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In remembrance – Father William M. Jerse

In Remembrance

February 3, 2025

In remembrance – Father William M. JerseThe wake for Father William M. Jerse will begin at 3 p.m. Feb. 7 with vespers in St. Jerome Church, 15000 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost will preside and Deacon Bob Sabol will be the homilist. The wake will continue until 7 p.m.

Bishop Edward Malesic will be the main celebrant at Father Jerse’s funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Feb. 8 in St. Mary Church, 15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland The homilist will be Deacon Bob Lester.

Father Jerse, 71, died on Feb. 1.

He was born on Feb. 21, 1953 to the late Joseph and Mary (Zupancic) Jerse. Father Jerse was educated at St. Mary School, Cleveland; Borromeo High School, Wickliffe; The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. and Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland.

He was ordained to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on June 7, 1980 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist by Bishop James Hickey.

After ordination, Father Jerse’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Cleveland. In addition, on Aug. 12, 1981, he was appointed master of ceremonies for Bishop James Lyke.

On June 2, 1983, he was appointed associate defender of the bond, Diocesan Tribunal.

Father Jerse was appointed parochial vicar of Holy Family Parish in Stow on June 27, 1985. He was transferred to St. Vitus Parish in Cleveland on June 23, 1987, to serve as parochial vicar.

He was appointed defender of the bond, Diocesan Tribunal on June 23, 1992, with residence at St, Mary, Cleveland. On July 1, 1993, he began graduate studies and lived at Holy Cross Parish in Euclid. Father Jerse changed his residence to St. Paul Parish in Euclid on June 20, 1995. He joined the Diocesan Tribunal on July 1, 1995 as defender of the bond. In addition, he was appointed adjutant vicar on June 19, 2000.

Father Jerse served as administrator pro tem of St. Mary Parish in Cleveland from Jan. 9, 1988 until March 24, 1988. On June 30, 1994, he was appointed administrator of St. Paul Parish in Euclid. Father Jerse was appointed parochial vicar of St. Bartholomew Parish in Middleburg Heights on Dec. 11, 2009. He was transferred to St Joseph Parish in Strongsville on May 1m 2012 to serve at parochial vicar.

He was appointed pastor of St. Jerome Parish in Cleveland on Feb. 18, 2015, where he served until Nov. 3, 2021, when he was granted permission to retire for health reasons,

Those who knew him said Father Jerse was proud of his Slovenian heritage. He enjoyed the opportunity to study canon law and to balance pastoring with his ministry in the tribunal.

Interment will be in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.

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