Donald David Rewers

Through his long struggle with multiple ailments and pain, Br. Donald Rewers, OFM, continued to be positive, finding joy in the beauty of nature. A member of the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province of Cincinnati, Ohio, he died May 4 at the age of 75 at St. Margaret Hall. Donald David Rewers was born May 18, 1939, in Detroit, Mich., to Roman and Josephine (Mazurkievicz) Rewers. One of three brothers, Don was baptized at St. Peter and Paul Parish in Detroit. He obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biology at Wayne State University in Detroit. Don entered the Franciscan Order in 1965 and was this year celebrating his 50th anniversary as a friar. Affectionately known as "Amoeba Man" by students, Don taught biology at Roger Bacon High School from 1969 until 1974. He was later a member of the Franciscan Provincial Formation Team and Assistant Novice Director. In 1988 his love for creation refocused his attention to the friars' Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. Always a runner, Don logged a lifetime total of more than 60,000 miles. During his assignment in the provincial Archives, he began to experience the physical problems that plagued him for the last 10 years of his life. In November, 2006, Don retired to St. Margaret Hall, where he remained until his death. He is survived by his brother Gerald of Tustin, Calif., and several nieces and nephews. Don donated his body to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Friars, family and friends will gather at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at St. Clement Church in St. Bernard for a Rite of Remembrance. A Mass of Thanksgiving follows at 7 p.m. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery in St. Bernard will take place at a later date.