On July 25 th 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 & Methodius 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.
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