Andrew T. Jefchak, born January 25, 1936 in East Chicago, Indiana, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 19, 2014. He was raised in Steiglitz Park and Whiting, Indiana. Andy, or Jef, as he was known by most, graduated from Indiana University, served in the U.S. Army, then later received a Master’s Degree from DePaul University. In 1970, he received a PhD in American Literature from Michigan State University. Jef taught literature, writing, and film study at Aquinas College for more than 43 years. In the early 1970’s, he began a film study program at the college with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. He continued to share his passion and love of film with students throughout his life – he was teaching a course on Romantic Comedy at the time of his death. Dr. Jefchak was in his element when he was in the classroom. He enjoyed working with students and never seemed to want to retire. A film critic for the Grand Rapids Press for over 30 years, Jef’s views on movies sparked many debates. Jef also authored the novel Out of Steiglitz Park in 2011. He was an ardent follower of the Chicago White Sox and generally adored the game of baseball. He was a man of many interests and passions, especially music, food and travel. A major love in his life was his five acres of property in Caledonia. Jef toiled lovingly with his wife in the gardens and fields surrounding their home. He relished in the vegetables and fruits from their little harvests and gladly shared their little paradise with deer, possum, chipmunks, a myriad of birds, raccoons, and many more fauna (except the mice and skunks). Jef is survived by the love of his life, Kay (Grogan), whom he shared 55 years of humor, happiness and relative harmony. Their children Vinny Jefchak, Pegeen Jefchak, and Katie (Scott) Campbell were blessed to have such a devoted and tender-hearted father. The three brightest lights in his life, whom he worshipped, were his grandchildren, Patrick Campbell, Andrew Campbell and Irene Mead. Also surviving Jef are sister, Andrea (Paul) Mehalso, sisters-in-law, Susan (Ray) Welch, Judy (Ernie) Just; brother-in-law, John (Jean) Grogan; also many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 28, 3:00 p.m. at Aquinas College Wege Center, 1607 Robinson Road, Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mel Trotter Ministries, 225 Commerce Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
