Obituaries
Sister Bernice (Julie Marie) Newton, FSPA
Sister Bernice Newton, 97, died on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in year 71 of her religious profession.
Sister Bernice was born on June 7, 1921, to Thomas and Agnes (Yonda) Newton in Lamont, Iowa. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1944. Earning a degree in music education from Viterbo College (University), Sister Bernice began her ministry in the field of music. She taught music in schools and parishes for 26 years in La Crosse (Trinity and St. Mary’s Parish), Menomonie and Superior in Wisconsin, and Bellevue, Milford, Calmar and Waterloo in Iowa. She worked in the music library at Viterbo College for three years before becoming certified in pastoral care. From 1977 to 1994 she served as chaplain at St. Francis Medical Center (Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare). For two years she volunteered there in the ICU waiting room and 7th floor medical unit. Sister Bernice retired in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1996. Ten years later she moved to St. Rose Convent and made her home at Villa St. Joseph in 2008.
Sister Bernice is survived by her religious community, her sister Mary Shea, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and two nieces, Donna Kapalakis and Julie (Steve) Ruiz also of Cedar Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15 when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. that evening in Mary of the Angels Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16 in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782.
Sister Margaret (Jacinta) Wagner, FSPA
Sister Margaret (Jacinta) Wagner, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 87 years old, died on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in year 67 of her religious profession.
Margaret Frances Wagner was born to George and Margaret (Fischer) Wagner on Jan. 18, 1931 in Edgar, Wisconsin. She made her first profession of vows as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration on August 12, 1951, as Sister Jacinta. She later went back to her baptismal name.
With a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Viterbo College (University) and a master's degree in education with a concentration in school administration, Sister Margaret served as a teacher and principal for 27 years in Ashland, Superior, Wausau, and La Crosse, Wisconsin and Milford and Muscatine, Iowa. She worked in the St. Rose business office for a year before earning an MBA from Notre Dame University. With a year as assistant treasurer, Sister Margaret assumed the position of FSPA congregational treasurer. She held this position from 1983 to 1992. After a sabbatical year studying at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Sister Margaret served as Vice-President of Student Life at Viterbo College from 1993 to 1996. In 1996 she became responsible for food service at Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center and FSPA regional home in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin. In 2000 she moved to Christine Center, Willard, Wisconsin, to be on staff as housekeeper, groundskeeper, bookkeeper and coordinator of volunteers. Helping others was at the heart of each mission experience. Sister Margaret made St. Rose Convent her home in 2006, until September 2018, when her health failed and she moved to Villa St. Joseph.
Sister Margaret is survived by her religious community and her brothers: George (Valparaiso, Florida) and Daniel (Anoka, Minnesota) and her sisters: Eunice Tess (Edgar, Wisconsin) and Dolores Gohdes (Madison, Wisconsin) and 47 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Roman and Gerald and her sisters Germaine Zweck, Joan Baeseman and Marie McWaters.
Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 11 when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, November 12 at 10 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel (family and friends unable to attend may watch here). Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782.
Sister Helen (Mary Leonard) Castner, FSPA
Sister Helen (Mary Leonard) Castner, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 86 years old, died on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in year 65 of her religious profession.
Sister Helen was born on August 13, 1932 to John and Theresa (Hoffman) Castner in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Sister Helen received a bachelor of science degree in education with a minor in English from Viterbo College (University). For 50 years she ministered as a primary school teacher in Marathon, Athens, Genoa, Muscatine, Sparta, Ashland, Wausau, Superior and Bloomer, Wisconsin. While serving as a teacher, she assisted with various duties throughout the parishes in which she was assigned. In the summers, Sister Helen would volunteer on various missions throughout the congregation, including visiting homes in Canton, Mississippi and working with battered women in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2003 she retired to St. Rose Convent where she ministered as a volunteer and was a very dedicated prayer partner. Sister Helen moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2018.
Sister Helen is survived by her religious community and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John and her sister Mary Wehrman.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Monday, October 29 when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, October 30 at 10 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782.
