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Chaplain (Major) Henry T. Vakoc, Retired 
Chaplain (Major) Henry Timothy Vakoc, Retired
Jan 8, 1960 to June 20, 2009
Journal
Saturday, June 27, 2009 5:48 AM CDT About 8:00 p.m. CST, on June 20, 2009 Fr. Henry Timothy Vakoc passed away. He was surrounded by family and friends who prayed him into heaven.
Funeral services for Fr. Tim were held June 26, 2009. Fr. Tim's family expresses its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the services, and for the prayers and support they have received during this challenging time.
Out of respect for Fr. Tim, his family IS NOT granting press/media interviews at this time. Please contact Dennis McGrath, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul, for more information..
Donations to be made in the name of Fr. Henry Timothy Vakoc.
Fr. Tim’s family offers their heartfelt thanks for those who would like to make donations to any of the following organizations: the Franciscan Brothers of Peace; the Fisher House construction project on the grounds of the Minneapolis Veterans’ Administration Hospital; The TKE Fraternity St. Cloud University Scholarship Fund; St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Please specify that you are making a donation in the name of Fr. Tim Vakoc.
1.The Franciscan Brother of Peace:
Queen of Peace Friary
1289 Lafond Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104-2035
E-mail: franciscan@brothersofpeace.org
The Brothers’ website is: http://www.brothersofpeace.org
Follow the link labeled “Contact Us” for information on making donations.
2. Fisher House:
Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc.
111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420
Rockville, MD 20850-5168
E-mail: info@fisherhouse.org
The Fisher House website is: http://www.fisherhouse.org
Follow the link labeled “Contribute to make a donation to Fisher House.
3. St. Paul Seminary – At St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN:
University of St. Thomas • Minnesota
2115 Summit Avenue • Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105 • USA
1-651-962-5050
Email: spssod@stthomas.edu
The seminary website is: http://www.stthomas.edu/spssod/
Follow the links labeled “For Donors” (on the left of the screen); or, the box labeled “”Opportunities to Give – DONATIONS” (on the right of the screen”.
4.The Tim Vakoc St. Cloud State University Scholarship, Sponsored by the Tau Kappa Epsilon Alumni Association
Please contact:
Robert Copeland Scroll# 170
President Twin Cities Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Alumni Association
email: rorval48@yahoo.com
Office (651) 686-7107
Home (952) 949-3980
Reflections on a Final Visit with Fr. Tim:
A close friend visited Fr. Tim, as usual, on Saturday afternoon, June 20, 2009. This friend recounts how the visit with Fr. Tim went, and says much about how Fr. Tim treasured such visits with close friends.
Yesterday was a perfect summer day in Minnesota so I was pleased when I arrived at St Therese to see that Father Tim was up in his wheelchair and eager to go outside.
We took his hat but he declined any sunscreen and didn't want his hat on until we were actually outside.
We went to the gardens on the apartment side and admired all of the flowers that have bloomed so profusely over the past week, with the rain and sunshine we have had. There was a gentle breeze blowing as we stopped at the edge of the courtyard, overlooking the golf course.
As usual, I had several current event items to read to him. One that I thought would be especially meaningful to him was written by an Iraqi politician, Entifadh Qanbar, and titled "Don't Give Up On Iraqi Democracy". It talked about America's commitment to democracy in the world and ended by saying that what has happened in Iraq is a beginning and that efforts should not be abandoned. The article ended by saying "Someone once said of U.S. Middle East policy 'Choosing stability over freedom brings you neither.' Just because George W. Bush said it doesn't mean it isn't true." He grinned as I read that line.
And as I read the article to Father Tim I reminded him of what a vital role he has played in the success that is seen in Iraq today. His support of the soldiers who were working to start the process in 2004 was crucial to the success that is being realized (albeit slowly) now. He nodded solemnly.
Toward the end of the time (he had a 2 hour oxygen supply and another visitor had had him out earlier) I took out the book from his sister, "The One Year Yellow Ribbon Devotional" that he likes me to read. As usual, he wanted to open the enclosed note from her and peruse the writing, then carefully replace it in its envelope. The title of the devotion for June 20th was "A Word to Fathers." It spoke about the important role that fathers play in their children's lives. And at the end there is a prayer for fathers who are away from home because of a deployment. Father Tim and I said that prayer, for all of the father-soldiers who are away from their children, and for their wives and children who are waiting at home. Then we said a special prayer for his father also. By then he was ready to go back to his room, where the Twins game had just started on TV. He seemed tired but very peaceful and content after our outing.
We said our goodbyes and I asked for and received one of his loopy grins.
It is comforting to think that Tim, who in his Priesthood was a father to so many soldiers as well as to all of us who have been privileged to have known him, is celebrating with his own father, in the Presence of our heavenly Father on this special day.
May that same God watch over and comfort all of Tim's beloved family.
And now, for a final bit of homework . . . If you were given the chance to eulogize Fr. Henry Timothy Vakoc, what would you say? Please make your comments in the Guestbook.
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