Father Theodosius “Ted” Anthony Schelich, OFM, of Springfield, former chaplain of HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, passed away on Aug. 31 in St. Francis Convent in Springfield. He was 84 years old.

He was born on July 18, 1932 in Washington, Mo., a son of Frank and Mary (Whalen) Schelich. He attended grade school at St. Francis Borgia Catholic School in Washington, Mo. He continued his four-year high school education at St. Joseph Seminary in Westmont near Chicago along with two years of college. He spent the following year learning about the Franciscan habit and the vows of priesthood. His next three years were spent studying philosophy in Cleveland, Ohio, followed by another three years in theology in Teutopolis. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and education and his master’s degree in theology.

Father Ted was ordained a priest on June 24, 1959 by Bishop Ambrose Pinger, OFM, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Teutopolis.

Father Ted’s first assignment was serving as assistant pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Oakville, Mo., from 1959-1964; and he was also assistant chaplain at Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital from 1959-1960. He was assistant pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Indianapolis, from 1965-1970. He returned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Oakville, Mo., from 1970-1976 where he was the head pastor; and served as a certified substance abuse counselor at the Hyland Center in St. Louis.

In the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Father Ted became chaplain of St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and served for over 23 years from 1989 to 2013. As chaplain, he made rounds visiting patients, offered prayer and consolation to grieving families, held daily Mass at the hospital chapel, presided over funeral services, led grief support meetings in the community and was always ready to help others in any way he could. He was well loved by his hospital family and members of the community and his presence is greatly missed.

Father Ted was the last of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Vincent Schelich and James Schelich; and two sisters, Rita Brockhaus and Agnes Lampe.

A visitation was held in HSHS St. Francis Hospital Chapel in Litchfield on Sept. 6. A second visitation and Mass of Christian Burial was held on Sept. 7 in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in St. Louis. Burial was in Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorials may be directed to: Retirement Fund – Sacred Heart Province, 3140 Meramec St., St. Louis, MO 63118