In Memoriam

 

Sister Lucile (Cecile) Schettler

Sister Lucile Schettler, FSPA, 91, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 68th year of her religious profession.

On Sept. 1, 1920 Sister Lucile was born to Bernard and Emma (Hoebing) Schettler, in Breda, Iowa. She started to attend school on her fifth birthday. Lucile dearly loved her first grade teacher and often stayed to help her after school. She attended St. Bernard’s Grade and High School. After graduation, she spent a year at home, then enrolled in courses at Ottumwa Heights College, Ottumwa, Iowa. Her sister, Laurine, announced her decision to enter St. Rose Convent and received the name of Sister Karen (FSPA). As a result Lucile gave up her desire to attend college and procured a teaching position in the rural school four miles northwest of Breda. Feeling the emptiness of a school without religion, admiring the work of the sisters and having been attracted to their lifestyle during her school years, it was no surprise that she felt a calling to a religious vocation. She entered St. Rose Convent on Aug. 17, 1941.

Lucile entered the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1942, and was given the name Sister Cecile. She later returned to her baptismal name. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1944, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1950.

Having earned a degree in music education, Sister Lucile taught music in elementary schools in Iowa, Spokane and California for 36 years. After leaving the classroom, she ministered to the elderly in Las Vegas for a year and, then, took the position of Director of Religious Education at St. Xavier’s Parish, Spokane, Wash. From 1991-1995 she lived in Palo Alto, Calif., with several other FSPA. In her semi-retirement she gave music lessons to students in the area. She retired for a year at St. Rose Convent. An invitation from another sister prompted her to go to Mobile, Ala., where she volunteered in the Diocesan Catholic Charities Office for several years. In 1999 she retired at St. Rose Convent and made the Villa her residence in 2009.

Community members, family, and friends remember Sister Lucile’s engaging smile and sense of humor. She took life as it came. Sister Lucile loved to play cards and brought her own deck. In retirement she spent many hours on the computer. In her jubilee reflection she stated that “St. Rose is a true blessing – as if God holds you in His pocket.” She found it a most inspirational and peaceful place. Another inspiration was her grandfather. A curio cabinet at home was filled with mementos that he brought from the Holy Land. Her desire to walk in the footsteps of Jesus was fulfilled in 1995 when she took part in a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. She was close to nature and enjoyed visits to gardens and parks.

Sister Lucile is survived by her Franciscan community; two sisters, Rita (Fred) Lorenz, Omaha, Neb., and Colette Grote, Carroll, Iowa; her brother Ray (Rita) Schettler, Breda; Iowa, and nieces and nephews including a niece, Sister Suzanne Gross, FSE. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Eugene, Leonard, Vincent, Cyril, and Joseph; and her sisters Cecilia, Marcella, Leona, Georgia and Laurine (Sister Karen, FSPA, d.2002),

Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market St., La Crosse, 54601-4782. or made online.

 

 

Sister Mary Philip Zerwas, FSPA

Sister Mary Philip Zerwas, FSPA, 95, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 76th year of her religious profession.

Born the fifth of six children to Philip and Agnes (Bruniere) Zerwas on Feb. 24, 1916, in Manning, Iowa, she was baptized three weeks later and given the name Phyllis Marie. Her dad owned and operated the local telephone company while her mother kept the books and was homemaker. Her mother involved Phyllis and her sister, Alice (Sister Agnese Zerwas, d. 2003) in the church work at the parish. Phyllis attended the public grade school two blocks from their home. Her father believed that girls should receive a Catholic education, so Phyllis and Alice attended St. Angela’s Academy in Carroll as boarders. It was during this time that Phyllis decided to follow her sister into religious life. After completing her junior year, she entered St. Rose Convent on Aug. 14, 1933, and developed a long-lasting friendship with Clare Teeling who had been a student at St. Angela’s as well.

Phyllis was received into the novitiate on Aug. 6, 1934, and was given the name Sister Mary Philip. She professed first vows on Aug. 5, 1936, and made final profession on Aug. 9, 1942.

