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Words of praise and prayer resonated through the spacious elegance of Gesu Catholic Church Tuesday night, bringing to life images of a man whose impact was reflected at that moment in the hundreds of faces turned toward his casket.
The life of Father John P. Raynor, 74, who led Marquette University as its president for 25 years, was measured in many ways.
Father Robert A. Wild, the university's current president, described him as a wonderful priest, one of Marquette's greatest presidents, and a friend who will be missed by many.
Father Walter Stohrer, a longtime friend and former rector of the Jesuit community at Marquette, called him a man who wore many hats with distinction.
"He was thoughtful and caring and wise, a man of vision, disciplined excellence and grace," Stohrer said as he presented the homily during the 11/2-hour Mass of Christian burial for Raynor.
"Father Raynor was the most self-possessed individual I have ever known. He never had a crisis of identity. He knew exactly who...