Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Marquette University High School Creighton University Marquette University St. Mary's University

FUNERAL HOME

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave.

Brookfield, Wisconsin

Fr. William Prospero Obituary

Name: Visitation for Fr. William Prospero
Start: 2014-09-11T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-09-12T00:00:00.000Z
Location: The Church of Gesu

Fr. William F. Prospero, S.J. was called to eternal life of September 8, 2014 at the age of 49. A native of Wauwatosa, he attended St. Jude?s Grade School, Marquette University High School, and Marquette University before entering the Society of Jesus in 1987. He studied humanities and philosophy at Creighton University, completed theology studies at Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and was ordained a priest in June 1998. He pronounced final vows as a Jesuit in 2007.

Will?s early ministry was at Red Cloud Indian School (Pine Ridge, S.D.) and the Sioux Spiritual Center (Planview, S.D.). Later, Will worked in Marquette University?s Campus Ministry (2000-2006), was pastor of St. Mary?s University Parish, (St. Pleasant MI 2006-2012), and served as spiritual director at Mount St. Mary?s Seminary (Emmitsburg, MD 2012-2013)

Taken by illness before his time, he walked the way of the cross alongside his Savior with patience and faithful hope in the resurrection. He is the beloved son of Caesar and Charlene Prospero, dear brother of Anthony (Holly) Prospero, Gregory (Florence) Prospero and Mary Clare (Joe) Dey. Further survived by his Jesuit Brothers, eight nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He will be remembered for his love of the Church and her people, his love of friends and family. His generous spirit, special devotion to Our Lady, and humble stance of prayfulness before God and others.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at The Church of Gesu (1145 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee) from 4:00 p.m. until the Mass of Christian burial at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wisconsin Province Jesuits, 3400 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53208

Published by The Advocate on Sep. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Fr. William Prospero

20 Entries

December 8, 2014

Eternal rest grant unto him dear Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him and may him and may his soul through your mercy rest in peace.

Michael "Skeeter" Johnson

October 12, 2014

The news of Will's death makes me very sad. I taught with Will out at Red Cloud. I'll never forget our common love of pick-up basketball games. We had some doozies. Together, we rarely lost two-on-two games, against Jesuits or otherwise. I remember defeating a couple of proud young Crusaders on the night of the Red Cloud prom we were chaperoning. We tried to discourage the encounter, but they insisted they could defeat us and wanted to prove it that night. So we snuck off, the four of us, during the dance. Later, after an inevitable loss, they returned to accompany their dates, perhaps a little more humble. He was a great competitor. I'll also never forget praying the Rosary together with Quentin Little Brave, driving on Highway 18 back from a Bennett County v. Red Cloud basketball game. I can't tell you how many winter hikes we did together up Harney Peak, praying together then too. He really loved that place. He felt closer atop the highest point this side of the Pyrenees. He was a Warrior for God, but with the gentleness and the patience of a saint. To the Prospero Family: I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Mary Clare. I'm so sorry! I'll always remember your brother with deep affection and I am confident he is still praying for us today! May he rest in eternal peace with Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior!

September 27, 2014

As a long time neighbor and friend of the Prospero family, I watched Willy grow up into an outstanding man and priest. He was an inspiration to me and my family and to all the people he touched. With heavy heart, my family and I offer our deepest sympathy. God bless you, Dave Nicholson

Dave Pawlak

September 19, 2014

My condolences to his family (especially his brother Greg) and to his community.

James Deshotels, SJ

September 15, 2014

remembering Will in my prayers and at the altar. His zeal & enthusiasm are inspiring. His family & province are especially in my prayers at this time of loss

Sue Wolfe

September 11, 2014

Prayers to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.

Christina Tolentino Stoll

September 11, 2014

Dear Prospero Family, Our prayers are for you during this time of great loss. Will was such a wonderful man who touched the lives of all around him. I feel fortunate to have such have fond memories of him with his siblings growing up together in the neighborhood.