Sister Mary Philip entered the health care profession. After completing her registered nursing training from St. Francis School of Nursing, she worked in the Reception and Cashier’s Office at St. Francis Hospital until she earned her bachelor degree in chemistry and nursing from Viterbo College. She served as a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital, La Crosse (11 years) and St. Anthony Hospital, Carroll, Iowa, (five years) where she also was director of nursing. From 1955-1968 Sister Mary Philip ministered as inhalation therapist and nurse anesthetist at Sacred Heart Hospital, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Following a two-year novitiate with the Carmelites-by-the-Sea in California, she returned to St. Francis for another 16 years as a registered nurse, sister-visitor and, finally, as patient representative. After a sabbatical year, Sister Mary Philip worked in the Wellness Center at St. Rose Convent from 1986 until her retirement in 1995. Before retiring to Villa St. Joseph in 2004, she volunteered at Sacred Heart Parish, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Mary Philip as a contemplative and prayerful woman. Her warm smile and gentle sense of humor made everyone comfortable in her presence. Sister Mary Philip, while in Idaho Falls, had an urging to address the wholistic approach to life and living. Her search led her to the Carmelite Monastery at Carmel-by-the-Sea in California. “The strong womanly concepts” she observed there appealed to her. She entered their novitiate in May 1968. Though it was a growthful and positive experience, Sister Mary Philip, at the age of 50, found it difficult to adapt to the customs and culture of the close-knit community and returned to FSPA in October 1969.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held in Mary of the Angels Chapel Dec. 28 with burial in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wis. 54601-4782 or through our online donation form.

 

Sister Helen (Mary Bertrande) Koopmann, FSPA

Sister Helen Koopmann, FSPA, 90, died Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wis. She was in the 69th year of her religious profession.

Helen Margurite was born on Feb. 4, 1921, to Albin and Helena (Bruggemann) Koopmann on a farm four miles west of New Vienna, Iowa. She had a happy, loving childhood nurtured by good parents. She attended St. Boniface grade and high school. Helen loved school time and learning and admired the sisters who taught her. So it was an easy, comfortable decision to join FSPA in 1939.

Helen was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1940, and received the name Sister Mary Bertrande. Later she returned to her baptismal name. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1942, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1948.

Having earned a degree in history, English and Latin, Sister Helen taught in elementary schools for 27 years in Iowa and Wisconsin before teaching history at St. George High School, Lansing, Iowa, from 1968-1973. After the high school closed, Sister Helen stayed on as Director of Religious Education in Lansing and then Calmar/Festina. In 1982 she became pastoral associate of Villa Nova, Charlotte and Petersville, Iowa. From 1984-1990 Sister Helen served as pastoral associate of St. Anthony Parish, Knoxville, Iowa, and then three years at Immaculate Conception Parish, Gilbertville, Iowa. She retired in La Crosse in 1994, moving to St. Rose Convent in 1998 and to Villa St. Joseph in 2006.

Community members, family, and friends will remember Sister Helen as a woman who was knowledgeable of current events in the world, church and community. She never liked teaching. When at St. George High School in Lansing, Sister Helen met a challenging community as well as a supportive community that gave her hope and courage for the future. Her work in religious education there prepared her for the next assignment at Calmar—Christian Family School of Religion—which she defined as “her first experience of worthwhile work for the people and the church.” In 1982 a long-time dream came true when she served as pastoral associate in three small parishes of the Davenport Diocese. In retirement Sister Helen found the day and night adoration hours a great gift. She volunteered as a tutor at Viterbo and considered this a rich blessing. She valued the friendship of so many other retired sisters who are living quiet lives of prayer and service and expressed her gratitude for all that has been, “for life, all the goodness in people, in God’s presence in all of life.”

Sister Helen is survived by her Franciscan community; her sisters: Hildegarde Lueck and Mary Rausch, Dyersville, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Mary Koopmann, Garnavillo, Iowa; nieces and nephews including Rev. Dennis Koopmann, OFM, Countryside, Ill., Rev. Robert Koopmann, OSB, Collegeville, Minn., and Karen Lueck, FSPA, La Crosse. Her parents, her brothers Edmund, Herbert, Cletus, Alfred, and Raymond and her sisters Alvina, Margaret and Rose preceded her in death.

Friends may call after 4:00 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, in the chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wis. 54601-4782. For an online contribution form, click here.

 

Sister Agnesita LeDuc, FSPA

Sister Agnesita LeDuc, FSPA, 90, died Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 67th year of her religious profession.

Sister Agnesita was born on March 13, 1921, to Ernest and Agnes (Hlava) LeDuc in Wausau, Wis. At her baptism she was given the name Mary Magdelene. It took some years for the family to get settled, moving from place to place. Mary attended John Marshall School, Wausau, for one year. The family moved to Ringle for a few months and then to Rhinelander. The rest of Mary’s elementary education was taken at St. Mary’s School, Rhinelander. Again the family moved. This time it was to a farm in Schofield, Wis.

Mary was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1940, and received the name Sister Agnesita. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1942, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1948.

