Fr. William Speerstra

1932 - 2016

Speerstra, Fr. William

December 4, 1932 - April 5, 2016

Rev. William Frederich Speerstra, age 83, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at his home in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Fr. Bill was born on December 4, 1932, to Walter and Clara (Kujawa) Speerstra, in Steven's Point, Wisconsin.

Fr. Bill is survived by his sister, Gretchen, of Madison, WI. He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara. Fr. He attended St. Stephen's Elementary School and graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in Steven's Point. He then attended St. Lawrence Seminary in Mt. Calvary and St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee. Fr. Bill loved northern Wisconsin, partly due to the nature and environment and while in high school he worked during the summer months to get to know the area better. His request to permanently move to northern Wisconsin and the Diocese of Superior came to fruition when he requested a release from the Diocese of La Cross and was 'adopted' by the Bishop of the Diocese of Superior to serve as a priest upon the completion of the requirements of the priesthood.

Fr. Bill was a very dedicated priest who was well liked, well respected and very willing to assist wherever there was a need. He was a quiet man but his list of one-liners is one of the great memories of him. In February of 1977, he had knee replacement surgery. Fr. Bill's remarks at that time were 'Obviously, the good Father has been spending too much time on his knees!' On his funeral and burial instruction sheet, Fr. Bill did not indicate any readings or special music but instead wrote 'No preference - I won't be listening'.

Fr. Bill was academically attuned and well qualified in his work with emotionally disturbed children. He was also an excellent school counselor and the students loved him.

After serving as pastor for St. Albert Parish in Land O'Lakes, and St. Mary Parish in Phelps, Fr. Bill retired from priestly active ministry on June 1, 1998.

The funeral was held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 8950 County Road J, Woodruff, on Monday, April 11th. Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service, with Bishop James Powers presiding. Burial took place in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Stevens Point on Monday at 3:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pius Priest's Fund, Diocese of Superior, WI or Northwoods Wildlife Center, Minocqua, WI.

Bolger Funeral and Creamtion Service of Minocqua and Woodruff handled the arrangements. Please visit www.bolgerfuneral.com.