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| Reverend Marsh |
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| Father Kros |
You’ll Do Anything to Get into Heaven!
By Roni Bell
The recent Parkland School shooting has brought out commentators who claim “we now have people who don’t know right from wrong."
Those comments, "don't know right from wrong," echoed Father Kros 32 years ago.
The truly preventable and tragic loss of human lives, at the hands of a boy who truly didn't know "right from wrong," began rumbling around teachings of two long time friends: Father Kros and Reverend Marsh.
The truly preventable and tragic loss of human lives, at the hands of a boy who truly didn't know "right from wrong," began rumbling around teachings of two long time friends: Father Kros and Reverend Marsh.
About 51 years ago I was hospitalized in Clarkson Hospital Omaha, shortly after I’d worked there.
Had gotten to know Clarkson’s resident Episcopalian Bishop, and already held as close friends Reverend Donald Marsh (of my Grace United Methodist Church in Papillion), and Father Donald Kros (Chaplain at then-Rummel High School in Omaha).
A friend came to visit when all three were in my room. Following the introductions, my friend stated loudly to all, “Boy Roni! You’ll do anything to get into heaven!”
From the time I was 13 until Reverend Marsh's death 2013, he and his wife Helen were close friends of mine.
We did FUN things together like “entertaining at Senior Citizen homes.” Don would play the piano (put his way through seminary playing in night clubs), Helen plunked on a Ukulele, and I’d sing.
We did FUN things together like “entertaining at Senior Citizen homes.” Don would play the piano (put his way through seminary playing in night clubs), Helen plunked on a Ukulele, and I’d sing.
In 1964, Reverend Marsh married me to my first husband; and in 1968 to my second husband.
When it came to Chuck, I told Don, “Nope! Can’t let you do this again. Didn’t work the first two times…and I want THIS one to last!” Each time we re-told that story, we’d all burst into laughter!
Reverend Marsh was all about "Agape."
While I worked at Mr. Kelly’s, Father Kros would come visit his buddy Kelly McMahon. Overtime, and as I served him a pre-dinner martini, wine with dinner and Green Chartreuse afterwards, we became friends.
I called him “Donnie,” he called me “you little brat.”
His sister Susan left the order and shortly after became Gene’s (my X-husband) assistant. Donnie kidded Susan, “you’re my sister who used to be a sister, but is still my sister.”
Susan was a beautiful “lady” I respected dearly. Regrettably, I’ve lost track of Susan and her grand husband Harry Grace.
Reverend Marsh and Father Kros both teased me, “You’re far more conservative than I.” Then we’d launch into deep discussions and I’d take both to the mat countering with, “See! We agree on every point. Therefore, I’m as ‘liberal as you!”
Donnie came to visit Susan in about 1986. I will never ever forget his sadly telling me, “I’m seeing a future of people who will not know the difference between right and wrong.”
“WHAT?”
He explained how, as one time chaplain of Rummel High and his subsequent years at parishes in northern Nebraska, he’d seen families break up, single parent homes, an eroding of boundaries, government intrusion, disappearance of God, advent of video games, babies raising themselves, vanishing work ethic and just all around “confusion and lack of direction.”
Shortly before Donnie died, I called and asked him, “How did you know?”
His simple answer? “Little brats who’d do anything to get into heaven were disappearing.”
Father Kros was all about "Agape."
If you look up "goodness, grace and agape," you're sure to see: Father Kros and Reverend Marsh.
If you look up "goodness, grace and agape," you're sure to see: Father Kros and Reverend Marsh.
RIP Father Kros and Reverend Marsh. May you have heavenly influence over us, and teach us the difference between "right and wrong."
Agape...
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FATHER KROS SERVED IN THE ARCHDIOCESE 57 YEARS
BY MIKE MAY Catholic Voice
Father Donald Kros, an Omaha native whose 57 years in the priesthood included serving in rural and urban parishes and high schools, died Nov. 15. He was 82.
Born in 1933, he attended Ss. Peter and Paul School. Father Kros also studied at Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., and Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Ordained in 1959, Father Kros served as assistant pastor of two Omaha parishes – then-Holy Angels Parish from 1959 to 1960, and St. Bernard Parish from 1960 to 1965. He served as chaplain at then-Rummel High School in Omaha from 1965 to 1969.
Father Kros became pastor of St. Bonaventure Parish in Raeville in 1969, serving there until 1977, when he was appointed pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Bloomfield. His last assignment as pastor was of Assumption Parish in Lynch in 1992, where he served until he retired in Lynch in 1998.
Born in Omaha, he attended Ss. Peter and Paul School. Father Kros also studied at Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., and Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Father Donald Kros, an Omaha native whose 57 years in the priesthood included service in rural and urban parishes and high schools, died Nov. 15. He was 82.
Memorial Masses will be held Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Church in Bloomfield and Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Omaha. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Omaha at a later date.
