing up in the tough Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, he belonged to a gang named the Why Worry Boys.  With help from priests who were his mentors, he went to graduate from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer in 1932.

 

Fr. Lefko came to Whiting shortly after his May 1st, 1938 ordination on June 1st, 1938 as a replacement at St. John's to Fr. Stadtherr, Fr. Kostik's assistant.  As Fr. Kostik took on more responsibilities in the Precious Blood community, Fr. Lefko took on more responsibility at St. John the Baptist.  In August of 1945, when Fr. Kostik moved on to his broader Precious Blood responsibilities and missionary work, Fr. Lefko became the third pastor of St. John's. 

 

Fr. Lefko guided the Parish during the dynamic post-World War II years.  Noteworthy during his stewardship was the turbulent situation with the Hammond School board in the late '40's, when the Board refused to permit Catholic children to receive religious training in a public setting.  He also adeptly raised funds, helped plan and lead the Parish during the important expansion of the School.

 

The expansion project found Fr. Lefko a leader admirably suited to the task.  As he prepared for a graduate degree at Indiana University shortly before his appointment to St. John's, he was interested in modern church and school construction and had formulated creative plans for a new school according to modern patterns.  Upon the first phase's completion it was noted that those who saw it realized the the dream and plan of Father Lefko, acknowledging the prayer, work and generous giving of St. John's people that made it a reality.

 

On July 19th, 1953, Fr. Lefko was transferred after fifteen years as assistant and pastor.  He became head of the college foundation and director of development for St. Joseph's college in Rensselaer before returning to the Whiting area as president of Calumet College St. Joseph. 

 

After being named President of Calumet College in 1967, he helped move the struggling branch campus to an independent degree-granting institution.  At Calumet College, Fr. Lefko became a prime mover, getting to know noteworthy public figures like Chicago Bears owner George Halas.  Importantly, he orchestrated the gift from Amoco Oil of the property that is now home to the campus.

 

After his retirement from President in 1975, he remained at Calumet College in residence until 2000 when moved back to the Precious Blood Mother House in Carthegena where he passed on July 1st, 2002.