Rev. William P. Fisherkeller, CSV, died on Tues., Oct. 8, 2002, at age 71. He was born on March 13, 1931 in Chicago to the late Jane (Sharkey) Fisherkeller and William P. Fisherkeller, Sr. He is survived by one sister Margaret (Robert) Ryan of Lincolnwood, IL and one brother John (Cheryl) Fisherkeller of Itasca, IL. He was also an uncle of 11 and granduncle of 19.
Fr. Fisherkeller professed First Vows as a Viatorian on Aug. 15, 1951, Final Vows on Aug. 15, 1954 and was ordained by Bishop McNamara in Joliet on May 28, 1960. He is a graduate of St. Philip High School in Chicago, St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA, where he received his B.A. in Social Studies, Loyola University, Chicago, where he received his M.Ed. in Education and Regina Angelorum Seminary in Evanston, IL.
During his ministry, Fr. Fisherkeller served as an educator at Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL and Colegio San Viator, Bogota, Colombia, where he was among one of the early Viatorian missionaries to help establish the Colegio in 1966. He also served as associate pastor at St. Joseph Church in Springfield, IL, St. Viator Church in Las Vegas, NV, St. Victor Church in Calumet City, IL, St. John Church in Glenwood, IL, St. Gall Church, Chicago, St. Patrick Church, Kankakee, IL and St. Viator Church, Chicago, IL. He was pastor of St. Joseph Church and Holy Family Church in Granite City, IL.
Because of failing health, Fr. Fisherkeller moved from Holy Family Church to Resurrection Life Center in Chicago and then to St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly in Palatine, Illinois, where he resided until his death.
Visitation was at St. Joseph’s Home, 80 Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL on Fri., Oct. 11, 2002, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Mass of Resurrection was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. following visitation. Burial was in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL. A memorial service was held at Holy Family Parish in Granite City, IL on Sun., Oct. 13 at 2:00 p.m.
Please remember Fr. Fisherkeller and his family in your Masses and prayers.
Taken from letter to the Viatorian Community, October 9, 2002, from the Provincial, Rev. Charles G. Bolser, CSV