John Tenbusch, Teacher

U of D High

John Tenbusch

Obituary

John J. Tenbusch, 63, who taught his English students at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School that they knew nothing about grammar until he taught it to them, died Thursday at his home in Plymouth of heart disease.

Born in Detroit, he lived there until three years ago, when he moved to Plymouth. "He loved being and talking with people, whether it was teaching or having brunch," his son Michael said. "Just sitting around the kitchen table having a beer with friends was really always what made my dad happiest."

After graduating from Maryknoll College in Illinois in 1954, Mr. Tenbusch taught at the now closed St. Joseph's High School in Detroit for two years. In 1957, he began his 30-year career at U of D High School. He earned a master's degree at the University of Detroit in 1960. He also coached the high school track team for 17 years.

Mr. Tenbusch's philosophy that a runner's strongest muscle was his mind proved its own wisdom. His teams brought home nine Catholic League and three regional championship trophies. He was named to the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

After retiring in 1993, he opened Learning for Everyone, a tutoring center in Canton Township.

Survivors include sons John, Michael and Joseph; daughter, Mollie Tenbusch; a sister, and his ex-wife Julie Tenbusch. Visitation will be 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm today at A.J.Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 4375 N. Woodward in Royal Oak, with a vigil at 7:30 at the funeral home.

The body will lie in state at 11:30 am Tuesday at St. Scholastica Church at West Outer Drive and Southfield in Detroit until a funeral mass at noon. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.

I Am The Resurrection and the Life.
If Anyone Believes In Me,
Even Though He Dies He Will Live,
And Whoever Lives and Believes In Me
Will Never Die.

John 11:25-26

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