Sister Agnesita received her Bachelor of Science degree from Viterbo University in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Detroit in Religious Studies. Entering the field of elementary education, Sister Agnesita ministered most of her 50 years as a teacher with the “little ones” as she called them. She taught in schools in Iowa, Utah and Wisconsin including 11 years at Mosinee. During these 50 years she also taught CCD and was sacristan. In 1989 Sister Agnesita cared for her mother until her death. Then an illness required that she recuperate at Villa St. Joseph for seven months. When she was well, Sister Agnesita went to Bloomer, Wis., where she was a substitute teacher, tutor and librarian. She retired to the Villa in 1996 where she volunteered until 2007.

Community members, family, and friends will remember Sister Agnesita as an excellent primary teacher, a willing and generous person, and a hard worker. In the summer she taught CCD classes and then worked at St. Rose Convent especially in the kitchen and in later years at Villa St. Joseph. She enjoyed being with the senior sisters reading to them, visiting, praying, playing cards and helping in the terrace with the sisters. Sister Agnesita was often a companion to one of the sisters who had a clinic appointment. Embroidery and counted cross stitch were some of her hobbies.

Sister Agnesita is survived by her Franciscan community; a brother, Joseph (Babe) LeDuc, Deming, N.M.; two sister-in-laws Lee Ann Lukas, Appleton, Wis., and Adeline LeDuc, Wausau; and nieces and nephews. Her parents; her brothers, Charles, James and Ernest; and her sisters, Agnes and Lucille, preceded her in death.

Sister Agnesita chose natural burial. A prayer service was held at 4 p.m. at Villa St. Joseph on Wednesday, July 27. The Mass of Christian Burial was at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, in the Villa Chapel. Burial was in the Villa Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. A Memorial Mass at St. Rose Convent is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 3.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wis. 54601-4782 or submitted online.

 

Sister Julia Anne Maus, FSPA

Sister Julia Anne Maus, FSPA, 106, died Sunday, June 26, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 62nd year of her religious profession.

Sister Julia Anne was born March 24, 1905, in Albany, Minn., to John and Catherine (Berg) Maus. She was the eighth of eleven children. At her baptism she received the name of Julia Agnes.

Julia attended grade and high school at a parochial school in Watkins, Minn., which was staffed by the Benedictine Sisters. She finished her last year of high school at St. Benedict’s Academy in St. Joseph, Minn. The following year she began her teaching career in rural schools teaching all grades and discovered she was better working with older students. She attended summer school and eventually obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1930 and a master’s in 1934. While head of the English Department at the University high school she started editing books and articles and later began to devote her efforts at promoting Catholic literature. While immersing herself in Catholic books, she said “Before I knew it I had read myself into the convent, though not my ambition. I was going to be a lay apostle.” While teaching in Platteville, Wis., she had come in contact with the FSPA. She cared for her mother who was in ill health and after her mother died applied to St. Rose Convent for acceptance.

She taught at Aquinas High School in the fall of 1946 and entered the postulancy on Jan. 22, 1947. Julia was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Julia Anne on Aug. 12, 1947. She made profession of first vows on Aug. 12, 1949, and final vows Aug. 9, 1955.

As a teacher she taught high school students and used her journalism skills for 21 years in parochial schools in Washington and Wisconsin including 15 years at Aquinas High School in La Crosse. From 1970-1975 she worked in pastoral ministry at St. Thomas More Parish in Troy, Mich., doing things that the DRE and liturgist did not do. After two years as Sisters’ Coordinator at Villa St. Joseph she ministered at the Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids, Minn. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 1994 and to Villa St. Joseph in 2000.

Community and family members remember her as an independent person, committed to prayer and social justice issues. She authored a book, “Reflections, Autobiographical and Theological,” which chronicles her goings and comings as a teacher, traveler, parish minister, story teller and poet. In these last years she was very observant but used few words.

Sister Julia Anne is survived by her Franciscan Community and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Andrew, Benno, George, John, and Martin; her sisters: Cecilia, Hedwig, Justina, Mary, Sister Gertrude, OSB, Sister Scholastica, OSB, and a stepsister.

Friends may call after 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, June 28, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, in the chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. Click here for an onine donation form.

Sister Francelyn Arnold, FSPA

Sister Francelyn Arnold, FSPA, 93, died Monday, June 20 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 65th year of her religious profession.

On April 3, 1918 Sister Francelyn was born to George and Della (Barnard) Arnold, in Bozeman, Mont. She was named Margaret. She entered St. Rose Convent on June 14, 1941.

Margaret entered the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1942, and was given the name Sister Francelyn. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1944, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1950.