Sister Laurette Sprosty, FSPA
Laurette Sprosty, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 80 years old, died on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in year 61 of religious profession.
Sister Laurette was born on October 10, 1938 to Lawrence and Rose (Mischel) Sprosty in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. She entered St. Rose High School in 1952 and made her first profession of vows in 1957. Sister Laurette served as a primary school teacher from 1958 to 1969 in Mosinee and La Crosse (St. Wenceslaus), Wisconsin. For four years she served as media center coordinator at St. Wenceslaus and Cathedral schools (where she became principal). For two years she taught language arts at Holy Trinity School. In 1977 she served the La Crosse Diocese Education Center until she was elected provincial of the FSPA Southern Province. After one term as provincial, Sister Laurette moved to Zimbabwe where she taught at Bondolfi Teachers’ College in Masvingo from 1982 to 1993. She then ministered as Director of Catoruzzi (a Catholic teacher organization) until 1995. At that time, Sister Laurette began working with the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference as a staff development officer for seven years. Sister Laurette served Harare-area orphanages from 2002 to 2004, when she started teaching Irish Franciscan Province postulants in Chivu (where she was also Co-director of Postulants). In 2012, Sister Laurette returned to the United States and began teaching English as a volunteer in St. Paul before moving to St. Rose Convent in 2017. In 2018, Sister Laurette made her home at Villa St. Joseph.
Sister Laurette is survived by her religious community and her brothers David (Gays Mills, Wisconsin), Paul (Little Canada, Minnesota), Kenneth (Norwalk, Wisconsin), and Patrick (Thief River Falls, Minnesota) and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Dorothy.
Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 28 when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, October 29 at 10 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Dickinson Family Funeral Homes is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782.
Sister Dorothy (Mary Donald) Wenzel, FSPA
Sister Dorothy (Mary Donald) Wenzel, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 89 years, died on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in her sixty-ninth year of religious profession.
S. Dorothy was born on September 18, 1929 to Louis and Anna (Frodel) Wenzel in Stratford, Wisconsin. In 1947, Dorothy entered the novitiate at St. Rose Convent and was given the name Sister Mary Donald. (Later she returned to her baptismal name.) She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1949.
Sister Dorothy received a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in English from Viterbo College (University). She began her ministry as a primary school teacher in schools in Washington (Spokane) and Wisconsin (Boscobel, Durand, Marathon, Plum City, Menomonie, Stanley), including several years at Trinity School and St. John’s School in La Crosse. After thirty-three years in education, Sister Dorothy became the director of religious education for three years in Thorp, Wis. and pastoral care assistant at Villa St. Joseph for another three years, before taking time to enter a Clinical Pastoral Education program in Willmar, Minn. Sister Dorothy served as chaplain at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, Minn. from 1990 to 1993. She then moved into pastoral ministry at St. Raphael’s parish in Crystal, Minn. until she retired to St. Rose Convent in 2002. In 2011, Sister Dorothy moved to Villa St. Joseph.
Sister Dorothy is survived by her religious community, her brother Donald, Stratford and her sisters Loretta Tritz and Alice Fisher, both from Marshfield, and Sister Margaret Wenzel, FSPA, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: Walter, Raymond, Alfred and Leo, and her sisters: Agnes Meyer and Marie Grassl.
Friend may call after 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, September 27 when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 28, at 10 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Jandt Fredrickson Funeral Homes is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782.
Sister Marie (Jacqueline) Weller, FSPA
Sister Marie Weller, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 101, died on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in her eighty-first year of religious profession.
