Rev. Russell F. Tikalsky

Rev. Russell F. Tikalsky

Rev. Russell F. Tikalsky was called home to heaven by his Lord on Saturday, February 29, 2020 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, at age 89 years. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 2, 1930, Fr. Tikalsky was the son of Norman C. Tikalsky and Vina Abraham Tikalsky. He was preceded in death by his sisters Phyllis (Robert) Casey and Jean Abraham and brother James Tikalsky. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and his priestly brothers and religious sisters of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Fr. Tikalsky began his priestly formation at Saint Francis de Sales Minor Seminary (1948-1950), and completed his formation for the priesthood at Saint Francis de Sales Major Seminary during the period of 1950-1956. He was ordained to the priesthood by Most Reverend Albert G. Meyer, Archbishop of Milwaukee, on May 26, 1956, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee.

Fr. Tikalsky was appointed to his first assignment on June 26, 1956, to serve as assistant at St. Matthias Parish, West Allis (now Milwaukee).  On June 25, 1959, he was appointed to serve St. John de Nepomuc Parish, Milwaukee, as an assistant; on February 8, 1962, Father was assigned as an assistant to serve Christ King Parish in Wauwatosa.  He was assigned to St. William Parish, Waukesha, on July 1, 1964, to serve as curate; while in Waukesha, Father also taught religion at Catholic Memorial High School.  On June 27, 1967, he was assigned to work with PAVLA (Papal Volunteers for Latin America), and in August of 1967, Father was named the director for the archdiocese's Latin American Office.  While continuing as the Latin American Office director, he was assigned on October 2, 1978, to serve also as chaplain for Notre Dame of the Lake in Mequon. On January 11, 1981, Father was appointed chaplain for the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Wood, Wisconsin, where he served for over 14 years.  Beginning on July 1, 1995, Father would begin serving parishes throughout the archdiocese in temporary assignments, and as help-out.  Father retired from active ministry on April 30, 2005

Fr. Russ was truly a holy and loving shepherd to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee catholic faith community and others in the community for nearly 64 years, and he was cherished and loved by all.

Visitation will be held for Fr. Tikalsky on Friday, March 6, 2020, from 9am until 10:45am with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, all at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1755 North Calhoun Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin, with Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee, presiding. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations to Catholic Charities, School Sisters of Notre Dame or Fr. Gene's Help Center requested by the family. 

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" - John 10:10

Rest in peace Fr. Russ, faithful servant of the Lord. 

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