Sister Francelyn taught at Aquinas High School a year, then in elementary schools for six years and at St. Michael Home before going into nursing at St. Francis Hospital. Sister Francelyn ministered as a nurse aide/licensed practical nurse at Villa St. Joseph, St. Joseph Home, La Crosse and St. Anthony Hospital, Carroll, Iowa. For a brief time she was in pastoral care at St. Anthony Hospital and activity director at Villa St. Joseph. Sister Francelyn served as assistant librarian at Viterbo College, at St. James School, La Crosse, Cathedral School, Superior, and St. Joseph’s School, Stratford. Before retiring to St. Rose Convent in 1990, Sister Francelyn volunteered in the La Crosse area. She retired to the Villa in 1998.

Sister Francelyn is survived by her Franciscan community; one sister, Molly (James) Pratt, Bozeman, Mont., and several nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Nancy and Betty.

Sister Francelyn chose natural burial. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Villa Chapel on June 21. Burial took place in the Villa Natural Cemetery, La Crosse. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Rose Convent on Friday, June 24, at 10 a.m.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 54601-4782 or visit FSPA Development for an online contribution form.

Sister Romaine Kleinheinz, FSPA

Sister Romaine Kleinheinz, FSPA, 95 died Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 77th year of her religious profession.

Sister Romaine was born July 30, 1915, in Wausau, Wis., to John and Alvina (Biedermann) Kleinheinz. At her baptism she received the name Ruth Helen. Ruth attended the public school for four years before enrolling in St. Mary’s School where the FSPA were on staff. As far back as she could remember, Ruth wanted to be a sister. She loved to imagine herself as a sister teaching a classroom full of children. She couldn’t enter the convent after eighth grade because as an oldest child, her mother needed her help after the birth of her twin sisters, Lois and Carol. Ruth attended Wausau Junior High School for a year and then entered St. Rose Convent on Aug. 27, 1930.

Ruth was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Romaine on Aug. 10, 1932. She made profession of first vows on Aug. 6, 1934, and final vows Aug. 9, 1940.

She received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Viterbo College and took further courses in music at the University of Wisconsin. As a music teacher she ministered for 52 years in parochial schools in Iowa, Washington and Wisconsin including nine years at St. Vincent School, Wisconsin Rapids, six years at Blessed Sacrament, La Crosse, and 20 years at St. James and St. Mary’s, Wausau. From 1986-1992 Sister Romaine gave organ and piano lessons at Marathon. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 1992 and to Villa St. Joseph in 2004.

Community members and family remember Sister Romaine as a prayerful, joyful person who loved to share her musical talents. As a teacher she always had a small band which she enjoyed directing. Her strong alto voice added to the choir. During her retirement years at S. Rose, she played organ and she and Sister Juanice Monarski would play duets almost daily. Sister Romaine was an avid reader. Even at the summer Kleinheinz outings at Pike Lake at her mother or sister’s cottage, she would sit on the shore and read rather than go swimming or boating. Two of her other loves were dogs and good chocolates.

Sister Romaine is survived by her Franciscan Community; three sisters: Phyllis Lattimer, Mt. Joy, Penn., Lois (Edmund) Fleming, Sheboygan, Wis., and Carol Strupp, Milwaukee, Wis.; a brother, Mr. and Mrs. James Kleinheinz, Chesapeak Beach, Md.; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John Jr. and her sisters Dorothy, Alice, Jeanne and Patricia.

Friends may call after 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 22, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m., in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the chapel at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 23. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

 

Sister Alice (Aloyene) Rohn, FSPA

Sister Alice Rohn, FSPA, 89, died Sunday, May 15, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 68th year of her religious profession.

It was on Feb. 7, 1922, that a “little light complected, blue-eyed girl” brightened the home of Albert and Florence (Manning) Rohn in Arcadia, Wis. Alice was the fourth child of ten. She spent her first year of school at Myers Valley Public School where her aunt was teaching. Then her parents sent her to St. Aloysius Parochial School in Arcadia staffed by the Notre Dame Sisters. Alice always liked school and liked to study. One of the happiest days of her life was to receive Our Lord in First Holy Communion.

When she finished eighth grade she applied to enter St. Rose Convent as an aspirant but she was told that she had to wait a year for she was too young. Alice waited a year, asked again, and entered on Aug. 14, 1936. The four years at St. Rose High School were happy ones. She entered the postulancy on Feb. 2, 1940 and on Aug. 2, she entered the novitiate and received the habit and a new name, Sister Aloyene. She made her first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1942 and final vows on Aug. 9, 1948. She later returned to her baptismal name.

