Note: This message was originally sent on August 6, 2021
Can you hear his voice? Remember that wonderful tradition he had of getting us all to shout “Amen” – he practically triggered a cheer after each prayer/blessing/homily... he had a gift of spreading JOY.
We would like to share just some of the reflections we are hearing/feeling as the news of Father Kuder’s passing spreads throughout the Gonzaga, Spokane, St. Aloysius communities – all of Zag Nation.
- Father Kuder was the backbone to my success my freshman year at GU. He was a great man and is greatly missed – John Moffatt
- I remember him calling students who didn’t show for class and buying coffee for your birthday. Good man. Godspeed - Michael Tollefsen
- This is devastating! He was amazing! He married me & my husband and baptized our girls. I am so thankful to have known him & had the chance to hear so many of his incredible homilies – Missy Wessman
- My heart is heavy with this news. Fr. Kuder was a light during my time at GU and then again as he ministered to the GPrep community where my children have been. His memory will always be a blessing, and may perpetual light shine on him. - Molly Nave
- Such a sad day for me and so many Gonzaga community members. Steve was a great teacher and a friend who played a big role in my personal growth as a Gonzaga student. Blessings to his family. I will always keep his memory close to my heart. - Tom Simon
- Fr. Kuder was an incredible teacher, mentor, and friend. I have had the pleasure of learning compassion in leadership from him as we served on the GU board together. This breaks my heart, I really thought we had more time. – Christy Larsen
- The world was a better place because of you, Steve. Thank you for all you did to positively impact the University, and to all who were lucky enough to meet you. Tell my mom and dad hi for me. You will be missed. - Harry Sladich
We get the opportunity to express gratitude to each of you – our wonderful benefactors, friends – via this quirky ZaGratitude message that provides glimpses into life at GU. Today, on behalf of so many at Gonzaga, we wish to share gratitude for this wonderful man…he inspired and guided generations of Zags, colleagues, Jesuits…every person he met. Life is precious, individuals like Steve Kuder make it so…..gratitude, sadness…committed to carry his spirit and story forward. We offer prayers for his family and Jesuit brothers.
Plans for the celebration of Fr. Kuder’s life are underway. We will share these details, when available. In the meantime, please find peace and reflection in the attached, Following Jesus into His JOY, adapted from an Easter Homily by Father Kuder.