Brother Jack Hardesty (84)

Brother Jack Hardesty, OFM, a dedicated member of the Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart, passed away at the age of 84 on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 9:19 am.

Born on October 14, 1939, to Alfred and Hazel (May) Hardesty in Neoga, Illinois, Brother Jack responded to a divine calling and, in 1957, embarked on the path to religious life within the Franciscan community. Brother Jack was a man ahead of his times, harboring a profound interest in computers, a passion that manifested throughout his life. His journey of service began as a business manager at Our Lady Queen of Angels Seminary in Quincy, Illinois, followed by roles at Quincy University, Padua Franciscan High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and Hales Franciscan High School in Chicago, Illinois. In 1991, he assumed the position of Director of Computer Services at Mayslake Village, a large retirement village near Chicago. Later, in 1994, he transitioned to Quincy University's library, dedicating 14 years to their service.In 2008, Brother Jack embraced a new ministry, caring for elderly Franciscans at Saint Clare Villa in Alton, Illinois. When circumstances led to the closure of Saint Francis Villa due to the Covid pandemic, Jack and his fellow Franciscans relocated to Alton's Evergreen Place. It was during this time that Brother Jack gradually eased into retirement, his focus shifting to health care for the Friars and genealogy research. He devoted significant time to exploring his family history, discovering with great excitement some noble lineage among his ancestors.

He is survived by his siblings, William "Bill" Hardesty (Karen), Mary Ann Herring, and Dorothy M. Harl; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings C. Leo Hardesty, James Hardesty, Florence Hardesty, and Rosemary Hardesty.

A Friar of compassion, Brother Jack chose to lead a life of simplicity and dedicated himself to living out the Gospel. Gifted and diligent, he utilized his talents for the betterment of his community and the fulfillment of his calling. Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies, he put his faith in me and will never suffer eternal death.

As per Brother Jack’s wishes Cremation Rites were accorded and a Memorial Service will be held Friday December 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the Swengel - O’Dell funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois. Burial will be in the St. Patrick Cemetery in Trowbridge, Illinois.