STEWARDSHIP—LIVING CHRISTIANITY [ RADICALLY]

New World Articles

Christmas Arrives Early for Two Soldiers’ Daughters
By Rich Goode

Miki Battiest didn’t know how it was going to work out. She arrived in Chicago in time to start her junior year at St. Gregory High School. The plan was to stay with her uncle while her mom, Charla, was deployed in Iraq. The only problem was finances. Up stepped Richard Gengler, Class of 1928.

Mr. Gengler, a World War II veteran, knows the price of war. He served in the South Pacific and his beloved brother, Vincent, was killed in battle in Metz, France. Ironically, Metz is only 40 or so miles away from the town in Luxemburg that their father fled years earlier to try to escape Europe’s wars. A while back, Mr. Gengler set up a scholarship at St. Gregory High School in Vincent’s honor.

When he learned of Miki’s dilemma, Mr. Gengler didn’t hesitate. Along with Michael Joyce (Class of 1968), he has paid Miki’s tuition for her junior and senior year. Miki has taken full advantage of her opportunity. She has excelled at St. Gregory in every way. She and Mr. Gengler are fast friends.

Jennifer’s story is similar. She arrived in Chicago to live with her grandmother while her Mom is deployed in Iraq. Sadly, she recently learned that her grandmother has terminal cancer. On hearing Jennifer’s story, Big Shoulders and Mr. Gengler stepped up again, funding her tuition at St. Gregory. Another young life changed forever thanks to a humble man’s generosity.

Richard Gengler turns 90 soon. We recently discussed his plans for his estate. He is looking at ways to remember St. Gregory High School in his will. Sharing and generosity has become a habit for Mr. Gengler.

It is a privilege watching Mr. Gengler touch so many lives. I am struck also by how Mr. Gengler's own life is enriched with each act of generosity.

Christmas madness can wear you down sometimes. Mr. Gengler’s touching story reminds me that people can band together in tough times and make a difference in each other’s lives.