Because of their profound faith, tremendous dedication to St. Joseph Parish and its school and their overwhelming commitment to Catholic education, Walter and Margaret "Peggy" Luehrs are being recognized as the honorary chairpersons of this year's Fall Spectacular.

Walter, who passed away March 13, 2009, has been given the honor posthumously. A staunch advocate for and supporter of our parish and school, he continues to be missed by all of us, but we know he is in paradise with his life-long friend, Jesus Christ. It wasn't uncommon to see this man of faith kneeling in silent prayer in the empty church during weekdays. He was a spiritual mentor to all, especially his children. His kids are special people. Peggy said she doesn't know what she would do without the love and support of her family. "They're the best!"

Walter and Peggy were married June 13, 1946, in Chicago . They relocated to New York during the first years of their marriage and ultimately returned to the Midwest in the 1950s. As the family continued to grow, the faithful mom and dad remained devoted to the Lord, their children and others.

They have three sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Heather Luehrs of Denver, Colo., Joseph and Nancy Luehrs of Crystal Lake, Steve and Jeannie Luehrs of Bradley; nine daughters and four sons-in law, Maureen Kenney of Cleveland, Ohio, Caroline and David Toofan of Barrington, Patricia Luehrs of San Gabriel, Calif., Susan and Eugene Koos of El Paso, Lynn Luehrs and Arlan Bertrand of Clifton, Mary and Martin Masel of Deerfield, Jyll and Michael Boudreau of Bourbonnais, Joan Luehrs of Berkley, Mich., Jean Luehrs of Kankakee; 21 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In the early 1970s, the family moved from Kankakee to Bradley and became members of St. Joseph's. Six of their 12 children attended the parish school. The rest had already graduated from St. Patrick School.

Everyday, growing up, the children with mom dad would kneel in the hallway of their home and pray in thanksgiving to God for the countless blessings in their lives. They would lift up their friends, relatives and strangers in prayer as well. It was just another part of the day at the Luehrs' home. The kids were introduced to the lives of the saints and were encouraged to look to these holy figures for guidance and strength. Mealtime prayers were lengthy as the mom and dad would seek the intercession of various saints. In fact, Walter would often find saints who somehow tied into what his children were doing in their lives.

The husband and wife's faithfulness to God and the church didn't end at home or at Mass, the two were very involved at their parish over the years. They certainly supported its programs and ministries. They also gave of their time to help those in need through assisting at the local food pantries and writing checks to charitable organizations and church causes.  

A mechanical engineer, Walter gave back his gifts by serving as a GED instructor. He also found time to give blood and coordinate outreach projects. Peggy tutored St. Joseph School students, volunteered in the school library and helped in the office. She was always available to help out at the school. Walter was a gifted lector and dedicated Eucharistic minister and was a 4^th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Peggy continues to serve as a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph' s. They encouraged their children to live active faith lives too. Their legacy of faith, family and compassion certainly continues to resonate through the actions of their children and grandchildren.

When their ninth child was in college in the 1980s, Walter and Peggy found themselves in a large home with little activity when their adult kids weren't around. It was a time when most of their peers were looking forward to retiring and taking it easy somewhere. But, both of them felt in their hearts they had more to give. They adopted three young girls from South Korea and loved and raised them as their own. Walter taught them English at the blackboard in the basement. They excelled at our local schools and went on to college. They remain, just as the others, part of the family.

            Peggy said she is extremely humbled by the recognition of honorary chairperson at the Fall Spectacular. She said her husband did many things for others and served the Lord in many ways, but always steered clear of any sort of credit or accolades. He really tried to live as Jesus did on earth. He would be so happy about the young families who have chosen St. Joseph School . He would have done anything he could to help them.

            Walter and Peggy remained supporters of the school even after their children had graduated from it. Their granddaughter, Allison Luehrs, is in sixth grade at St. Joseph' s. It's a great place to send your children, said Peggy. It just reinforces what you teach them at home and gives them everything they need to succeed in life.