September 11, 2014

To the Prospero family- I remember singing for your son's ordination and first Mass at St. Jude's. My Dad served communion to Father Will's parents at daily Mass. I do did belong to St. Jude. May God Bless All of You and Give you great memories.

Marge Melton

Joni Steingraber

September 10, 2014

May the peace that passes understanding be given to this family through Christ our Lord.

Darryl & Marce Perry

September 10, 2014

Fr. Will was such a blessing to the Central Michigan University campus community; a gentle and welcoming soul who left us all too soon. May the peace of Christ that passes all understanding be yours.

Russ and Sandy Gonnering

September 10, 2014

So sorry to hear the news. Our prayers are with you.

September 10, 2014

Dear Cesar, Charlene and family,
Fran and I give you our deepest sympathy.
Our Blessed Mother must be very fond of Will. It was her birthday, and she wanted him with her in heaven to celebrate. How blest you are to have such a holy son. I remember his first Mass at St. Jude and the blessing he gave me. It was a wonderful day, wasn't it. These are good memories. Will is at peace and is with you and always will be. He is smiling down on you and family with precious heavenly love.
God's Blessing on you.
Zita Powell

Paul Stankewitz

September 10, 2014

Father Will was a great friend to our family. We enjoyed him joining us for dinner on many occasions. He was a serious and joyful man, and a great priest. He made a 5 hour round trip to spend a few moments at my dad's wake service, before returning to St. Mary to celebrate mass for his students at CMU. A kindness that will never be forgotten. We will miss him always, but know he is happy being with the Lord.

September 10, 2014

Tony and Holly, you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Toni & Jim Starostka
Chicago, IL

Alma Wentworth

September 10, 2014

What a holy priest. We are so glad to have known him. We thank God for his life and the many blessings he brought to others, especially the Mt. Pleasant community and the students at CMU. The beautiful renovation to the church on campus is a testimony to his love for others, The Holy Catholic Church, and especially God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We love and miss you, Fr. Will. Alma and Sherry Wentworth

Mike Porter

September 10, 2014

Dear Prospero Family, it is with my deepest sympathies that I offer you my condolences for Father Will. Though I did not know him as personally as many others, his impact on my life was great. I had fallen quite far from the church and from my faith during my time at CMU until a good friend invited me to come be a part of the St. Mary's family during my junior year. It was from the instant I met him and experienced the loving community of the Lord he fostered at St Mary's, that I began to rediscover my faith and love for Jesus that I had lost the during previous years of my life. He was the best example I have ever met in my life of genuine humility, kindness, patience, caring and pure love of God. He absolutely made the world a better place everywhere he went and he will truly be missed.

Fr. Marvin Knighton

September 10, 2014

Dear Caesar, Charlene & Family, S.J.,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Jesuit Community as you deal with the passing of your son and brother. I was glad I was able to spend a short moment with Will this summer as he embraced the reality of his dying. Will had tremendous faith, belief and hope in the resurrection. It is with that same faith and hope that we are encouraged to believe that Will's "life is simply changed not ended." I hold you all in prayer.

In the Risen Christ,
Fr. Marv Knighton

Stephanie Jaczkowski

September 10, 2014

Some people change the world in an earthshattering, history book-making manner. Fr. Will changed people little by little, prayer by prayer. But over the past six years, I am a completely different and BETTER woman for having befriended him. Losing him is one of the saddest moments of my life, but also happy because my favorite prayer warrior can prayer forever now.

Susana Crespo

September 10, 2014

I am forever grateful to have met Fr. Will when he was at MU in campus ministry. Please pray for us Fr. Will, there is so much to be done! You will be missed!!

Ruth and Margaret Thorn

September 9, 2014

Dear Caesar, Aggie, & Prospero Family; Tis with a heavy heart, we wish to offer our condolences for Fr. Will. He was a great inspiration to many and his spirit will live on! We said a prayer for you today to help make this journey a little brighter knowing he is with the Lord, whom he so dearly loved.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results