Rev. Edward J. Erbe
Deceased: 2005-11-05
Diocese: MADISON
ICTE Spring: 1991
MADISON – The Rev. Monsignor Edward J. Erbe, age 80, died on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2005, at the Nazareth House. Monsignor Erbe was born on July 11, 1925, in Madison, to Edward and Cecilia (Gaffney) Erbe. He attended St. Bernard parochial school as well as Edgewood High School in Madison and St. Norbert in De Pere. Philosophy and theology studies were completed at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee. He later received a master’s in social work from Loyola University in Chicago. Monsignor was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1951, at St. Raphael Cathedral by Most Reverend William P. O’Connor, Bishop of Madison. He was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000. Monsignor served as associate pastor at St. Mary Parish, Platteville, and at St. John Parish, Jefferson. In 1961 he was named director of Catholic Social Service and chaplain at the School for Girls in Oregon. In 1968 he was appointed pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison. In 1994, he became pastor of St. Paul Parish, Evansville, from which he retired in 1999. He also served the Diocese of Madison as Secretary of the Matrimonial Tribunal, a member of the Diocesan Board of Education, the Diocesan Services Appeal Board, the Priest Senate, and as chaplain, St. Vincent de Paul Society. Monsignor is survived by his two sisters, Elizabeth Erbe of Madison, and Mary Jane (Thomas) McKale of Downers Grove, Ill.; three nieces, Pat Raines of Milwaukee, Barbara Zen of New York, and Maureen (Richard) Wilke of Tennessee; four grand-nephews, Thomas Raines, Grant Wilke, Paul Zen and Joseph Zen; and five grand-nieces, Heather (Douglas) Zona, Ellen Raines, Diane Raines, Mary Zen and Grace Wilke. He was preceded in death by his parents; and niece, Mary Ann McKale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005, at 11 a.m. with Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, main celebrant and the Rev. William R. Connell, homilist. A visitation will be held at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Scripture Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Another visitation will be held on Wednesday at church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. The family would appreciate memorial donations to be made to the donor’s choice.
