Dr. John Willke and Rome City, IN

Dr. John Willke, often referred to as The Father Of The Pro-Life Movement, served for 10 years as President Of The National Right To Life Committee and helped found the organization. A physician by trade, Dr. Willke serves as President of the Life Issues Institute, Inc., and President of the International Right to Life Federation. Dr. Willke had a daily radio program that was carried on over 300 radio stations for 20 years. His one-minute radio comments, entitled "Life Jewels," were carried on over 750 stations in English and 300 more in Spanish. Dr. Willke has written eleven books, is a lecturer and a frequent television and radio show guest. His works have been published in 32 languages, and he and his wife Barbara have lectured in 76 countries.

Did you know....?

As a young boy, John (Jack) Willke lived in the brick Victorian house of his father Dr. Gerard T. Willke who was the resident physician of Kneipp Springs (1930-35). He and his four siblings (three sisters, one brother...a fourth sister, Bonita, was born after the family moved to Cincinnati) were schooled by Sister Bede of the Precious Blood in one of the upstairs bedrooms. John served as an altar boy for the many Masses celebrated in the Our Lady Mother of Mercy Chapel. Our guess is that is young John in the middle of "the chorus of angels".

Dr. John and Mrs. Barbara Willke toured the property recently and were kind enough to share photos from their family albums of life at the "Springs". More to come....