Sister Alice earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Viterbo College and received Basic, Advanced, Master and Director of Religious Education Training certificate from the Diocese of Davenport Religious Education Office and training in Adult Basic Education. She taught 37 years from 1942-1979 in Iowa, Wisconsin and El Salvador.

In 1962, Sisters Alice, Rita Brunner and Charlotte Seubert went to El Salvador and helped to establish Madre del Salvador School in Santa Anna. They attended language school and became fluent in Spanish. Sister Alice learned quickly and with much enthusiasm organized kindergarten and first grade classes. She helped train teachers as the school grew and then devoted more time to pastoral work. She ministered 19 years in El Salvador until the sisters were asked to return in 1981.

Even though her place of ministry changed her desire to help others led her to Beaufort and Frogmore, South Carolina, working with a largely black and migrant population. In 1986 she moved to Davenport to help with the newly organized Diocesan Hispanic Center to better serve the spiritual, educational, social and cultural needs of the Hispanic community of the diocese. She would knock on doors and do home visiting, tutor, teach English as a Second Language and meet the pastoral needs of the people. In an interview Sister Alice said “I hope that my living brings joy to others – talking, maybe just listening. A lot of times that’s all people need.” Her biggest gift is her ability to work one-on-one. After two years at Immaculate Conception Parish in Eau Claire, Wis., she retired to the Villa in 2002.

Her Franciscan community, relatives and friends remember Sister Alice’s very quiet, observing presence. The twinkle in her eye and her beautiful smile were a joy to experience. In her earlier years she loved reading, including history and Agatha Christie mysteries, crocheting and crossword puzzles. She was well loved by the children and people she served.

Sister Alice is survived by her Franciscan community; by her brother, Mr. and Mrs. Aloysius Rohn; a sister-in law, Mrs. James Rohn; and nieces and nephews. Her parents, Albert and Florence; her brothers: Michael, Cornelius, James, and Joseph; and her sisters: Kathleen, Ellen, Elizabeth “Bette”, and Joanne preceded her in death.

Friends may call after 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782. Click here for a contribution form.

 

Sister Carita Carey, FSPA

Sister Carita Carey, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 81, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wis. She was in the 63rd year of her religious profession.

Born on May 14, 1929, in Churdan, Iowa, Sister Carita was the daughter of Louis and Agnes (Gingery) Carey. In baptism she was given the name Helen Carita. School was easy for her so Carita was permitted to take 2nd and 3rd grades together. After three years of high school, she knew some changes and decisions had to be made. Carita spoke with her pastor and made a visit to St. Rose Convent and then firmly decided to be a sister. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1945.

Carita was received into the novitiate on Aug.12, 1946 and was given her own name Sister Carita. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1948 and final vows on Aug. 9, 1954.

Having earned degrees in elementary education, Sister Carita ministered as a teacher and/or principal in elementary schools in Iowa, Utah and Wisconsin from 1949 to 1972 including six years in Spencer, Iowa. For the next seven years she taught English at Kuemper High School, Carroll, Iowa. In 1980 Sister Carita earned certification as a chaplain and served in pastoral ministry at St. Francis Medical Center, La Crosse. She was then asked to be the administrator at the FSPA Franciscan Center for Wholistic Living in St. Paul, Minn. From 1987-1990 Sister Carita was chaplain and then Clinical Pastoral Education supervisor at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minn. She ended her active ministry in service to her FSPA community as Membership Director for Central Region and Affiliation Ministry. Sister Carita retired in Cedar Rapids in 2002, moved to St. Rose Convent in February 2006 and in July 2006 made Villa St. Joseph her home.

Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Carita as the life of the party and the center of attention. She had a bubbly personality and loved to tease. Sister Carita was firm in her convictions and would argue her point of view. One of her favorite ways to relax was playing Rummicube with family and friends.

Sister Carita is survived by her religious community; four sisters: Kathryn Fairfield, Marriettsville, Md., Dorothy (Vincent) Gaffney, Fulton, N.Y., Delores (Jacques) Kaiser, Huntington Beach, Calif., and Mary Fran (Gene) Millard, Waukee, Iowa; two brothers: Jerry (Sharon) Carey, Churdan, Iowa, and Larry ( Jackie) Carey, Sigourney, Iowa; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Donna and Margaret.

Friend may call after 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 9, at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782. Click here for a contribution form.

 

Sister Catherine (Alexine) Theurer, FSPA

Sister Catherine (Alexine) Theurer, 90, died Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph. She was in the 67th year of her religious profession.

