The public is invited to a special Jubilee Mass to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Father Jerry Blake’s ordination to the priesthood, Sunday, June 15, at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Hanover. A reception and meal will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Church Hall, Waukon.
HISTORY
Father Jerry William Michael Blake was born November 28, 1954 in Waukon. He was the ninth of 13 children, born to John Patrick and Mary (Hammell) Blake.
Fr. Blake attended kindergarten through sixth grade in a one-room country schoolhouse before attending Waukon Junior High School. He attended ninth grade at St. Patrick High school (before it closed) and finished his high school career at Waukon High School, graduating in 1973.
After high school, he spent 21 years farming with his brothers on the family’s organic farm near Hanover.