Obituaries

Sister Faith Ruetten

Sister Faith Ruetten, 91, died Friday, April 11, 2008, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-first year of her religious profession.

Sister Faith was born to George and Mary Anna (Muehlenberg) Ruetten on April 12, 1915, in Sparta, Wis. At her baptism a day later she was given the name Margaret.

Margaret was received into the novitiate on Aug. 6, 1935, and was given the name Sister Faith. She made profession of first vows on Aug. 5, 1937, and final vows on Aug. 10, 1943.

Sister Faith ministered for 48 years as an elementary teacher in Iowa and Wisconsin. From 1985-1992 she worked in parish ministry at St. Lucas, Iowa. For the next eight years Sister Faith volunteered at Villa St. Joseph until she retired at St. Rose Convent in 2000. She lived at the Villa since 2001.

Community members, family, and friends will remember Sister Faith as a prayerful and hard-working woman. She was an excellent teacher; had good common sense and a gentle nature that endeared her to many people. In 1989 she received a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Terry Branstad in "recognition of the time, commitment and service given to the Department of Education of Iowa." Sister Faith was generous with her time and self-sacrificing. During her volunteer time at the Villa and while at St. Lucas, Sister Faith put her seamstress skills to good use.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Ann Kapfer

Sister Ann Kapfer, 82, died Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wis. She was in the 60th year of her religious profession.

Sister Ann was born on March 14, 1926, the only daughter of August and Bertha Elizabeth (Youngman) Kapfer, in Spokane, Wash. At her baptism she was given the name Bertha Ann.

Ann was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1946, and was given the name Sister Claranne. (She later returned to Sister Ann.) She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1948, and final vows on Aug. 9, 1954.

Sister Ann served as a homemaker in convent homes for 33 years in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin. From 1981-1989 she ministered to the aging in Spokane and Phoenix. Sister Ann served on the RCIA Team at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix for one year before working as a personal aide through the social services of the Diocese of Phoenix until 1996. She retired at St. Rose Convent in 1996 and moved to the Villa in January 2008.

Community members, family, and friends will remember Sister Ann as a caring and friendly person, always ready for a good laugh. She was a loyal and faithful community member. Sister Ann, being the last living member of her immediate family, worked on the genealogy of her family in recent years. She enjoyed playing cards, the challenge of computer games and jigsaw puzzles. In 1997 Sister Ann received a certificate of achievement from the Inland Northwest Blood Center and was recognized at a luncheon for being a 10-gallon Volunteer Blood Donor. She was very proud of this accomplishment.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Pat Freed

Sister Patricia (Faustina) Freed, 89, died Friday, Feb. 22 2008, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 69th year of her religious profession.

Sister Patricia was born on March 9, 1918, to Emil and Leila (Smith) Freed on a farm near Worley, Idaho.

Patricia was received into the novitiate on Aug. 5, 1937, and was given the name Sister Faustina. (She returned to her baptismal name many years later.) She pronounced first vows on Aug. 12, 1939, and final vows on Aug. 10, 1945.

Sister Patricia ministered as a music teacher for eighteen years and as a primary teacher for seventeen years in schools in Iowa, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. After caring for her mother for several years, Sister Patricia taught private music lessons for nine years. From 1987 to 1992 she lived in Minneapolis and served as a senior companion for Social Services. Sister Patricia retired to St. Rose Convent in 1992 and to Villa St. Joseph in 2004.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Patricia as a fine violinist. She was a kind and gentle woman, a woman of prayer. She went about her business quietly and, often, without being noticed. Sister Patricia enjoyed learning new things and was an avid fan of Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Animal Planet on television. Keeping abreast of current affairs was important to her so CNN news was also a favorite program.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Lavita Jacobs

Sister Lavita Jacobs, 87, died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the 66th year of her religious profession.

Born the second daughter of Walter and Oma Lavita (Combs) Jacobs on June 25, 1920, on a farm near St. John, Wash., she was named Norene Agnes.