Born on Oct. 8, 1920, in Rozellville, Wis., Sister Catherine was the oldest daughter of John and Elizabeth (Scharfen) Theurer. She spoke of herself as a mischievous child. Catherine liked school very much. One time she went out of the house unseen and went to school in a snowstorm when she was supposed to stay home. Her father went to get her with the horse and sleigh in the afternoon and she paid the consequences that evening. After eighth grade graduation, Catherine worked on a farm for a young couple. After several months she found a job on another farm and, eventually, a third farm. In July 1937 she quit working and returned home to prepare for her entrance to St. Rose Convent a month later. Catherine completed her high school courses at St. Rose.

Catherine was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1941, and received the name of Sister Alexine. She made profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1943, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1949. She chose to return to her baptismal name of Catherine.

After earning a degree in education, Sister Catherine ministered in elementary education as a teacher for 31 years and as a principal for 24 years in schools in Iowa, Spokane and Wisconsin. She was principal at St. Mary’s School, Wausau, St. Mary’s School, Durand, and, finally, St. Paul’s, Bloomer. After stepping down as principal in Bloomer, Sister Catherine continued to volunteer at the school. Sister Catherine moved to Prescott in 2003 and volunteered in the school and parish. She retired at Villa St. Joseph in 2005.

Her Franciscan community, family and friends will remember Sister Catherine as a dedicated teacher and principal and a loyal community member. Students learned early on that there was no nonsense in her classroom. They were there to learn. Sister Catherine was very successful in preparing debate teams for annual competitions. She was forthright in her manner, but she had a hearty laugh. Sister Catherine wanted to be involved. She was a member of a local community until the day of her death. As a matter of fact, her local community had gathered that day at the Villa for a meeting. Sister Catherine was an avid reader and liked to watch movies.

Sister Catherine is survived by her Franciscan community; her brother Paul (Agnes) Theurer, Stratford, Wis.: her sisters Lu Sherman, Tucson, Ariz., and Martha Rauscher, Marshfield, Wis.; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Valentine, Florian, Rudolph and Roman; and her sister Hedwig.

Friends may call after 3:15 p.m., on Wednesday, April 6, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, in the chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form click here.

 

Sister Mardelle Bellinghausen

Sister Mardelle Bellinghausen, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 88, died on Sunday, March 7, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 65th year of her religious profession.

Sister Mardelle was born on Nov. 22, 1922, to John and Elizabeth (Smith) Bellinghausen in Roselle, Iowa. At her baptism she was named Alma in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Alma enjoyed growing up on the farm. She delighted in carrying lunch to her father in the field and eating with him. Alma attended Holy Angels School in Alma. After graduating from eighth grade, she stayed home a year to decide what she wanted to do. Her parents insisted on Catholic education so she next enrolled in St. Angela’s Academy, Carroll, Iowa. Still not sure of her path in life Alma attended two years at Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, majoring in home economics “because married life seemed appealing.” It was during a retreat in her sophomore year that Alma felt a strong, urgent desire to enter religious life. The Humility of Mary Sisters at the college tried to persuade her to join their congregation, but Alma had written to and was accepted at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. She left on the midnight train from Carroll and almost turned back when she had to change trains in Minnesota. However, the depot agent convinced her to keep going. Thus she arrived at St. Rose on Aug. 30, 1943.

Alma was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1944 and was given the name Sister Mardelle. She made profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1946, and final vows on Aug. 9, 1952.

Having earned degrees in education and administration/supervision, Sister Mardelle taught on the elementary level for 23 years in Iowa and Wisconsin. After earning a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, she found a position in that field at Marian Central High School, Woodstock, Ill. She held the guidance and counseling position from 1971-2003, when she retired at St. Rose Convent. Experiencing some health difficulties, Sister Mardelle moved to Villa St. Joseph in August 2010.

Community members, family, colleagues and friends will remember Sister Mardelle as a positive, out-going person, a good listener and a loyal community member. The mother of three students who attended Marian Central Catholic High School said: “She has a vivacious personality, a positive out-look, an incredible memory, more energy than people half her age and the uncanny ability to bring in the big money. She garnered millions of dollars in scholarships for nearly 4,000 students during her tenure as guidance director.” Students found her to be encouraging and positive in her work with them. She attempted to find money for college for every student. Fellow professionals came to know and respect Sister Mardelle’s work and dedication. She was organized and punctual. Sister Mardelle treated each student as an individual and could find something good to say about every student in the school. The Sister Mardelle Scholarship Fund was begun in her name and is awarded to a student annually.

