Reverend William F. Krekelberg died Sunday, November 5, 2023. He was 79 years old and the brother of Monsignor Richard Krekelberg, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Fr. William Krekelberg was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1970, originally for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and became a priest of the Diocese of Orange in 1976 when the diocese was created.

He was associate pastor of Holy Family Cathedral, Orange (1974-1978), associate pastor and administrator pro tempore of Our Lady of Fatima Church in San Clemente (1978-1982), pastor of Santiago de Compostela Church (1982-1991), pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church (1991-1997), diocesan archivist (1997-2015) and archivist emeritus & official historian (2015-2023).

Fr. Krekelberg was retired and living in a private residence in San Juan Capistrano, CA. We ask that you pray for the repose of Fr. Krekelberg's soul and offer thanksgiving to God for this servant’s many years of ministry.

Vigil service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 7:00 P.M., at St. Thomas More Church, 51 Marketplace, Irvine, CA 92602. A light reception in the STM courtyard follows.

The funeral Mass will be Wednesday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m., at St. Thomas More Church. Priests wishing to concelebrate please bring white alb and stole. Reception in the STM courtyard following. Internment (gravesite) at 2 p.m. at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 Santiago Cyn Rd., Orange, CA 92869.

Condolences can be sent to Msgr. Richard Krekelberg (Brother of Fr. Bill) at 27805 San Sebastian Court, Cathedral City, CA 92234.

In charity and kindness, please remember Fr. William F. Krekelberg and his family in your Masses and prayers.