Sister Marie was born on December 24, 1916 to Matthew and Alice (Mueller) Weller in Spokane, Washington. Marie entered St. Rose Convent on Aug. 5, 1933. Sister Marie started her ministry as an elementary teacher in various Wisconsin locales: Cazenovia, Marathon, Sherrill, Menomonie. and Blessed Sacrament School in La Crosse from 1936 to 1951. In 1951, Sister Marie started teaching home economics in high schools in Spokane, Wash. Ashland, Wisconsin, Carroll, Iowa, Salem Oregon and Bozeman, Montana. During the 1972 to 1973 academic year, she taught home economics at Viterbo College (University). Sister Marie received a bachelor of science degree from Viterbo College (University) in 1950 with a major in Education and a double minor in Art and English. In 1957, she received an master of science degree in Home Economics from Stout State University. In 1977, Sister Marie formally retired from teaching in the classroom and began volunteering as a seamstress and home-care provider in Spokane and Salem, Washington until 1990 when she moved to St. Rose Convent and continued her creative work providing crafts for the St. Rose Gift Shop and decorating around the convent. In 2013, she moved to Villa St. Joseph. On Dec. 24, 2016, she celebrated her one hundredth birthday at Villa St. Joseph with the planting of a Fiesta Maple tree.
Sister Marie is survived by her religious community and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Eugene and her three sisters: Sister Marguerite (Elaine) FSPA, Cecilia and Lorraine.
Since Sister Marie requested a natural burial, her wake will be Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 4 p.m. at Villa St. Joseph. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 23 in the Villa chapel. Burial will follow immediately at Villa St. Joseph. There will be a memorial service for Sister Marie on Tuesday, August 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose Convent, with sharing following. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting with the arrangements.
Sister Phyllis Ann Hackman, FSPA
Sister Phyllis Ann Hackman, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 95, died on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the seventieth year of her religious profession.
Sister Phyllis Ann was born on April 2, 1923, to Edward and Anna (Schmitt) Hackman in
Sister Phyllis Ann is survived by her religious community; two sisters: Lucille Kruse, Ossian, Iowa and Phyllis (Duane) Einwalter, Fort Atkinson; two brothers: Paul (Betty) Hackman, Calmar, Iowa and Norbert (Mary) Hackman, Fort Atkinson and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Othmar and her sisters Sister Marcella Hackman, FSPA, Irene Shatek and Rita Shatek.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Monday, May 21 at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. that evening in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 22, at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will take place in the family plot at Festina. Dickinson and Hugeback Funeral Homes are handling the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration,
Sister Eudora Navarre, FSPA
Sister Eudora Navarre, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 87 died on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in her sixty-first year of religious profession.
Margaret Mary Navarre was born on August 11, 1930, to Benedict Joseph and Cecilia Margaret (Stilp) Navarre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1954 and was given the name Sister Eudora. She professed her first vows on August 12, 1957.
After profession, Sister Eudora began working at Viterbo College (University) in the library and mail room. For several years, she worked in the Viterbo bookstore, until it was taken over by an outside book company. Sister Eudora then returned to work in the Viterbo library and mail room. During that time, Sister Eudora earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Viterbo College (University). She then took courses in library science at Viterbo and the University of Wisconsin—La Crosse and received library certification. With her library certificate in hand, Sister Eudora became librarian at St. Anthony of the Lake grade school in Pewaukee, Wisconsin from August 1979 until June 1994. After retiring from St. Anthony library, Sister Eudora moved to La Crosse and became librarian at St. Rose Convent. During her tenure as St. Rose librarian, the library was moved three times, due to renovations at the convent. From 2000 until 2005, Sister Eudora worked in the archive department of St. Rose. In 2005, she formally retired at St. Rose Convent until 2010, when she moved to Villa St. Joseph.
Sister Eudora is survived by her Franciscan Community and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Eugene.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 16, at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse. Schumacher-Kisch Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782.
Sister Mary (Mary Emmanuel) Bates, FSPA
Sister Mary Bates, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 90, died on Monday, May 7, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the sixty-eighth year of her religious profession.
