“Peter Wege, today, as we mourn your passing, we also celebrate your Dominican spirit.” — Maureen Geary
“Do all the good you can, for as many people as you can, for just as long as you can.” – Peter Wege.
The Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids mourn the death of our dear friend, Peter Wege. Mr. Wege was our friend and benefactor, and he was a great supporter of education and all creation.
Earlier this year, we were blessed with a generous donation of $1M, plus an additional $500,000 challenge match, from the Wege Foundation in support of our Capital Campaign.
“The Wege gift brought us so much closer to allowing us to remain good stewards of Marywood, an amazing 34-acre wooded property in the heart of the City,” said Sister Maureen Geary, Prioress of Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids. Marywood is located at the corner of Lakeside Drive and Fulton Street NE.
Mr. Wege’s Dominican Education
Peter Wege was especially grateful to his kindergarten teacher, Sister Mary Leonard Lynch, and his middle school teacher, Sr. Vincent DePaul Roberts, and once remarked: “Sister Mary Leonard started me the way I wish every child in the world could be started—with love, compassion, and understanding.” His two beloved teachers never forgot him, carrying on correspondence with him during World War II and for decades later. Mr. Wege’s legacy of generosity, compassion, love of learning and love for God’s creation will long be remembered. Our Congregation is grateful for his friendship and generosity to us and to so many whose lives were made better by his care for the common good. Peace and blessings to all who mourn, yet honor, this man of many gifts.
Former Aquinas College President Paul Nelson, Peter Wege, Former President Gerald R. Ford, Sisters Aquinas Weber and Marie Celeste Miller.