Reverend Robert Alexander Skeris
February 18, 2025
Born on May 11,1935, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Father began his priestly formation at Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz from 1949 – 1953, Saint Francis Minor Seminary from 1953 – 1955, and Saint Francis Major Seminary from 1955 – 1961. Father was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend William E. Cousins on May 27, 1961, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.
Father Skeris was first assigned Assistant on July 6, 1961, at St. Joseph Parish in Racine. He was appointed as Faculty on July 1, 1964, at De Sales Preparatory Seminary in St. Francis. Father pursued Doctoral Studies in Liturgy at the University of Bonn, West Germany from the Fall of 1971 to the Spring of 1975. He was assigned as Faculty on September 1, 1975, at Holy Trinity Seminary/University of Dallas in Irving, Texas. On October 1, 1976, he was assigned as Faculty at St. Michael’s Seminary in Orange, California. On August 1, 1977, Father was elected Councillor to the Board of Directors of the Consociatio Internationalis Musicae Sacrae at Maria Laach, Germany. He completed Post-doctoral Studies in Hymnology at the Institute for Hymnological and Ethno-Musicological Studies, Inc. in Cologne, Germany from October 30, 1978 – December 31, 1980. Beginning January 1, 1981 he served in the Archdiocese of Cologne, Germany in the Deanery of Meckenheim. Pope John Paul II named him a Consultor to the Vatican Office in charge of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies on February 1, 1990. On July 30, 1990, he was appointed as Faculty and Associate Chaplain of Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. He retired from active ministry on July 31, 1999. Father was appointed Chaplain of the Tridentine Community in West Allis beginning June 27, 2000.
A Requiem Mass in the Extraordinary Form for Father Skeris will be celebrated at Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish, 822 New Jersey Avenue, Sheboygan on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. There will be no concelebration but priests are invited to sit in choir, that is, not vested but in cassock and surplice or simple alb. For reception of Holy Communion please plan on bringing a purple stole with you. Burial to immediately follow Mass at Calvary Cemetery, 902 North Avenue, Sheboygan. Visitation will take place on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Zimmer-Westview Funeral Home, W2132 Garton Road, Sheboygan.
Members of the Purgatorial Society will please offer the prescribed Mass for the repose of his soul and include Father Skeris’ intention in the General Intercessions at the parish.
Reverend George Michael Rebatzki
February 8, 2025
Born on March 25,1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Father began his priestly formation at Saint Francis Minor Seminary in St. Francis from 1952 – 1956 and 1956 – 1957, Saint Francis Major Seminary from 1957 – 1960 and 1960 - 1964. Father was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend William E. Cousins on May 30, 1964, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.
Father Rebatzki was first assigned Curate on July 1, 1964, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee. He was appointed Faculty on August 24, 1973, at Messmer High School in Milwaukee. Father was assigned Secretary to Archbishop Weakland on November 28, 1978. On October 2, 1979, he was assigned as Executive Secretary of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council. Father was appointed Pastor at St. Stanislaus Parish in Milwaukee on July 14, 1987. On September 30, 1989, he was assigned Pastor of Old St. Mary Parish in Milwaukee. He retired from active ministry on June 30, 2006.
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Father Rebatzki will be celebrated at St. John Vianney Parish, 1755 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Priest friends and former colleagues are invited to concelebrate; please bring an alb and white stole. Visitation will be held at St. John Vianney Parish, Saturday, February 15, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. A private entombment will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Members of the Purgatorial Society will please offer the prescribed Mass for the repose of his soul and include Father Rebatzki’s intention in the General Intercessions at the parish.