Norene was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1940, and given the name Sister Lavita (the name her father wanted to give her at her birth). She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1942, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1948.

Having earned a degree in education, Sister Lavita taught for eleven years in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin before pursuing a degree in nursing home administration and studies in aging. From 1957-1969 Sister Lavita was office manager at St. Joseph Home, La Crosse. She worked in a nursing home in Beloit, Wis., for one year; took care of her mother in Seattle and worked in admissions at the hospital there for a year; and worked in the Viterbo College registrar's office a year. From 1976-1978 Sister Lavita served as the administrator of the Aging Program in Sault St. Marie, Mich., followed by nursing home administrator in San Anselmo, Calif., and Phoenix, Ariz. She served her FSPA community as secretary-treasurer of the Health Care Province in St. Paul from 1981-1985. Before her retirement to St. Rose Convent in 1989, Sister Lavita ministered as secretary/receptionist in Marathon and part-time in St. Rose business office. She made the Villa her home in 1991.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Lavita as a great conversationalist. She could engage anyone in a conversation on just about anything. When she first moved to the Villa, Sister Lavita was instrumental in getting books from the bookmobile so that she had quite a library in her room. She would then encourage others to read. Even though she suffered greatly from her physical disability at times, she had a pleasant disposition and laughed readily. Persistence was one of her great qualities.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Charlene Dernbach

Sister Charlene Dernbach, 101, died on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 80th year of her religious profession.

On Sept. 3, 1906, Sister Charlene, the only daughter of ten children, was born to Charles and Anna (Ziemet) Dernbach in Wausau, Wis. At her baptism she was given the name of Vivian Catherine.

Vivian was received into the novitiate on July 2, 1926 and was given the name Sister Charlene. She professed her first vows on June 27, 1928, and final vows on June 17, 1934.

Having earned a bachelor degree from Viterbo College, Sister Charlene entered the field of education and taught for thirty-one years in parochial schools in Wisconsin and Iowa, including nine years in Hills and eight years in Maple River. For the next thirty-six years she served at Villa St. Joseph in various positions: parish organist, sacristan, substitute teacher, occupational therapist, gift shop and dining room manager. She retired at the Villa in 1994.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Charlene as a talented woman and a hard worker. Prayer was her constant companion and support. Because of her hearing impairment, she had to leave the classroom, but she excelled in many other ways. After she learned to weave rugs, she taught other sisters how to use the loom with one hand after they had suffered a stroke, thus helping them to feel they could still contribute to the community. Sister Charlene had an amazing memory and a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed music and played the accordion as well as the organ.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Dolores Bruch

Sister Dolores (Carmelyn) Bruch, 91, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-second year of her religious profession.

Born the sixth of eleven children to Joseph and Anna (Hoelker) Bruch on Feb. 27, 1916, Mt. Carmel, Iowa, Dolores was baptized two days later.

Dolores was received into the novitiate on Aug. 6, 1934, and given the name Sister Carmelyn. (She later returned to her baptismal name.) She professed first vows on Aug. 5, 1936, and made final profession on Aug. 9, 1942.

Having earned a degree in English, history and education, Sister Dolores served as an elementary teacher/principal for fifty-two years in parochial schools in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin, including four years at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Mt. Carmel, Iowa, five years at St. Lawrence School, and six years at Holy Spirit School, both in Carroll, Iowa. After leaving the classroom she continued on at Holy Spirit for fourteen years as librarian and, later, as a volunteer. Sister Dolores retired to St. Rose Convent in 2003 and to Villa St. Joseph in May 2007.

Community members, family, students and friends will remember Sister Dolores for her cheerful disposition and charismatic personality, her deep commitment to the Lord, her family and her religious congregation, and her willingness to be of service. Her students appreciated her unique and loving approach. Sister Dolores won the Best Teacher Contest sponsored by the Quiz Kids Radio Program; was included in the 1989-1990 edition of Who's Who in American Education and was honored by the staff and students of the Catholic Schools of Carroll for her outstanding service. Outside the classroom she enjoyed the fine arts, crafts, baking and sewing.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Theresa Wernimont

Sister Theresa (Cora) Wernimont, 89, died Nov. 12, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-first year of her religious profession.

Sister Theresa was born to John and Alice (Ordway) Wernimont on Jan. 12, 1918, in Malta, Mont., on a ridge of the Rockies, on the banks of the Milk River.

Theresa received the habit on Aug. 6, 1935, and was given the name Sister Cora. (She later returned to her baptismal name.) Sister Cora made profession of first vows on Aug. 5, 1937, and final vows on Aug. 10, 1943.

Having earned a degree in English, science and education from Viterbo College, Sister Theresa taught for twenty-three years on the elementary level. She then pursued a degree in guidance and counseling and another in home economics from the University of Wisconsin-Stout before teaching fourteen years in high schools in Iowa, Washington, and Wisconsin. From 1974-1981 she pioneered a program for special learning disabilities children in the Ashland Public School System. After leaving the classroom, Sister Theresa worked in parish ministry at St. Agnes Parish for two years, was affiliated with Job Service for three years and, finally, spent fourteen years as a companion to the elderly in Ashland. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 2000 and to the Villa in April 2007.

Community members, family, and friends will remember Sister Theresa as an excellent teacher with a heart for the slow learner and underprivileged. Her philosophy was that all children are ready to learn and it is the responsibility of the teachers and administrators to "find the particular manner by which each child will learn." She taught the Native Americans at Odanah, religious education classes for the special education children of the Ashland area, helped older Americans get jobs and found transport and home care for shut-ins. Sister Theresa was an active member in Alpha Delta Kappa, a professional organization promoting good teaching, and in the Council of Exceptional Children. She served on the executive board for Family Forum, which operated eleven Headstart Programs in community centers and one home-based program in the five northern-most counties in Wisconsin. In her retirement Sister Theresa put her sewing skills to good use mending clothes that were donated to St. Clare Health Mission and mending in the sewing room at St. Rose. Her cheerful, positive attitude attracted people to her.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Riccarda Moseley

Sister Riccarda Moseley, 96, died Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 71st year of her religious profession.

Sister Riccarda and her twin brother were born to Hiram and Ada (Odell) Moseley on Aug. 24, 1911, in Spokane, Wash. At her baptism she was given the name Ada Ruth, but she was called Ruth.

Ruth was received into the novitiate on Aug. 6, 1935, and received the name Sister Riccarda. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 5, 1937, and final vows on Aug. 10, 1943.

Ministering in the field of education, she served eight years in elementary schools and 24 years in secondary schools in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin. In 1968 Sister Riccarda began working with released women prisoners at Regina Hall in Spokane. Four years later she opened a Regina Hall in Henderson, Nev., and in 1979 a Regina Hall in Carson City, Nev. In 1971 the Spokane Country Bar Association awarded the Liberty Bell Award to Sister Riccarda for outstanding community service and she was named a "Woman of the Year" by the city of Henderson in 1975. From 1979-1991 Sister Riccarda served as State Parole Director/Commissioner of the Reno-Las Vegas Parole Board. For two years she volunteered at the Sheriff's Department in Carson City before retiring to Villa St. Joseph in 1993.

Community members, colleagues and family will remember Sister Riccarda as a determined, energetic woman who left no stone unturned to achieve her goals. She was dedicated "to seeing that these [delinquent] girls who had come from impossible homes and difficult circumstances would be treated with kindness and respect, and we would encourage them to gain queenly qualities." Thus, the name Regina Hall was given to the homes that she opened in Spokane and Henderson and Reno/Carson City, Nevada. One newspaper columnist described her "as tender as a floating dandelion and as tough as leather."

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Ottona Meierotto

Sister Ottona Meierotto, 95, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 75th year of her religious profession.

Sister Ottona was the second oldest of seven children born to Otto and Anna (Vantiger Meierotto on July 22, 1912, in St. Paul, Iowa. She was baptized the following day and given the name Gertrud Cecilia Anna.

Cecilia was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1931, and given the name Sister Ottona. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 8, 1933, and final vows on Aug. 8, 1939.

Sister Ottona earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in history from Viterbo College.
Ministering in the field of education, she served 58 years as a teacher in elementary schools in Iowa and Wisconsin, including 15 years at Maple River and 21 years at Muscatine, both in Iowa. Sister Ottona retired to St. Rose Convent in 1991 and to the Villa in 2003.

Community members and family recall Sister Ottona as an excellent teacher. She had a pleasant disposition and was quite a conversationalist. Her teaching career was ended by teaching computer to elementary students at Hayes School in Muscatine and religious education classes. She had many fond memories from her teaching days.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Cecilia Thomes

Sister Cecilia (Mary Martin) Thomes, 86, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wis. She was in the 59th year of her religious profession.

Sister Cecilia was born on Aug. 15, 1921, to John and Mary (Athmann) Thomes in St. Martin, Minn.

Cecilia was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1947, and was given the name Sister Mary Martin. (She later returned to her baptismal name.) She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1949, and final vows on Aug. 9, 1955.

As a homemaker Sister Cecilia ministered for 12 years in convent homes in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin. She also served in food service in hospitals: Idaho Falls, Idaho, (4 years), St. Mary's, Sparta (12 years), and St. Francis, La Crosse (2 years). From 1980-2005 Sister Cecilia was housekeeper for Rev. Bernard Kelly. She retired to Villa St. Joseph in 2005.

Community members, family, and friends will remember Sister Cecilia as a competent, self-taught food service manager. Her gentle and cheerful disposition added to the beautiful environment she created in each convent home. Sister Cecilia loved humor and often had a quick and clever comeback that caught people off-guard. Sister Cecilia's devoted service as housekeeper for Rev. Bernard Kelly for 25 years is a testimony to her dedication and faithfulness. Her creativity was evident in the many crafts she produced. While in Sparta, she and Sister Mary Aquin Geisler would have a craft show each year to display and sell their wares. In later years she would give her creations to the St. Rose Gift Shop. As one of her classmates said, "Sister Cecilia was a good and gracious lady."

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Rose Schreck

Sister Rose (Julitta) Schreck, 90, died on Saturday, June 2, 2007. She was in the sixty-seventh year of her religious profession.

Sister Rose was born on Oct. 28, 1916, on a farm near Willey, Iowa, to George and Philomena (Venteicher) Schreck.

Rose was received into the novitiate on Aug. 9, 1938, and was given the name Sister Julitta. (She later returned to her baptismal name.) Sister Julitta made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1940, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1946.

After earning a degree in education from Viterbo College, Sister Rose ministered as an elementary teacher for twenty-nine years in parochial schools in Iowa and Wisconsin. After leaving the classroom she was homemaker/seamstress at Harper and Mt. Carmel for four years and then at Villa St. Joseph for ten years. Before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1984, Sister Rose worked for La Crosse Social Services doing child care in homes for five years. She made the Villa her home in 1990.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Rose as a good teacher, a neat housekeeper and an expert seamstress. Her embroidery work was exquisite. She was congenial and personable and loved to sing. In her autobiography Sister Rose wrote: "Like St. Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus, I spent my life 'doing little things for Jesus' and my community."

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Celestine Cepress

Sister Celestine Cepress, 102, died May 29, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the eighty-first year of her religious profession.

Sister Celestine was born the oldest of seven children to Joseph and Anna (Singer) Cepress on Jan. 22, 1905, on a farm near Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. At her baptism she was given the name Mary Anne Rose.

Mary Anne was received into the novitiate on June 23, 1924, and was given the name Sister Celestine. She professed first vows on July 1, 1926, and final vows on June 19, 1932.

Entering the field of education, Sister Celestine was an elementary teacher for eight years before teaching English and Latin on the secondary level for sixteen years in schools in Iowa, Montana, Washington and Wisconsin including eight years at Aquinas High School. The last thirty-five years of her teaching career were on the faculty of Viterbo College as instructor, chairperson of the English Department (1950-1956) and chairperson of the language and literature division (1964-1970). She was honored in 1980 with the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from Viterbo; in 1985 with the J. Thomas Finucan Award for promoting the Christian-Humanistic dimensions at Viterbo; in 1988 the Sister Celestine Cepress Endowed Alumni Scholarship was named for her and she, also, has received the Pope John XXIII Award from Viterbo. Sister Celestine was granted Professor Emeritus status in 1986. She retired in 1982 and moved to the Villa in 2001.

Her Franciscan community, family, colleagues and students will remember Sister Celestine as a deeply committed woman religious, an exuberant and dramatic teacher. Tom Thibodeau, Viterbo University professor, said of her, "There are teachers who touch students' minds and teachers who touch students' hearts. Celestine is one of those rare teachers who touches students' souls." She tried to "make every class an event" with voice booming, arms waving, and eyes sparkling. In addition to the above accomplishments, Sister Celestine was founder of Touchstone, Viterbo's literature and art publication, and Lumen, the university's newspaper. After her retirement she continued as a lecturer, editor and tutor. She was also an avid reader.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Rose Schapman

Sister Rose (Concepta) Schapman, 95, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-third year of her religious profession.

Sister Rose was born March 22, 1912, on a farm near Mt. Carmel, Iowa. She was born the third of eight children, to Joseph and Frances (Ortner) Schapman. At her baptism she was given the name Rosalia Catherine Schapman, but was never called anything but Rose.

Rose was received into the novitiate and was given the name Sister Concepta on Aug. 10, 1932. (She later returned to her baptismal name.) She made profession of first vows on Aug. 6, 1934, and final vows Aug. 9, 1940.

For three years Sister Rose taught in elementary schools (Holy Trinity, La Crosse, and Calmar, IA). Having earned a bachelor degree in nursing education from Marquette University, Milwaukee and a master degree in cardiovascular nursing from St. Louis University, she entered the healthcare field as a registered nurse and a medical clinical instructor at St. Francis School of Nursing and, later, Viterbo College for 35 years. After retiring from full-time ministry, Sister Rose continued with part-time nursing and working in the Health Science Library until 1982. She then moved her ministry across the street and volunteered her time in the health center at St. Rose Convent until 1992. Sister Rose retired at St. Rose in 1993 where she volunteered as a receptionist. She moved to Villa St. Joseph in 1999.

Community members and family remember Sister Rose as a quiet, gentle person, a deeply spiritual person and a competent nurse and administrator. She entered the convent with the desire of becoming a nurse. Because there was a need for teachers, she willingly ministered in the classroom for three years before being allowed to enter nurses' training. After teaching basic nursing procedures for ten years she developed and held the position of nursing service administrator for a year and then became the medical clinical instructor from 1953-1966. When the hospital in Idaho Falls initiated a LPN course, Sister Rose spent two summers there getting that program started. Of all of her professional experiences, patient contact was the most meaningful to her. It helped her to accept that diminishment is an aspect of our humanness. She said in an interview, "One of my convictions is that to live is to change and to have lived fully is to have changed often." Speaking of retirement at St. Rose, she said, "Where else can an octogenarian take a course in Tai Chi, learn to play bridge, and be challenged to live in the way of the Gospel?"

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Gladys Hughes

Sister Gladys (Vincentia) Hughes, 90, died Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-first year of her religious profession.

Sister Gladys was born to Herbert and Otillia (Griener) Hughes on Nov., 24, 1916, on a farm near Stratford, Wis.

Gladys was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Vincentia on Aug. 6, 1934.
(She later returned to her baptismal name.) Sister Gladys professed first vows on Aug. 5, 1936, and made final profession on Aug. 9, 1942.

After earning degrees in history, chemistry and education, Sister Gladys taught for twelve years in elementary schools and twenty-eight years in junior and senior high schools in Florida, Iowa, Guam, Montana and Wisconsin and five years as principal at St. Mary's, Marathon. From 1968-1972 she served as the FSPA Northern Province treasurer at Arbor Vitae, Wis. Before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1993, Sister Gladys was manager of Franciscan Center (St. Paul, MN), receptionist and religion teacher at Holy Angels School (Chicago), cared for elderly homebound (Milwaukee), and teacher aide at St. Anthony School (Pewaukee). During her retirement she volunteered as a tutor at Viterbo College and receptionist at St. Rose. In 2002 Sister Gladys made the Villa her home.

Community members, family, and friends remember Sister Gladys as a self-sacrificing, practical woman, who "called a spade a spade." She enjoyed teaching and found working with Indians, African Americans and Orientals a delightful challenge. Social studies, math and science were her favorite subjects to teach. Science helped her greatly when she was in charge of maintenance at Marywood. While being treasurer and caring for the property, she also taught religious education classes at Woodruff and Boulder Junction parishes and was a substitute teacher for Lakeland Union High School in Woodruff. Sister Gladys was able to care for her parents before their deaths while teaching in Wausau and Marathon. Helping the elderly who were homebound was a very rewarding experience for her.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Margaret Ann Schlosser

Sister Margaret Ann Schlosser, 90, died Friday, April 27, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the sixty-eighth year of her religious profession.

On Sept. 20, 1916 in Lima, Wis., Sister Margaret Ann was born to Oscar and Anna (Traun) Schlosser. At her baptism she was given the name Gladys Rose.

Gladys was received into the novitiate on Aug. 5, 1936, and given the name Sister Margaret Ann. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 9, 1938, and final vows on Aug. 10, 1944.

After earning degrees from Viterbo College and the University of Detroit in education, Sister Margaret Ann taught for twenty-eight years in schools in Washington and Wisconsin, including six years at Immaculate Conception School, Eau Claire. After her teaching career, Sister Margaret Ann earned a degree in Theology from St. Mary's of Notre Dame and served in parish ministry in Troy, Mich., for four years. She worked in the La Crosse Diocesan Religious Education program for three years, then started the Diocesan Office of Adult Education and served as its director for several years. She served her FSPA community as postulant mistress and aspirant mistress, a year each. From 1980-2000 Sister Margaret Ann used her creative talents as an artist and adult art instructor. The Villa became her home in 2000.

Her Franciscan community, relatives and friends remember Sister Margaret Ann as a talented artist, a warm and wholesome woman who put her "all" into anything she did. "I have always loved people; I'll always interact with anyone who has an interest in life," she said. "All my life I have painted with my mind. It has only been since I retired that I began using the brush." Her specialty was flowers, in oil and watercolor. Many of her paintings adorn the walls of St. Rose Covent. She had exhibits at the Pump House in La Crosse. Her days at the Villa were spent reading.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Helen Kirscher

Sister Helen (Ethelrita) Kirscher, 93, died Friday, April 27, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-third year of her religious profession.

Sister Helen was born May 22, 1913, on a ranch near Livingston, Mont., to Raphael (Ralph) and Florence (Ebert) Kirscher.

Helen was received into the novitiate on Aug. 10, 1932, and given the name Sister Ethelrita. (She later returned to her baptismal name.) She made profession of first vows on Aug. 6, 1934, and final vows Aug. 9, 1940.

Sister Helen entered the teaching profession serving thirty-two years in schools in Iowa, Montana, Washington and Wisconsin. From 1968-1993 Sister Helen worked at Holy Rosary Parish in Bozeman, Mont., and then retired there before making the Villa her home in 2000.

Community members, family and colleagues remember Sister Helen as a quiet, gentle person.
She was pastoral in her approach to people and life. For many years Sister Helen cared for her sister in Bozeman until it was obvious that Sister Helen needed care herself. During those years she continued with religious education and pastoral ministry.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Sharon McChesney

Sister Sharon McChesney, 85, died Monday, April 23, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph. She was in the sixty-fourth year of her religious profession.

Sister Sharon was born to Lee and Margaret (Maloney) McChesney on April 4, 1922, in Weiser, Idaho. At her baptism she was named Mary.

Mary was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1941, and was given the name Sister Sharon. She made profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1943, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1949.

After earning degrees in education from Viterbo College, La Crosse, and St. John's College, Cleveland, Sister Sharon served as an elementary teacher for eighteen years, and ten years in high schools in Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. From 1978-1982 she was secretary for the FSPA Western Province in Spokane, Wash. Sister Sharon completed her active ministry with five years as librarian and seventeen years caring for elderly in their homes in the Denver area. She retired to Villa St. Joseph in 1999.

Her Franciscan community, family and friends will remember Sister Sharon as a vivacious person who enjoyed life. She was gentle and considerate and was a "perfect fit" as a care person for the elderly. When she went to the Villa, she continued this caring and helpfulness by pushing wheelchairs until she was no longer able.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Christelle Wiskus

Sister Christelle Wiskus, 91, died Sunday, April 14, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the sixty-eighth year of her religious profession.

Sister Christelle was born to Frank and Emma (Seidl) Wiskus on Feb. 1, 1914, in Dedham, Iowa. At her baptism she was given the name Veronica Josephine.

Veronica was received into the novitiate on Aug. 5, 1937, and was given the name Sister Christelle. She made profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1939, and final profession on Aug. 10, 1945.

Sister Christelle served as a homemaker for forty-five years including twenty-three years in the dietary department of St. Francis Hospital, nine years at the FSPA Health Care Provincial Home in St. Paul, and four years as director of food service at St. Rose. From 1985-2000 she volunteered at the Villa as: nurse, physical therapy assistant, receptionist and storeroom service. She formally retired at the Villa in 2004.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Christelle as a beautiful woman in all ways. She was king, gentle, compassionate and a woman of prayer. Her expert homemaking and organizational skills equipped her to be successful in her service at the large institutions to which she was assigned.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Frances Dalsky

Sister Frances (Mary Luke) Dalsky, 92, died Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 72nd year of her religious profession.

Sister Frances was born to Stephen and Emma (Breitenback) in Marathon, Wisconsin. At her baptism she was named Frances Elizabeth.

Frances was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Mary Luke on Aug. 8, 1933,(returning to her baptismal name many years later.) She pronounced first vows on Aug. 6, 1935, and final vows on Aug. 9, 1941.

Sister Frances served her community as a homemaker for fifty years in convent homes in Iowa and Wisconsin and at St. Francis Hospital, La Crosse. From 1984-1998 she devoted herself to housekeeping for her brother, William, in Wausau. She retired to the Villa in 1998.

Family, friends and community members remember Sister Frances as a capable homemaker and a woman of prayer. The sisters found her a quiet and congenial person with whom to live. She was a good listener. People were attracted to her by her warm and welcoming smile.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Julienne Schmitz

Sister Julienne Schmitz, 82, died Saturday, March 31, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the sixty-second year of her religious profession.

Sister Julienne was born the second of six children to Henry and Julia (Tillman) Schmitz in Carroll, Iowa, and baptized the same day. She was given the name Mary Katherine Elizabeth.

Mary Katherine was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1943, and given the name Sister Julienne. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1945, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1951.

