Jerome E. Campbell

Br. Jerome Campbell, O.F.M. Cap., a quiet and faithful Capuchin friar whose life reflected the Franciscan ideals of fraternity, humility, and service, was welcomed by Sister Death on July 17, 2026. He was 80 years old and had been a Capuchin for more than 60 years.

He was born Jerome Edward Campbell on Dec. 7, 1945, in West Bend, Wisconsin, to Miles Joseph Campbell and Gertrude Mary (Zeltinger) Campbell. Raised near Kewaskum, he attended Holy Trinity School before entering St. Lawrence Seminary in Mount Calvary. Drawn to the Capuchins by their spirit of fraternity, he once described the Order as "one big happy family where one person helps another."

Jerome entered the Capuchin novitiate at St. Felix Friary in Huntington, Indiana, on Aug. 31, 1964, receiving the religious name Cyrus. He professed first vows on Sept. 1, 1965, and solemn vows on Sept. 1, 1968. After completing college studies at the Capuchin Seminary of St. Mary in Crown Point, Indiana, and theological studies in Marathon and Milwaukee, he discerned his vocation as a Capuchin brother dedicated to humble service.

In 1972, Br. Jerome began what would become more than 40 years of maintenance ministry, first at Monte Alverno Retreat House in Appleton and then, beginning in 1973, at St. Lawrence Seminary in Mount Calvary. A gifted mechanic, electrician, and refrigeration specialist, he cared for the seminary's buildings and equipment with exceptional skill and dedication. He became a Wisconsin-certified Universal Refrigerant Handler and, in 1999, earned certification as a Wisconsin Master Electrician.

For Br. Jerome, maintenance was never merely technical work but a ministry. Even after retiring from full-time responsibilities in 2015, he remained at St. Lawrence Friary, continuing to assist with projects and offer his expertise. Beyond the seminary, he shared his knowledge generously with neighbors and found particular joy in serving with the Mount Calvary Volunteer Fire Department, first as a water truck operator and later as an honorary firefighter.

Known for his quiet perseverance, practical generosity, and willingness to help wherever needed, Br. Jerome embodied the Franciscan conviction that greatness is found in humble service rather than public recognition. His life reflected the ideal that first drew him to the Capuchins: living as a brother in a community where people help one another.

Br. Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, Miles Campbell and Gertrude (Zeltinger) Campbell, and his brother-in-law, Russell Oelhafen. He is survived by his sister, Janice Oelhafen; his Capuchin Franciscan brothers; extended family; and many friends whose lives were enriched by his faithful witness.

The funeral rites are as follows:

Friday 24 July 2026

Visitation from 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Vigil for the Deceased at 6:00pm

Saturday 25 July 2026

Visitation from 9:30 am to 10:30am

Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am

Burial to follow in Friars Cemetery

St. Lawrence Seminary

301 Church Street, Mt. Calvary, WI 53037,

The liturgy will be live streamed at www.thecapuchins.org.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com