Father Joseph Coerber

With hope in the Resurrection, we commend to the Lord, Reverend Joseph Henry Coerber, who died on June 23, 2021. Fr. Joe was born at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac to Henry and Crescentia (Schmidt) Coerber on May 7, 1940 and was baptized that very same day. Living only a few blocks away from St. Joseph Church, he was influenced by Monsignor Henry Riordan to become a priest, and after attending St. Joseph School for elementary school and St. Lawrence Seminary for high school, he entered St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1960.

At the age of 26, Fr. Joe was ordained by Most Reverend William E. Cousins, Archbishop of Milwaukee, on May 28, 1966 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee, beginning his life of service to the Lord and to local communities as a priest.

He served throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, guiding parishioners in their faith lives at St. John de Nepomuc in Milwaukee, St. Robert in Milwaukee, St. Alphonsus Hospital in Port Washington, St. Dominic in Sheboygan, St. John the Evangelist in Greenfield, Immaculate Heart of Mary in West Allis, St. Mary in Marytown, as well as the Fond du Lac, North Fond du Lac, and Woodhull areas. Most notable was Fr. Joe’s nearly 25 years of service to the Holyland parishes where he was instrumental in bringing about numerous initiatives including the Holyland Food Pantry. Father retired from full time ministry on June 27, 2015.

After stepping away from full time ministry Fr. Joe remained incredibly engaged in ministry and was proud to serve as prayer leader of the family night at Presentation Church in North Fond du Lac, as well as serving as the chaplain to the Knights of Columbus Council 9688 in North Fond du Lac. Fr. Joe routinely celebrated masses at various assisted living facilities and institutions including Harbor Haven Health and Rehab, Kettle Moraine Correctional, and Taycheedah Correctional. He was active in serving Holy Family Catholic Community as well. 

Fr. Joe was a beloved member of the communities he served, known for his deep faith and kindness. He stood with parishioners in difficult moments of sickness and loss, as well as in happy moments of weddings, baptisms, and the occasional Holyland baseball game.

Fr. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary, and other relatives and friends. He is survived by two remaining seminary classmates, his sister Betty and many lifelong friends in the Fond du Lac area.  

Visitation will take place at Holy Family Catholic Community – Holy Family Church at 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Jerome Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee, at 1:00 p.m. Committal will take place at Calvary Cemetery following the funeral rites in church. 

Memorials may be made in Fr. Joe’s honor to Holy Family Catholic Community or St. Francis de Sales Seminary.    

Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.