West Bend, WI – Hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects to Rev. Jerome Repenshek during a ceremony Thursday morning at Holy Angels Church in West Bend, WI. Repenshek, 85, was celebrated as a priest who always shared a message of compassion and hope. All the bishops had some good interactions with him. Their presence reflected that.
The tenor of the service described Repenshek as “down to earth” and “a common man who walked with others.” The overall theme was that Repenshek’s ministry was to go out and talk to people.
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Rev. Gerald Brittain presided over the eulogy. “Fr. Jerry was a Chicago Bear fan,” he said of Repenshek’s NFL leaning.
One person in the audience clapped.
“Why are you a bear fan,” questioned Brittain, recalling the conversation.
“Because I’m a rebel,” responded Repenshek.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki led the service. Some familiar priests and bishops in attendance included Rev. Pat Heppe, Rev. Nathan Reesman, Rev. Rick Stoffel, Rev. Howard Haase, Deacon Mark Jansen, and Bishop Jeffrey Haines… to name a few.
Rev. Brittain relayed a couple of memorable stories about Rev. Repenshek that showed his kind-and-caring demeanor along with some feistiness for life.
“He always had to have a big new car. Usually a Buick,” said Brittain. “That went along with his ministry of going to various things. He would drive everywhere to Mass.
“After his car was sold, he had that electric golf cart. Thanks to Dave and Joyce Gonring. He used to go driving down the highway in that thing. Probably against the law.”
Rev. Brittain visited Rev. Repenshek at the hospital and was told his kidneys closed down. Brittain recalled Repenshek said, “The journey is over.” Then he said something about “facing the darkness.”
“He told me how grateful he was especially with his nephew Mark and said Mark would take care of me. He was grateful to the people at Shepherd of the Hills. He was thankful for the welcome he received at Holy Angels. How thankful he was to Bishop Richard Skelba who called and asked him to come back.”
“Behold the lamb of God and blessed are you at the supper of the lamb. He has now been called to the supper of the high feast. Now Jesus says, come to the meal… I’m buying.”
Before the close of the service, Archbishop Listecki asked the priests in the audience to stand and sign a prayer in Latin. “Hail Holy Queen.” It starts in the video at the 13:10 mark.
Reverend Jerome “Jerry” Victor Repenshek, 85, peacefully passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, at The Kathy Hospice in West Bend.
Private Family Interment at Greendale Cemetery in Sheboygan.
It was an impressive, beautiful service. An awesome “send off” for Father Jerry. Judy, Did you video when all the priests sang a hymn in Latin? That was so beautiful.
Yes. The video and hymn are in the story.
Judy, you did a fabulous job catching all the best comments at Father’s mass. Thank you. It was amazing.