Father Kros was "extremely comfortable in his own skin and powerfully authentic," said longtime friend Msgr. James Gilg.
"He was also very gracious and hospitable, counseling many people who contacted him for help with emotional and personal crises. He was a lifesaver to many people and loved telling people they were loved by God for who they are."
Ordained in 1959, Father Kros served as assistant pastor at two Omaha parishes – then-Holy Angels Parish from 1959 to 1960, and St. Bernard Parish from 1960 to 1965. He served as chaplain at then-Archbishop Rummel High School in Omaha from 1965 to 1969.
Father Kros became pastor of St. Bonaventure Parish in Raeville in 1969, serving there until 1977, when he became pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Bloomfield.
During his time in Raeville, he also taught and served as guidance counselor and president at Pope John XXIII Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School in nearby Elgin.
"One of his extraordinary talents was connecting with high school kids," Msgr. Gilg said. "He was very effective working with young people."
Father Kros’ last pastorate was at Assumption Parish in Lynch in 1992, where he served until his retirement in Lynch in 1998.
He was preceded in death by parents, William and Mary Kros; brother, William; nephew, Mark. He is survived by sister and brother-in-law, Susan Lorraine and Harry Grace; brothers and sisters-in-law, James, Edward and Yvonne, and Elizabeth; nephews; great-nephews; great-nieces; caretaker, Sandy Sebben.
Photo credit unknown...
Photo credit unknown...
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Reverend Donald F. Marsh
Donald F. Marsh, 88, of Lincoln, went to heaven Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Born November 15, 1924 at the family farm near Archer, Neb., the son of Marion and Belle (Mesner) Marsh. Attended Gardner School Dist. 23, graduated Central City High School 1942. Veteran of WWII, served in the Army Medical Corps. Attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, Garrett Seminary and Duke Divinity School. Married life love and partner, Helen Adelia Terry, March 22, 1952. Earned Doctor of Ministry at San Francisco Seminary. Served as United Methodist pastor in Schuyler, Papillion, Hanscom Park (Omaha), Geneva and Faith Westwood (Millard) churches and as Superintendent of the Southeast District.
Donald F. Marsh, 88, of Lincoln, went to heaven Wednesday, November 13, 2013. Born November 15, 1924 at the family farm near Archer, Neb., the son of Marion and Belle (Mesner) Marsh. Attended Gardner School Dist. 23, graduated Central City High School 1942. Veteran of WWII, served in the Army Medical Corps. Attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, Garrett Seminary and Duke Divinity School. Married life love and partner, Helen Adelia Terry, March 22, 1952. Earned Doctor of Ministry at San Francisco Seminary. Served as United Methodist pastor in Schuyler, Papillion, Hanscom Park (Omaha), Geneva and Faith Westwood (Millard) churches and as Superintendent of the Southeast District.
An accomplished pianist, song leader and composer, Don led workshops and seminars on the role of music in worship. Wrote numerous musicals, songs and cantatas, including "Barbecue for Ben", three volumes of hymn embellishments called "The Gospel Pianist", and Advent song "Waiting, Waiting". Don and Helen are fondly remembered for their musical and pantomime skits as the "Marshmallows".
Don was also a strong advocate for peace and justice issues. He ministered to prisoners with AIDS when others would not. Active in Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty. Moreover, he lived his life by the words he preached; forever compassionate, kind and forgiving. Don was intelligent, well-informed, creative and had a witty, wondrous sense of humor.
Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen; sons, Steve (LaVonne) Marsh, Dave (Mary Hansen) Marsh; grandchildren, Keenan Marsh and Corina Marsh; step-grandson, Tim Emry; brother, Glenn (Donna) Marsh; sisters-in-law, Roberta Marsh, Marilyn Marsh and Georgene Sanders.
Celebration of life Monday, Nov. 18, 2:30 p.m. and visitation Sunday, Nov. 17, 6-8 p.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 46th & A, Lincoln. Memorials to Christ UMC, UMCOR Philippines Relief or family.
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Don was also a strong advocate for peace and justice issues. He ministered to prisoners with AIDS when others would not. Active in Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty. Moreover, he lived his life by the words he preached; forever compassionate, kind and forgiving. Don was intelligent, well-informed, creative and had a witty, wondrous sense of humor.
Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen; sons, Steve (LaVonne) Marsh, Dave (Mary Hansen) Marsh; grandchildren, Keenan Marsh and Corina Marsh; step-grandson, Tim Emry; brother, Glenn (Donna) Marsh; sisters-in-law, Roberta Marsh, Marilyn Marsh and Georgene Sanders.
Celebration of life Monday, Nov. 18, 2:30 p.m. and visitation Sunday, Nov. 17, 6-8 p.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 46th & A, Lincoln. Memorials to Christ UMC, UMCOR Philippines Relief or family.
Photo credit unknown...
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