David (Adolf) Typek, OFM

1925 - 2020

 

Brother David Typek, Franciscan Friar, barber, gardener, apple-cider specialist, Franciscan Crown Rosary creator, and a sandal maker! St. Francis himself, won’t be upstaged on his turf.  David’s sandals have been worn by friars throughout the United States, in Jerusalem, Japan and even Rome and if there are jokes to tell about them, he deserves a chance to tell them. 

Adolf Typek hails from McKees Rock (near Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania; born on December 19, 1925 to Andrew and Mary (née Pszczoła) Typek and baptized at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church on January 3, 1926. After completing his elementary education at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Grade School, Adolf entered Stow High School in McKees Rock. After finishing one year of high school, Adolf sought entrance into the Franciscan Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. With documents signed on the 8th day of August, 1941, Adolf was admitted as a Tertiary and received the name, David.  And so his Franciscan journey began. During his early formation David was confirmed at ABVM Church, Pulaski, WI on May 14, 1942 by Bishop Rhode. His sponsor was Bro. Edward Kraszewski. He chose Francis as his confirmation name, a fitting nod to his Franciscan vocation.

After completing a year in Pulaski working in the kitchen, printery and tailor shop, David was transferred to Burlington, Wisconsin. He arrived that summer but found his assignment in the tailor shop very difficult. On September 4, 1942, David wrote a letter to the Provincial Minister, “I like to work outside, digging, picking or cutting. I guess it’s because I love nature so much and especially here.  It is really beautiful. The flowers, trees and different kind of plants, the animals and the river with all kinds of fish, make the environment beautiful.  I really mean this, Father, I’m not just talking out of my mouth, but from the bottom of my heart. So please, Father, grant my request that I may work out in the flower gardens. You would make me very happy. So I am asking you again, grant my request.  O Lord help me!”  Those who knew David, knew that he had little difficulty speaking his mind and expressing his needs.

David was admitted to the novitiate on August 14, 1945 at ABVM Monastery, Pulaski and made simple profession on August 15, 1946. It was during his novitiate that David found himself as an apprentice to Br. Crispin Marczak, learning the trade of a cobbler, a trade that he would eventually help him save souls. On August 15, 1949 David made his Solemn Profession of Vows into the hands of Fr. Isidore Cwiklinski, Provincial Minister of the ABVM Province.

After Solemn Profession, David spent time in Green Bay and Sturtevant before returning to the task of “saving souls” in Pulaski.  Making patterns, cutting leather and stitching the pieces together, gave David great delight. Knowing his ability to patiently craft his Franciscan sandals, Br. Crispin also taught David how to cut hair, a skill he would share with the friars and laity in the years to come. 

But it wasn’t until 1972 that David returned to Burlington and the gardens. The spring and summers found David up early to attend Mass and then off to the greenhouse and out on the grounds. Over the years many pilgrims found his manicured lawns and gardens a profound expression of God’s handiwork in creation.  In the fall, David turned to the apple orchards. The orchard yielded large crops of apples each year. It was unacceptable for the fruit to rot. So David decided to try his hand at making apple cider rather than let the fruit rot. Hand picking the apples met looking for additional hands. About a half-dozen college students were enlisted to help pluck the fruit. The bushel baskets of apples were taken to a town farm where the apples are processed. The cider was then strained one last time before transferring the juice into contains for sale.

During the winter months, David returned to Pulaski and worked in the “shoe shop.” He would often entertain both friars and friends in the warmed of his shop.  Those were the months that David would plan his next growing and planting season. 

The ministry in Burlington was shifting and the needs of the Province were also shifting.  It was in 1998 that David found himself once again in Pulaski. During this stay he was asked to care for the “Villa.” This northern Wisconsin cite was a favorite place for the hunters and fishermen of the Province. David spent his summer at the Villa, carrying for the house and property. He was truly in his element. Nature was his way of expressing his Franciscan Charism. The Canticle of the Creatures, written by St. Francis was a heartfelt prayer that touched David deeply. He was aware of Laudato Si’ before Pope Francis penned his encyclical.

By 2011, David’s physical needs began to weigh upon him and those who cared for him. David would return for the last time to Burlington but for only a year. His needs demanded further attention. After consultation with his doctors, the Provincial Nurse and the friars, David was moved to St. Ann’s Rest Home in Milwaukee. But that was a short stay. His next move was to the Milwaukee Catholic Home in 2013.

Once at the Milwaukee Catholic Home he didn’t waste much time before he was planting seeds and raising masterful garden boxes for the residents. He shared is room with seedlings and starter plants, causing the staff to make exceptions for him regularly. During his stay there, David endeared himself to both residents and staff.

But his body could not sustain itself. Dealing with respiratory issues and several falls, his body gave out.  It was on Saturday, July 4, 2020 that the staff found David lying quietly in the arms of Sister Death. 

David died in the 94th year of his life and the 73rd year of his religious profession.

May the soul of David and the souls of all the Faithful Departed, rest in peace. Amen.

Visitation will be held for Br. David on Thursday, July 9, 2020, from 10:00am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, all at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Faith Community Church, 305 South First Street, Waterford, Wisconsin 53185. Additional services and burial will take place in Pulaski, Wisconsin.