(March 19, 1919 – August 15, 2015) Our fellow friar of the Sacred Heart Province, Br. John Bush, OFM, died on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at St. Mary's Home Felician Village, Manitowoc, WI, at the age of 96. His transition to heaven was one of peace and anticipation.

Joseph Bush, was born to Thomas Bush and Catherine (nee Sharkey) Bush on March 19, 1919 in Chicago, IL. He served in the army in WWII in Hawaii and the Philippines. He was received into the Franciscan community on October 7, 1948 and was given the name John. He entered the novitiate on July 4, 1951. Br. John made his solemn profession on July 5, 1955.

Br. John served the Franciscan fraternity in various ministries. He was the secretary of the Vocation Office for seven years. For 33 years Br. John was on the road filling in wherever his services were required, responding to the needs of the fraternity. Fifteen of those years he lived at St. Peter's in Chicago and was an advocate for the poor and an activist for veterans. Br. John retired in 2006.

Br. John was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Catherine Bush of Chicago IL, his brothers Earl and Gordon and his sisters Ruth Bush Jones and Catherine Lynch. He is survived by his many nieces and nephews and his Franciscan family.

The Franciscan community would like to express our deep appreciation and assurance of prayers to the staff at St. Mary's Home at Felician Village. We would also like to thank Home Care Health Services and Hospice for overseeing the care of our brother while he lived at St. Mary's.

In your kindness, please consider making a donation in memory of Br. John Bush, OFM, for the continued care of our retired brothers and priests. Any donation would be much appreciated. Please send your charitable contribution to Blessed Giles Friary, 1820 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc, WI 54220. May God bless you.

Family and friends will gather at the Blessed Angela Chapel at Felician Village, 1635 South 21st Street, Manitowoc at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 20, 2015. A Mass of Resurrection will follow at 11:00 A.M. Br. John will be buried in the friar's plot at Calvary Cemetery in Manitowoc. Military rites will be accorded by AMVETS Post 99.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting with funeral arrangements.