A Tribute to Bishop Hansas Jurgis Dumpys a Faithful Servant and Advocate
The Lithuanian community mourns the loss of Bishop Emeritus Hansas Jurgis Dumpys, who passed away on July 23, 2024. Bishop Dumpys was a revered figure, known for his deep commitment to faith and the Lithuanian diaspora. His funeral will take place on August 3 at Betanijos Cemetery in Chicago.
Condolences and Community Impact
Bishop Hansas Jurgis Dumpys’s passing is a profound loss to his family, friends, and the broader Lithuanian community. He leaves behind his wife, Donna Benson Dumpys, and their children, Christa Beth Dumpys and John Martin Dumpys. His life and work profoundly impacted many, especially within the Lithuanian National Guard, where he was a frequent and cherished presence.
Lithuanian National Guard members and community leaders expressed deep condolences, highlighting Bishop Dumpys’s unwavering dedication to serving his community. His involvement with the Guard events showcased his steadfast support for Lithuanian independence and heritage.
Life and Legacy of Hansas Jurgis Dumpys
Hansas Jurgis Dumpys was born on July 7, 1933, in Nibruose, Klaipėda County. His parents, Jonas Dumpys and Marikė (Maria) Purvinaitė, instilled in him the values of education and faith. His early education took place at Louise Gymnasium in Klaipėda until the family relocated to Germany in late 1944 due to the war. There, he completed six classes of gymnasium in the refugee camps of Uchtė and Diepholzo.
In 1949, Dumpys emigrated to the United States, where he pursued higher education with zeal. He graduated with honors from Hutchinson High School in Minneapolis in 1951. He then studied philosophy and theology at the University of Minnesota and Augsburg College, earning a bachelor’s degree with distinction. His theological studies continued at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Chicago, where he earned his master’s degree in theology from Harvard University in 1965.
Bishop Dumpys furthered his education at Drew, Princeton, and Tübingen Universities between 1967 and 1970. He was ordained as a pastor in 1960, initially serving the Detroit Lutheran Parish of Hope. His pastoral journey took him to various communities, including Cape Cod, Davenport, and Winnipeg. He conducted services in Lithuanian across the United States and Canada, ministering to cities such as Collinsville, Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal.
In 1988, Bishop Dumpys was inducted into the Lithuanian Evangelical Lutheran Home Parish in Chicago. He held significant leadership roles, including the head of the Lithuanian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Exile and Refuge from 1987, and its president from 1989 to 1991. In 1991, he became the bishop of the Lithuanian Evangelical Lutheran expatriate community. His contributions extended to the creation of the new hymnbook and the translation of the Bible into Lithuanian.
Dedication to Cultural and Spiritual Enrichment
Bishop Dumpys was a stalwart in promoting Lithuanian culture and spirituality. He actively contributed to Lithuanian press and radio, was a member of the editorial board of “Guest,” and led the religious hour on “Margutis” radio. He was a member of the organizing committee for the first Lithuanian book commemoration in exile and a member of the Little Lithuania Fund and Society in Chicago.
He was deeply involved with the Lithuanian Scout Union, serving as a senior member and spiritual leader for Protestant scouts until 1990. His support for educational institutions was significant; he was a major benefactor of the Theology Center at Klaipėda University, donating over 1,000 religious books and lecturing in theology in 1993 and 1995.
Bishop Dumpys represented the Lithuanian Evangelical Lutheran communities abroad at World Lutheran Union conventions, including in Minneapolis (1957) and Hong Kong (1997). His legacy as a theologian, educator, and community leader is immense and will be cherished for generations.
A Lasting Legacy
The Lithuanian National Guard and the global Lithuanian community honor Bishop Hansas Jurgis Dumpys’s memory. His contributions to faith, education, and Lithuanian heritage are unparalleled. His passing is a moment of deep sorrow, yet his legacy continues to inspire and guide. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be eternal.
References
For more information on Bishop Emeritus Hansas Jurgis Dumpys, please visit the following link:
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