In Memoriam Detail | Fr. David J. Stagaman, SJ

David J. Stagaman

Fr. David J. Stagaman, SJ

Dave spent most of his life working in higher education.

View remembrances

David J. Stagaman

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. David J. Stagaman, SJ, who died on August 9, 2015, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Mich. He was 80 years old. May he rest in peace.

Dave was born on July 29, 1935 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus on August 8, 1953 at Milford, Ohio. He was ordained on June 9, 1966 at Bellarmine School of Theology in North Aurora, Ill., and professed final vows on February 2, 1976, at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in Berkeley, Calif.

Dave graduated from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati before entering the Society. As a Jesuit, he earned a bachelor's degree in Latin and English (1958) and a master's degree in philosophy (1967) from Loyola University Chicago. He earned a Licentiate in Philosophy from West Baden College in Indiana (1960), and a Licentiate Degree of Sacred Theology from Bellarmine School of Theology in North Aurora (1967). He earned a Ph.D. in theology from the Institut Catholique de Paris, in Paris, France (1975).

Dave spent most of his life working in higher education. During his regency he taught mathematics at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. After studies, Dave spent 30 years at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley (JSTB). At JSTB, he was an assistant (1972-1983) and an associate (1983-2002) professor of systematic theology, dean (1987-1996), acting rector during General Congregation 32 (December 1974 - March 1975), and acting president (1995-1996).

After a sabbatical, Dave moved to Chicago, where he spent nine years at Loyola University Chicago. He was a professor of theology (2002-2011), chair of the Theology Department (2002-2006), rector (2004-2006), and academic dean for and acting director of the First Studies Program (2009-2011). In 2011, Dave moved to Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Mich, to care for his health.

VISITATION
Thursday, August 13, 2015
3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Prayer Service 7:00 p.m.
Colombiere Center
9075 Big Lake Road
Clarkston, MI 48346-1015

FUNERAL
Friday, August 14, 2015
10:30 a.m.
Colombiere Center
9075 Big Lake Road
Clarkston, MI 48346-1015

BURIAL SERVICE
Immediately following the funeral

In Memoriam

Guests are invited to share their memories and remembrances. Comments are posted below after moderation

Publications

Jesuits Spring 2019

Jesuits Fall/Winter 2018

Jesuits Summer 2018

August 14, 20153:21 PM

I am forever grateful for the leadership Dave provided while I was a student at JSTB, 1993-1996. It gave me great joy to know Dave's funeral today was at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, MI. I know the center well, from a 30-day retreat in 1975 and subsequent 8-day retreats there. My deepest sympathy to Dave's family, community and all who cared for him in his last years and days. – Janice Dworschak

August 17, 201511:09 PM

I had Fr. Stagaman for my Christology course at Loyola. I will have a Mass for him at our hospital chapel in La Crosse. – Fr. David Kelly, OFM

January 06, 201610:28 PM

I'm saddened to see (belatedly) that David has passed away. During my years as a student at JSTB in the mid-1980s, he was not only the most brilliant lecturer I had the privilege of learning from, but also a kind and humble and considerate person. His ability to integrate the concepts of systematic theology with lived human experience was incomparable. I'm sure that he is not just resting in peace, but enjoying some great theological conversations with those men and women who went before him. – Steve Kuehler

June 28, 20175:25 PM

Dave was my hero when I was a student at a Christian Brothers High School, in Chicago, St. Patrick High School. He spent many hours with my family while he was at Bellarmine, before Ordination. He was kind and compassionate to me and showed real interest in me as a young man. Great, strong example of a Christ follower. I loved him dearly. I know Dave is in heaven praying for all of us in this chaotic world. I hope to meet up with him one day! Dearest, Dave. – Philip Wayne

Our Mission

The Society of Jesus – Serving the Catholic Church for the greater glory of God.

Get Involved

Click here to sign up for our award-winning enewsletter, learn about upcoming events and participate in our advocacy campaigns.

Support Us

No matter your connection to the Society of Jesus, there is an opportunity for you to partner with the Jesuits and become part of their work.

Creighton University Retreat Center

Located 45 miles east of Omaha, Neb., in rural Iowa, the Creighton University Retreat Center is situated on 154 wooded acres on the Nishnabotna River.

Find a retreat center near you

Find a parish near you