Trending
MARQUETTE -- Reverend Father Charles J. Strelick, 87, senior priest of the Diocese of Marquette, entered into eternal life on April 7, 2017, at Northbrook Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Brooksville.
Fr. Strelick was born on Feb. 12, 1930, in Iron Mountain, son of the late John J. and Ann A. (Latterel) Strelick.
In 1944, he began seminary studies at St. Lawrence Seminary in Fond du Lac, Wis., continuing at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit.
On June 2, 1956, Father was ordained to the priesthood at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette by the Most Reverend Thomas L. Noa.
Following ordination, Father began his ministry in the diocese serving at St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba in 1956, then at St. Michael Parish in Marquette in 1961.
In September 1962, he was granted a leave of absence to study Canon Law in Rome, Italy where he attended the Lateran University, receiving a Juris Canonici Licentia advanced graduate degree in Canon Law.
Upon returning to the United States, Father was appointed Officialis of the Diocese of Marquette and Moderator of the Curia. During this time in 1965 he was also appointed administrator of St. Mary Parish in Big Bay and administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Champion.
In 1969, he was named pastor of St. Augustine in Republic and in 1971, pastor of St. Louis the King Parish in Harvey.
He was appointed executive director and treasurer of the Bishop Baraga Association between 1971 and 1977.
In December 1977 he was relieved of his appointment as Officialis and appointed Administrator of the Diocese, serving until May 1978. He then returned to Vicar for Canonical Affairs of the Marriage Tribunal, Officialis and Co-Chancellor of the Diocese.
Other appointments beginning in 1981 were Diocesan Director of Cemeteries and a member of the Diocesan Finance Council.
In 1991 Father was appointed pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Ishpeming, until his retirement to senior priest status on June 29, 1995.
Fr. Strelick retired to Spring Hill, Fla. For a number of years, he assisted at St. Francis Cabrini Parish and other area churches until his vision prevented him from continuing his ministries.
He is survived by his brother, Gerald J. (Eunice) Strelick of Richardson, Texas; two sisters, Anita (the late Gordon) Everson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Mary (the late James) Jeske of Marquette. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Fr. Strelick was preceded in death by one sister, Ann T. Strelick of Colorado Springs.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 19, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m., at the church with the Most Reverend John F. Doerfler as principal celebrant.
Most Reverend James H. Garland, Bishop Emeritus and Fr. Janusz Romanek, along with other priests of the diocese will concelebrate.
Members of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus 1585 will act as honor guard.
Pallbearers will be the family and the Knights of Columbus.
Burial will be in Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Fr. Strelick or leave a condolence for his family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron Mountain to honor Fr. Strelick’s legacy of life.