

Fr. Michael O. Sturm, age 72, of Jackson, died Thursday, August 13, 2015 at Froedert St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Bend. Visitation for Fr. Mike will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 South Spring Street in Beaver Dam, on Friday, August 21, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at church on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with the Most Reverend Richard J. Sklba presiding. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Michael Otto Sturm was born on March 25, 1943 in Port Washington, Wisconsin to the late Gregory and Mary (Hanrahan) Sturm. He attended St. Lawrence Seminary, Mt. Calvary (1961-1963) and Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, St. Francis (1963-1969). Father Sturm was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1969 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee, by Most Reverend William E. Cousins. On June 17, 1969, Father was appointed associate pastor at St. Kilian Parish, Hartford. He was appointed associate pastor at St. Mary Parish, Fond du Lac, on June 22, 1971, and associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, Fond du Lac, on January 18, 1972. Father became a member of the faculty at Messmer High School, Milwaukee, on June 19, 1979, leaving on November 11, 1981 to complete his doctorate in education at Marquette University, and returning to Messmer High School’s faculty on July 1, 1982. Father next served as principal at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish School, West Allis, beginning on July 1, 1983; in 1989 he began serving as principal at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish School (76th Place), Milwaukee. Father was appointed to his first pastorate on June 23, 1992, serving at St. Patrick Parish, Fond du Lac. He was appointed on July 1, 1998 to serve as Coordinator of Detention Ministries for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. On July 1, 2008, Father was appointed a pastoral transition minister for the Archdiocese, and on June 16, 2009, was appointed administrator at three parishes: St. Brendan, Brandon; St. Mary, Springvale; and St. Joseph, Waupun. He was appointed pastor for these three parishes on June 22, 2010, serving these faith communities until his retirement from active ministry on March 31, 2011. In retirement, he volunteered at St. Gabriel Parish in Hubertus. Fr. Mike enjoyed traveling, NASCAR, and baseball. Survivors include his sisters, Mary Pat (Michael) Campbell of Cave Creek, AZ and Kathy (Leon “Sass”) Soboleski of Beaver Dam; nieces and nephews, Tricia Campbell and Brooke (Scott) Hjelm, both of Palatine, IL, Michael (Jennifer) Soboleski of Greenwood, IN, and Mark Soboleski of Germantown, MD; other relatives and friends. Fr. Mike was preceded in death by his parents. If desired, memorials may be made in Fr. Michael O. Sturm’s name to Make-A-Wish Foundation or to Catholic Charities. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.
Fr. Michael O. Sturm, age 72, of Jackson, died Thursday, August 13, 2015 at Froedert St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Bend. Visitation for Fr. Mike will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 South Spring Street in Beaver Dam, on Friday, August 21, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. A Mass of ChristianContinue Reading
Fr. Michael was a great friend. He married my husband and me, and was one of the most interesting school principals that I ever worked for. God speed, Fr. Michael and shake heaven up. With wonderful memories, Caroline Joyce, middle school teacher, Mary Queen of Heaven School
Dear Mary Pat and Kathy - My sympathy to you and your families. I remember Michael from his "pre-priest" days way back when we were all teenagers. As I recall he had a wicked, dry sense of humor. May he rest in peace.
Father Mike was our neighboor on Lea Fon Circle, Jackson, WI. Father Mike and Richard my husband were very good friends and had a favorite subject which was racing. Father Mike was a great support to me during my husband's illness. He was there for us and gave Richard his last rights; he was also the celebrant to Richard's mémorial. I was very grateful to have him around, he was a great comfort to me during that time. He also cooked for me his famous chicken dumplings soup, absolutely succulent. Perhaps Richad and him will meet again and will be able to talk racing again. I was saddened to hear that he passed away. But I know he is with God and in his new home. My sympathy to the family
What a full and beautiful life Father Michael lived. My condolences to Mary Pat and Kathy and your families. Godspeed to you Father Mike.
Father Michael will be missed by our family. He was a great friend to our son, Patrick and a friend to our entire family. His humor and conversation was always engaging. We will not forget his passion for life and the care he showed our family. God bless you, Father, rest in peace...you are deserving.
Michael, you were instrumental in shaping me into the man I am today. Your kindness, guidance, patience and occasional "butt kick around the block" will never be forgotten. Disney was always an adventure! You introduced me to things I would have never had the opportunities to experience were it not for your selflessness and taking me "under your wing." Although I am saddened by your death, you have always been ready to meet our creator. Surely you were met with open arms! God bless you and keep you my friend. Until we meet again in Paradise...
Father will be missed at St. Gabriel, I always looked forward to his sermons every other Sunday. This past Sunday he wasn't there at the 8:00 a,m, Mass . I was saddened to hear that he passed away. But I know he is with God and in his new home. My sympathy to the family.
Fr. Mike was a gifted priest. In Matthew 25:36 we read: "...I was in prison and you came to visit me." His involvement in detention ministry touched so many lives including men and women incarcerated in prisons of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. He brought a sense of peace and hope; Gods forgiveness and mercy to those who sought his counsel. He was respected by both inmates and staff. His infectious smile and engaging persona put people at ease and he was a welcome sight wherever he served. The contributions of Fr. Mike were integral to the DOC Religious Practices Committee comprised of diverse faith leaders, which I was privileged to serve as chairman. I always enjoyed his stopping by my office at the Fox Lake Correctional Institution, just to say hello. Michael was a good man...a good pastor and friend.
Thank you Fr. Mike for the many years you gave us at St. Gabriel Catholic Parish. You have been a teacher, adviser, and friend to us all. You will be greatly missed.
Dear Father Mike, We have known each other since 1969. We have run into each other on and off in ministry You were a dear friend and loved picking on me. Rest easy dear man and now you can say Mass at the heavenly altar Blessings Maureen Mitchell
Though the women and men who have participated in the Bible Study group at the Burke Correctional Center never met Fr. Sturm, they would thank him warmly, if given the opportunity, for his role in establishing that activity. Mass is not said at the Burke Center, so inmates eager to strengthen their relationship with God, and their spiritual well-being, value those sessions. Those of us who got involved when Fr. Sturm offered this new challenge to parishioners of St. Joe's in Waupun are even more grateful. The inmates who share their evenings, experiences, and insights inspire and humble us.