Thomas F. Ankenbrandt (Brother)

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Fr. Thomas F. Ankenbrandt, SJ, who died on January 8, 2018, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. He was 88 years old. May he rest in peace.

Tom was born on January 6, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio.  He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus on August 21, 1947, at Milford, Ohio. He was ordained on June 12, 1960, at West Baden College in southern Indiana, and took final vows on August 15, 1963 in Detroit, Michigan.

Before entering the Society, Tom graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland. After completing the ordinary novitiate and juniorate at Milford, Tom left immediately for the Patna Mission and studied Hindi for a full year before beginning philosophical studies at Di Nobile College, Poona, until poor health forced Tom to return to the US. He completed his philosophy and Theology studies at West Baden earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Loyola University Chicago and Licentiates in Philosophy and Theology from West Baden College.

During Regency, Tom taught English and Latin at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati (1956-1957). After ordination, he taught religious studies at the University of Detroit (1962-1965) before graduate studies in Theology at the University of Toronto (1965-1971). He returned to the US in 1971 and taught at Wheeling Jesuit College (1971-1973).

In 1973, Tom transitioned from university work to secondary education and pastoral ministry. He taught at Jesuit High School in New Orleans for a year before working at the John XXIII Center in New York (1974-1977). He returned to his Alma Mater, St. Ignatius High School, and taught Theology (1977-1981). He then was an associate pastor at: Gesu Church (Toledo), St. David Church (Davie, Florida), and St. Maurice Church (Fr. Lauderdale, Florida). In 1984 Tom moved to Colombiere Center and, except for two years (1990-1992) when he was caring for his ailing sister in Ft. Lauderdale, used his ministerial gifts — writing, pastoral ministry, and driving — to care for members of the Colombiere Community.

Tom celebrated the Eucharist with great devotion at Colombiere and at nearby Our Lady of the Lakes.Tom was an avid reader especially in the areas of philosophy, theology, and art history. For about 20 years he hosted a theology discussion group at Colombiere Center for lay friends and interested Jesuits. Tom’s academic writing continued to influence students as recently as this past year.

Wake:

Friday, January 12, 2018
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Prayer Service 7:00 p.m.
Colombiere Center
9075 Big Lake Road
Clarkston, MI  48346-1015

Funeral:

Saturday, January 13, 2018
10:45 a.m.
Colombiere Center
9075 Big Lake Road
Clarkston, MI  48346-1015

Condolences:

Charles Ankenbrandt (brother)
1016 Ray Street
Geneva, IL  60134