Sister Mardelle is survived by her Franciscan community; her sister Juanita Bellinghausen, Carroll, Iowa; sister-in-laws Ruth Bellinghausen, Carroll, and Regina Bellinghausen, Las Vegas, Nev.; a brother-in-law Ralph Bock Sr, Glidden, Iowa; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Ralph, Francis and Louis and her sister Mary Ann.

Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, in the chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782. Click here for a contribution form.

 

Sister Ruth Marie Hickey, FSPA

Sister Ruth Marie Hickey, FSPA, 89, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 67th year of her religious profession.

On Nov. 19, 1921, Sister Ruth Marie was born to George and Ruth (Warren) Hickey, in La Crosse, Wis. At her baptism she was given the name Alice. Alice had “an ordinary and happy childhood.” She attended St. James Grade School and Aquinas High School in La Crosse. After graduation she attended one year of college. Alice entered St. Rose Convent on Aug. 15, 1941.

Alice was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1942, and was given the name Sister Ruth Marie. She made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1944, and final profession on Aug. 9, 1950.

Having entered the teaching profession, Sister Ruth Marie taught in elementary schools in Iowa and Wisconsin for 54 years including 22 years at St. James, La Crosse. She left the classroom in 1990 to care for her brother and became involved in religious education (eventually became Director of Religious Education) at St. Thomas More School and a substitute teacher.

Sister Ruth Marie retired to St. Rose Convent in 1999 but continued as DRE at St. Thomas More until 2001 when her health necessitated her move to Villa St. Joseph.

Community members, family, friends remember Sister Ruth Marie as jovial and upbeat, able to see the positive side to everything. Sister Ruth Marie had little to say in her autobiography about her years as a child, but she willingly shared her philosophy of life when interviewed for her 60th jubilee. She said: “Life is a gift, make it a masterpiece. You can’t sweat the small stuff, it makes you unhappy inside. Have friends—laugh together, eat together. It is smart to plan ahead but not to expect too much from life. Accept things as they are and start from there. Laugh at yourself and find something to humor someone who is sad. I’ve never felt old. I appreciate the little things—nature, the Blessed Sacrament and the joy of friends.”

Sister Ruth Marie is survived by her Franciscan community and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Laurence, Francis and George; and her sisters Ruth, Mary, Anastasia and Margaret.

Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. A prayer service will be held at at 3:20 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, in the chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.

 

 

Sister Ruth (Rosella) Winnike, FSPA

Sister Ruth Winnike, FSPA, 94, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 75th year of her religious profession.

Sister Ruth was born to August and Rosella (Mudd) Winnike on July 23, 1916, near West Point, Iowa. She attended St. Mary’s School in West Point, staying with her grandparents. In 1924 the family moved to town, but her father continued to farm. Ruth completed two years of high school before entering St. Rose Convent on June 20, 1932.

Ruth was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Rosella on Aug. 6, 1934. She professed first vows on Aug. 5, 1936, and made final profession on Aug. 9, 1942.

Having earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in home economics, Sister Ruth entered the field of education, teaching on the elementary level for six years before teaching home economics in high schools for 32 years in Iowa. While teaching at St. Rose High School (1948-1953), Sister Ruth was also FSPA Aspirancy Director. She served in the Home Economics Department at Viterbo College for one year. From 1973-1979 Sister Ruth taught at Holy Child Jesus School in Canton, Miss. After leaving the classroom, she worked in housekeeping at Villa St. Joseph for three years, librarian a year each at Bondolfi Teacher’s College in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, and St. Luke’s School, Plain, Wis., and volunteered at the Villa until the past few years.

Community members, family, and friends remember Sister Ruth as a caring, talented, and persistent woman, close to family, a person with a zest for life. She was self-sacrificing and prayerful. She served the people of God including her sisters at the Villa as long as she was physically able. One of her favorite enjoyments was playing Scrabble.

Sister Ruth is survived by her Franciscan Community including her sister, Lucille Winnike, FSPA, Hiawatha, Iowa; two other sisters: Celeste Freitag, West Point, Iowa, Jeanice (Max) Clevenger, Mesa, Ariz./Milton, Wis.; a brother-in-law Adrian Foecke, West Point; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Joseph, and three sisters, Esther, Winifred and baby sister, Mary.

Sister Ruth chose natural burial. A prayer service was held Feb. 7 p.m. at Villa St. Joseph. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Villa chapel on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 9 a.m. Burial will be in the Villa Natural Cemetery, La Crosse. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Rose Convent on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. Click here for a contribution form.

 

Sister Rosella (Naomi) Namer, FSPA

Sister Rosella (Naomi) Namer, FSPA, 98, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 76th year of her religious profession.

