Father Robert Pedretti

Father Robert Pedretti

Amherst - Father Robert F. Pedretti age 82, a priest for 57 years passed away at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, WI on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Fr. Bob was born in Genoa, WI on October 18, 1938 to Albert & Helen (Venner) Pedretti. He grew up on a farm and attended several elementary schools as well as Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse, WI and St. John's, Collegeville, MN. Fr. Bob was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1964 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, La Crosse, WI. Following his ordination, he was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Nekoosa as assistant pastor and also taught at Assumption High School, in Wisconsin Rapids. In 1967 Fr. Bob volunteered for mission work and was assigned to Holy Cross Parish in Santa Cruz. While in Bolivia he worked with a carpenter's cooperative that helped carpenters and others with woodworking and hand craft skills. In 1975 Fr. Bob returned to the Diocese of La Crosse after 8 years serving the poor in Bolivia. He was appointed associate pastor of Newman University Parish in Stevens Point and in 1976 became pastor of St. James Parish, Amherst. In 1988, he was also named pastor of St. Mary of Mt Carmel Parish, Fancher where he had been administering without an official appointment since 1986. Throughout his life Fr. Bob enjoyed deer hunting with his family near La Crosse as well as with friends from his parishes. In his spare time Fr. Bob spent time riding his motorcycle enjoying the countryside and many times stopping in to visit parishioners especially the homebound. Fr. Bob continued to serve both parishes, with his residence at St. James, until his retirement in 2009. He resided in the village of Amherst in his retirement years and continued to help out by offering Mass at area parishes as well as weekly Mass at Whispering Pines, an assisted living facility in Plover.

He is survived by his siblings, Lucille Pedretti, Rita Llorca and Earl (Ruth) Pedretti; his sister-in-law, Cate Pedretti; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Helen Pedretti; his sister, Jean (David) Flottmeyer; and his brothers Rev. Raymond Pedretti and Dennis Pedretti.

Parishioners of both St. James and St. Mary of Mt. Carmel will be forever grateful for the many years of faithful service as you helped us grow in our faith. We will always remember your voice, your smile, your kindness to all, your humor, your laugh and that twinkle in your eye. Well done good and faithful servant!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 11 A.M. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church-Fancher. The Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan will officiate, with burial to follow at the St. James Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Amherst on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 3 P.M. until 6 P.M. with a Vigil Service beginning at 6 P.M. There will also be a visitation on Wednesday from 9 A.M. until the time of the Mass at 11 A.M. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church-Fancher. The Jungers-Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either St. James or St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish.