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On July 25th at age 89, the Rev. Richard J. Cerpich, passed over into the eternal presence of his Lord who he served so well. A Sheboygan native he was born on March 15, 1935, the son of John & Mary (Jappel) Cerpich and was baptized into the faith on April 7, 1935. He attended grade school at his beloved St. Cyril & Methodius Parish where he was confirmed on April 8, 1948.
His priestly formation took place at St. Francis Seminary in 1949 and was ordained on May 27, 1961. Fr. Dick ministered to the people of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in many different capacities: as a parish priest at Blessed Sacrament in Milwaukee, St. Eugene in Fox Point, St. Roberts in Shorewood, and the Catholic Community surrounding Random Lake; as an educator and spiritual director at Pio Nono High School and De Sales Preparatory Seminary High School and in a wide range of chaplaincies, committees, boards and community groups. In his retirement in 2005 Fr. Dick served as assisting priest for ten years at St. Peter Claver and celebrated the sacraments all over Sheboygan County.
Father loved being with people. He could be found breading fish for Friday fish fries, putting up tents at parish festivals, handing out food at the parish food pantry, driving all over the Midwest to visit college students, and attending his parishioners’ many life celebrations. He was the embodiment of the Gospel he preached and lived. Many were blessed by his vocation.
Fr. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, John Hlade, Jr. He is survived by his sister, Mary; two nieces: Laura (Jim) Curlyo, and Ann (Steve) Fearday and two nephews: Mark (Jana) Hlade and Gregg Hlade as well as ten great nieces and nephews: Megan, Kyle, Sarah, Max & Olivia Hlade, Jake & Kelly Curylo & Rachel, Brandon & Kailey Fearday. He leaves behind thousands of friends that he baptized, married and loved.
His Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 822 New Jersey Ave. in Sheboygan with visitation beginning in the church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the Mass at Greendale Cemetery.
Visitation
Date: Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Location: Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church [map]
Funeral Mass
Date: Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church [map]
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Michael R Martins
July 31, 2024
Father Dick was a dear friend to my parents and I, starting with Altar boy training, Religious Education and numerous church events at Blessed Sacrament and continuing through all four years at Pio Nono High School. Through it all, he was a truly down to earth man which only enhanced his faith, a faith he imparted to us in so many ways. Rest in heavenly peace, Father.
Frank V Crivello
July 31, 2024
To a wonderful man, priest and teacher. RIPFrank V. CrivelloAnthony V. Crivello
Patricia Ann Pachniak
July 31, 2024
abundant blessings to a man who served his Lord so well and was a true friend to all those who met. His memory will live on in the Parishes he served, especially those of us at St. Peter Claver. God Bless his family . May you find comfort and peace in knowing he is at rest with his Lord and Savior
Alice Delmore
July 30, 2024
Father Dick was a special friend to the entire Miller family. Our parents met Father Dick in his early days at Blessed Sacrament Parish. We enjoyed having him visit our classes for Religious Ed, celebrate our First Communions, Confirmations, & grade school Graduations. Years later he performed baptisms for some of their grandchildren & some of us were married by Father Dick when he was pastor at St. Robert’s. The best part of his friendship was he never missed a chance to visit our parents at home or in the hospital or attend a special birthday or anniversary event for them. His smile & his kindness brought warmth & comfort to our family. He will always be remembered & we are blessed he graced our lives. The Family of Richard & Kathleen Miller
Jim Young
July 30, 2024
Fr. Cerpich was a blessing to my family; as celebrant of our wedding, our daughter’s baptism and many other momentous events. His kindness and humor will always be remembered with love. Rest well Father Dick!
Mark & Renee Smerlinski
July 28, 2024
Father Dick was a good friend of our families for many years, all the way back to his starting days at Blessed Sacrament in Milwaukee. He would come to visit Mark's parents and buy Mark and his sisters icecream. When we married and had three children of our own, he would come to visit us and buy our children icecream. When they were older, he visited them at their college campus unannounced and reported back to us that all was good. He went to Packer games in Milwaukee occassionally with Mark's dad when Mark was young. He was one of a kind and like one of our family. He will be missed but remembered.
Vicki Menzer
July 28, 2024
My deepest sympathy at the passing of Father Dick. We have been friends since childhood at St. Cyril's Parish in Sheboygan, and have kept in contact throughout all of these years. His kindness, deep faith and love of God and everyone he came in contact with was clearly evident. Our lives were better for having known him. Many prayers and Masses will be offered for this very special man.
David J. Wehrwein
July 26, 2024
Fr. Cerpich was a friend of mine at St. Nicholas Hospital. He was the Noon Mass Priest from June of 2018 until October of 2019 when medical conditions moved him into permanent retirement. He loved greeting the people in the hallway before Mass, whether or not they were coming into the Chapel for Mass. Rest in Peace my friend.