Sister Rosella was born the youngest of three children to John and Theresa (Loder) Namer on May 7, 1912, in Mallard, Iowa. Since her brother and sister were much older, Rosella often had to be contented with imaginary playmates. She completed her elementary education in six years at St. Mary’s School and began her high school education. The school was destroyed by fire so Rosella transferred to the public school. She took piano lessons for many years. Rosella had a great desire to go to college but it was not affordable. In 1931 Sister Henriella Reinders (a cousin) invited her to attend the Reception and Profession Celebration at St. Rose Convent. During the Mass, Rosella resolved to return some day. A year later, on Aug. 28, 1932, she entered St. Rose.

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

Having earned a degree from Viterbo College, Sister Rosella entered the teaching profession and served for 20 years as an elementary teacher in parochial schools in Iowa and Wisconsin including Middle Ridge, and Holy Cross and St. Mary’s, both in La Crosse. Sister Rosella taught on the secondary level at Breda, Iowa, and then obtained a degree in library science from Rosary College, River Forest, Ill. She was librarian at West Point, Iowa, for eight years before moving back to La Crosse. From 1970-1983 she was librarian at Viterbo College, first in the main library and then in the music library. After her retirement, she continued to volunteer at the college until 1994 when she took up residence at St. Rose Convent. A year later Sister Rosella moved to Villa St. Joseph.

Community members, family and friends remember Sister Rosella as a warm and intelligent woman, a loyal friend and community member. In 1970 she was asked to organize the Fine Arts Library in the new Fine Arts Center at Viterbo College. This included books, music, records and media from the departments of music, art and theater. When asked for her advice for aging gracefully, she responded: “Attitude is very important. A good attitude keeps you feeling well. Health and attitude go hand-in-hand. You are what you want to be. I walk every day, crochet, read, exercise and participate in a current events group. Prayer is a part of my life every day. Prepare your mind for change.”

Sister Rosella is survived by her Franciscan Community and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Pearl and her brother Norman.

Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, at St. Rose Convent. A Remembering Service will be celebrated that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the chapel at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 1. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market St, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782.

 

Sister Mary Agnes Schachtner

Sister Mary Agnes Schachtner, FSPA, 92, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 73rd year of her religious profession.

Born on July 17, 1918, in Carroll, Iowa, Sister Mary Agnes and her twin sister Grace were the oldest children of Arthur and Rose (Neurerburg) Schachtner. At her baptism she was given the name Rose Mary. After the birth of the twins, the family went to live on the farm with the Schachtner grandparents. When the armistice was signed at the end of World War I and their father could come home from the army, the family moved back to Carroll. Rose attended St. Peter and Paul School and St. Angela Academy in Carroll. Ever since she read the life of St. Therese the Little Flower in third grade, Rose wanted to be a Carmelite Sister. When in high school she learned of the amount of the dowry the Carmelite’s requested, she changed her mind. Her father had just lost his job and her brother was in and out of the hospital. So she chose to enter St. Rose Convent instead on August 13, 1934.

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

After earning a teaching degree, Sister Mary Agnes served as a primary teacher for 60 years in schools in Iowa, Mississippi and Wisconsin, including nine years at Pius X School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and five years each at St. Joseph School, Bellevue, Iowa, and Blessed Sacrament School, La Crosse. From 1985-1998 Sister Mary Agnes was missioned in Camden, Miss., where she taught kindergarten, was a reading teacher, a Chapter 1 and Title I teacher. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 1998 and to the Villa in 2009.

Her Franciscan community, relatives and friends remember Sister Mary Agnes as a very quiet person, an excellent primary teacher. Her summers, other than attending summer school and catechizing were spent on the Indian missions near Spokane catechizing; teaching in Center, Colo., where the beauty spoke of God’s love; teaching mornings and painting classrooms in the afternoon and evenings in Canton; teaching Headstart at Ft. Madison, Iowa, with a multicultural group; and working in the garden at the Villa. When she was forced to stop teaching because of illness, she took it as a sign from God “that it was time to stop doing Martha’s work and take more time for Mary’s.” During her retirement at St. Rose, she tutored Hmong women in English.

Sister Mary Agnes is survived by her Franciscan Community, her sisters Grace (Fred) Timms, Carroll, Iowa, and Rita Olson, Coon Rapids, Minn.; a sister-in-law Dorothy Schachtner, Carroll, Iowa, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Ronald, Virgil and Joseph and her sisters Coletta, Helen and Lois Mae.

Friends may call after 3:15 p.m., Monday, Jan. 24, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will take place at 6:30 p.m., in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m., in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. For a contribution form, click here.