Having earned a degree from Viterbo College with a major in elementary education and a minor in Latin, Sister Julienne taught for forty-seven years in elementary schools in Wisconsin, including twenty-four years at St. James and seven years at St. Michael's Home, both in La Crosse. After leaving the classroom, Sister Julienne volunteered at St. Joseph Nursing Home for eight years. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 2000 and to the Villa in 2002.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Julienne as a dedicated teacher and the last FSPA teaching in a La Crosse grade school, St. James. During her retirement she and a good friend would do craftwork together, have a craft booth at various events and visit nursing homes. She enjoyed playing guitar for her own relaxation and the enjoyment of others.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Imelda Tacke

Sister Imelda Tacke, 95, died Monday, March 26, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 75th year of her religious profession.

Sister Imelda was born, one of sixteen children, to William and Elizabeth (Bruning) Tacke on Dec. 12, 1911, in Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. At her baptism she was given the name Caroline.

Caroline was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1930, and given the name Sister Imelda. She pronounced first vows on Aug. 10, 1932, and made final profession on June 17, 1938.

Ministering in the field of education, she served 47 years as a teacher in elementary schools in Iowa, Montana, Washington and Wisconsin. After leaving the classroom, she ministered as a Title I Reading Teacher and as librarian/tutor (four years each). She retired to St. Rose Convent in 1987 and to the Villa in 2004.

Community members, family and students remember Sister Imelda as a cheerful, fun-loving and inquisitive individual. She loved to tease and laugh and made it a joy to be with her. Sister Imelda was a self-sacrificing person and would take part in everything though her loss of hearing made it more difficult in her later years. She was an avid Viterbo V-Hawk basketball fan, rarely missing a game.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Myrene Stork

Sister Myrene Stork, 94, died Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the seventy-second year of her religious profession.

Sister Myrene was born the sixth of ten children to John and Agnes (Bruch) Stork on Aug. 13, 1912, on a farm near Mt. Carmel, Iowa. At her baptism she was given the name Rosaline.

Rosaline was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Myrene on Aug. 8, 1933. She pronounced first vows on Aug. 6, 1935, and final vows on Aug. 9, 1941.

After earning a degree from Viterbo College in English and history, Sister Myrene entered the teaching profession. She served for 34 years as a teacher in elementary schools in Iowa and Wisconsin including six years each at Holy Trinity, La Crosse, and Holy Rosary, Lima. From 1972-1974 she cared for her elderly mother and then ministered as a homemaker and tutor in Mt. Carmel and West Bend, Iowa, before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1980. In 1984 Sister Myrene made the Villa her home.

Family, friends and community members remember Sister Myrene as a woman of prayer with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. She was an excellent upper grade teacher and a good disciplinarian. Students quickly realized what was expected of them in her classroom. Ever the refined lady, Sister Myrene was soft-spoken but firm and had a ready smile. Her skills as a seamstress were put to good use in the sewing room at the Villa when she first retired there. In her leisure time, Sister Myrene was an avid reader.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

Sister Mary Kevin Ferguson

Sister Mary Kevin Ferguson, 92, died Friday, March 2, 2007, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 66th year of her religious profession.

Sister Mary Kevin, the youngest of the eight children of Dominic and Maude (Murphy) Ferguson, was born on July 6, 1914, in Spokane, Wash. At her baptism she was given the name Margaret Eileen, but was called Eileen by her family.

Eileen was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1939, and was given the name Sister Mary Kevin. She pronounced first vows on Aug. 12, 1941, and made final profession on Aug. 9, 1947.

Having earned a degree at Viterbo College, Sister Mary Kevin served as a primary teacher for 36 years in parochial schools in Iowa, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin, including 23 years in Spokane. After leaving the classroom, she was tutor and part-time librarian at St. Augustine School, Spokane, for 11 years. Sister Mary Kevin retired in Spokane in 1985, doing volunteer work with the elderly and at House of Charity. She moved to St. Rose Convent in 2002 and to Villa St. Joseph in 2003.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Mary Kevin as an excellent teacher and a person with whom it was a joy to live. She was ever conscious of the poor and marginalized.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8800. For a contribution form click here.

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