Ronald Edward Modras, PhD.
Ronald E. Modras, beloved husband of Mary Elizabeth Hogan over 25 years , former priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, noted author and theologian, Theology PhD from Tuebingen, Germany, Professor at St. John Seminary and St. Louis University died October 17, 2018 after extended illnesses. He is survived by his loving sister, Beverly Rogers, and brother Mark Modras. He is also survived by many loving friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. Funeral liturgy at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2201 S. Old US23 Hwy, Brighton, MI 48114 November 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. Visitation from 10-11 a.m. Memorials to Pax Christi USA, 415 Michigan Ave. NE, Ste. 240, Washington, D.C. 20017 or St. Mary Magdalen Soup Kitchen.
Ron was a friend, a colleague, and a mentor. We first met in 1973 in Plymouth when both of us were working at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish. The bond was instant and life-long. Ron wrote the letter of recommendation that helped me get into the doctoral program in Muenster. Over the next four decades, he and Liz welcomed Jana and me into their home and we did them into ours in almost every place that we and they resided. Now he is part of the great cloud of witnesses. May he rest in peace, and may all who loved him find comfort in all that he gave us.
I miss Ron already! He was a scholar and an academic, but he did not live in an ivory tower. I loved Ron’s sense of faith and justice and how he and Liz lived with compassion for others. His was is a living faith, encompassing true engagement with the world.
Another wonderful memory I have of Ron is his love of cooking and sharing some great home-cooked meals around their table. Always dynamic, interested in learning and trying new cullinary cuisines. I guess that’s how he came to accept me, a Protestant clergy woman as his friend and colleague as well. For that, Tony and I are most grateful. Blessings of Divine Majesty, Incarnate Word and Abiding Spirit remain upon us always. Amen