Rev. Msgr. Peter E. Bolerasky

Reverend Monsignor Peter E. Bolerasky died on Friday, October 30, 2009, in Racine, Wisconsin. He was born on October 26, 1927, to Slovak immigrants, Peter and Jennie (Biel) Bolerasky in Moquah, Wisconsin.

He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest for the Catholic Diocese of Peoria on May 29, 1955. He served most of his priesthood at St. Stephen the King in Streator, as both assistant (1957-1974) and pastor (1974-2002). On July 16, 1993, he was named a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness Pope John Paul II with the title of Monsignor.

Throughout his priesthood, Monsignor baptized, instructed, absolved, gave Holy Communion, witnessed marriages, anointed and conducted the funeral rites for thousands of people. He was also a great supporter of his Slovak heritage and the Slovak societies that exist throughout the United States and Canada. After his retirement, he lived independently in Kankakee, Illinois, from 2002-2006 and in Racine with the care of his brother priest from 2006 unto his death.

He is survived by three sisters, Adeline Roalofs of Seven Hills, Ohio, Lillian Hulock of Mount Prospect, Illinois, and Jennie Albright of Temple City, California; many nieces and nephews; one cousin, Agnes (Paul) Farkas of Moquah. He was predeceased by his parents; six siblings and five brother-in-laws, Irene, Frances (Victor) Guaglianone, Anne (Charles) Miller, Joseph, John and Emily, Frank Roalofs, Frank Hulock and Dale Albright; a niece, Janice Roalofs; and a great-niece, Anne Marie Roalofs.

He and his family are thankful to all those who have aided in his care throughout the years.

Funeral services for Monsignor will be a visitation on Wednesday, November 11, at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Moquah from 3 - 7 p.m. (Rosary at 5 p.m.) with a Memorial Mass at 7 p.m.; a visitation on Friday, November 13, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church from 3:30 - 7:30p.m. (Rosary at 7:30p.m.); a visitation on Sunday, November 15, at St. Stephen the King Roman Catholic Church in Streator from 3 - 8 p.m. (Rosary at 7 p.m.); and a Funeral Mass on Monday, November 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's in Streator with burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is recommended. Memorials may be directed to: EWTN, Illinois Right to Life Wisconsin Right to Life or the Veritas Society, Kenosha, Wisconsin.

May he rest in peace.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888