With deep sorrow and gratitude for his fulfilled life, we say farewell to Brother Stefan Jegge, who passed away on July 7, 2024, at the Kehl Nursing Home in Baden, Switzerland, after a long illness. Brother Stefan was a member of the Redemptorists for over 60 years and a cherished brother in the Province of St. Clemens.
Born on April 30, 1943, into a farming family in Oeschgen in the Fricktal, Stefan dreamed of becoming a cook, perhaps even in a monastery, from a young age. At 19, he joined the Redemptorists and took his vows on October 16, 1962. He combined his calling to religious life with his passion for cooking. Brother Stefan was known for using his culinary skills in many Redemptorist communities, both in Switzerland and internationally.
In 1979, he was called to Rome to serve as a cook for the community. His restaurant “Da Stefano” in the Redemptorist house quickly became a popular meeting place, not only for his fellow brothers but also for the Swiss Guards. Stefan Jegge loved bringing people together and offering them culinary delights. “From that moment, I felt much freer and dared to be myself, expressing openly what I thought and felt,” he later said of his time in Rome.
Brother Stefan’s journey continued to the USA, where he worked in California and Tucson, Arizona, as a cook. His enthusiasm for life in different cultures and his dedication to helping others also marked his time in Mexico, where he lived in Chalco, a large slum, serving the Redemptorist community. His travels also took him to Brazil, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and India, where he combined his vocation as a religious brother with his talent as a cook and spiritual counselor.
In 1991, Brother Stefan returned to Switzerland, where he quickly built connections with local associations and people, always greeting everyone with openness and warmth. Even after suffering a severe stroke in 2012, he remained active until his cancer diagnosis in 2017. Despite his health challenges, he continued to travel, visit his brothers, and stay in close contact with the community.
On Sunday, July 7, 2024, Brother Stefan embarked on his final journey. We remember him with deep gratitude as a cherished brother, passionate cook, and dedicated spiritual guide who touched the lives of many people around the world.
“Freely you have received; freely give. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.” (Matthew 10: 7-8)
The burial took place on Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Redemptorist priests’ grave at the Liebenfels cemetery in Baden. The following resurrection service at the parish church of Baden reminded us of Brother Stefan’s tireless commitment to his fellow men.
May Brother Stefan Jegge now find the peace and rest that he gave so generously to so many throughout his life.