Rev. Chester Stephen Prusynski, C.S.C., passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012, at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. He was 91 years old.
Fr. Prusynski was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., to Stephen and Josephine (Muras) Prusynski on May 16, 1920. He was baptized at St. Lawrence Parish, Wisconsin Rapids, in 1938. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he entered the United States Army. Because of the G.I. Bill, he was able to attend Marquette University, Milwaukee, graduating in 1950. He later received his M.S. in Business Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., in 1953.
In 1956, Fr. Prusynski joined the Congregation of Holy Cross when he entered Sacred Heart Novitiate in Jordan, Minn., and made his First Vows there a year later. After a year at Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, Ind., and four years of studying theology at Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C., he was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1962 in The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee.
Following a year in the pastoral apprenticeship program at the University of Notre Dame, a year of teaching and prefecting in a student residence hall, Fr. Prusynski was assigned to the University of Portland, Portland, Ore., in 1964. During his long service, he taught accounting, served on the Board of Regents, and became a Steward of the local Holy Cross Community. He also assisted in various parishes in the Portland area.
While at the University of Portland, he enjoyed watching his students grow in and out of the classroom. Upon retiring from teaching, he was able to spend more time supporting the students on the playing field. He enjoyed spending countless hours at the athletic facilities around campus. Fr. Prusynski’s was one of the Portland Pilot’s soccer team’s biggest fans.
Fr. Prusynski would have celebrated his 50th anniversary of Ordination on May 25, 2012.
Fr. Prusynski is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Josephine Prusynski; his brothers: Ollie, Severe, and Clifford; and his sisters: Marcella Miller and Dorothy Ferhman. He is survived by his brother, George, his sister, Verna Johnson, several nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.
Viewing and a wake service were held in the Chapel of Moreau Seminary, University of Notre Dame. The funeral Mass was celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, on Thursday, April 26.
