John Joseph Stretch, Ph.D. died on May 20, 2022 from complications of Alzheimer’s dementia. 

While a consultant to The Salvation Army, Dr. Stretch developed a Continuum of Care for homelessness and affordable housing. The model was replicated in the State of Missouri and nationally.

Jack was born February 24, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Theresa Carmelita and John Stretch. He is preceded in death by siblings Mary Stone (Tim), Jimmy, Mike (Babs), Betty Houseman, and Larry, and former son-in-law Robert Benner.

He was drafted into the US Army and served in the Army Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1970.

He is a graduate of Most Holy Trinity grade school, Kenrick Seminary High School, Maryknoll Seminary, Glen Ellyn, IL. (BA), Washington University in St. Louis, (Master of Social Work), Tulane University (PhD in Philosophy), and Saint Louis University (MBA). He was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Missouri for over forty years.

Dr. Stretch was a Full Professor, Assistant Dean, and Director in the Masters and Ph.D. programs in the School of Social Service at Saint Louis University for forty years. He taught social work practice and management, research design, and social policy.

Jack authored books, articles in scholarly journals, and research studies, focusing on homelessness and fair health care and housing. He was on the editorial board of and a frequent contributor to “Social Work”, the preeminent journal of social work research. Jack was a board member, board president, and consultant with several organizations, including Beyond Housing, the United Way of St. Louis, the Catholic Health Association, Missouri Association for Social Welfare, and The Salvation Army.

He is survived by Barbara (Stewart) Stretch, his children Paul (Alicia Richards), Leonmarie Benner (Greg Mason), Sylvan Schulz (Dan), Adrienne, Sharon DeVries (Kevin), Margaret, and Thomas, mother of five of his children Marilee Milroy, his siblings Pat Moeslein (Charlie), and Joe Stretch (Debbie), fourteen grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jack will be profoundly missed by friends and family, the social work community, and advocates for affordable housing and health care and social justice.

Funeral Mass, Sat., Sept. 17, 11:00 am, Our Lady of the Pillar, 401 S. Lindbergh, Creve Couer, 63131

Celebration of Life. Sun., Sept. 18, 2:00-5:00 pm, Beyond Housing, 6506 Wright Way, Pine Lawn, 63121

Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Mon., Sept. 19, 12:30 pm.

Floris:  Russell Florist, https://russellfloriststlouis.net/