Sister Mary was born on March 9, 1928, to Harry and Rose (Hartung) Bates in Eau Galle, Wisconsin. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1947 and made profession of vows in 1950. Entering the field of education, Sister Mary served as an elementary teacher for 14 years in schools in Washington and Wisconsin, and as a high school Spanish teacher for 12 years at Kuemper in Carroll, Iowa, Aquinas in La Crosse, and in Fridley, Minn. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Viterbo College (University) in history with a minor in education and English, then went on to earn a master’s degree from St. Louis University in Spanish. Sister Mary also taught English as a second language in El Salvador and Mexico during the summers. From 1977-1984 she was a teacher and Director of Religious Education (DRE) at St. James Parish in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1984, Sister Mary moved to Hopkins, Minnesota. where she was DRE at St. Joseph Parish for 14 years before retiring in 1998. She continued to reside in Hopkins and volunteered in several places. Sister Mary retired to St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, in 2009.
Sister Mary is survived by her Franciscan Community; three sisters: Esther (Cyril) Bauer, Menomonie, Wis., Angeline (Laverne) Brantner, Eau Galle, Virginia (Roman) Schuh, Plymouth, Minn.; two brothers: Carl Bates, Springfield, Minn. and Alfred Bates, Columbia Heights, Minn., and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Rosanne Clark, and her brothers Joseph, Arthur, Lawrence, Bernard and Frederick.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 15, at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782.
Sister Drusilla Trussoni, FSPA
Sister Drusilla Trussoni, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 102, died Sunday, May 6, 2018, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the eighty-first year of religious profession.
Sister Drusilla ministered as a homemaker for eighteen years in convent homes and hospitals in Iowa, Idaho, Washington and Wisconsin. She worked as a nurse aid at Villa St. Joseph and St. Joseph Home, La Crosse. After earning a licensed practical nurse degree, Sister Drusilla served two years at St. Francis Hospital (Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare) and seven years at Villa St. Joseph as an LPN. For a few years, she cared for her aging parents and continued working at St. Francis Hospital as an LPN. After her parents’ death, she received training in pastoral care work and began ministering at Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare in the pastoral care department for another sixteen years. In 1987 she retired, but continued to volunteer in the ICU waiting room, at bloodmobiles and as Eucharistic Minister at the hospital. She moved to St. Rose Convent in 2008. In 2012 Sister Drusilla went to Villa St. Joseph.
Sister Drusilla is survived by her Franciscan community, one sister, Alberta (Berdie) Clark, La Crosse, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers: Joseph, John, David, Albert, Anthony, James and Frank and eight sisters: Margaret Zielke, Barbara DeFlorian, Martha Zielke, Madlen Zink, Delia Finley, Lorena McKinnon, Christina Robare, and Lucille Fanello.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 10 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.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting with the funeral arrangements.
Sister Clare (Joseph Clare) Billmyer, FSPA
Sister Clare Billmyer, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 88, died Friday, April 20, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in her sixty-seventh year of religious profession.
Sister Clare was born on August 27, 1929, the daughter of Louis and Alma Mary (Nolta) Billmyer, in Cresco, Iowa. She entered St. Rose Convent and made first profession of vows as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration on August 12, 1951.
Serving as a homemaker Sister Clare ministered in convent homes in Iowa and Wisconsin for twenty-seven years including eight years at the Southern Province Home on Avon St. in La Crosse. From 1978-2000 Sister Clare provided home care through St. Francis/Bethany Home Care, Unity Home Health Care and Gundersen Lutheran Home Care in La Crosse. After retiring, Sister Clare continued ministering as a volunteer at Villa St. Joseph until 2011.
Sister Clare is survived by her Franciscan community and several nieces and nephews. Her parents and both brothers, Louis (Bud) and Leo preceded her in death.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will take place that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 25, at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in La Crosse.
Schumacher-Kish Funeral Homes is assisting with arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782.
Sister Alice (Johnetta) McMullin, FSPA
Sister Alice McMullin, FSPA, 98, died Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wis. She was in the seventy-ninth year of her religious profession.
Sister Alice was born to John and Sophia (Tomczak) McMullin on November 1, 1919, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1934. With a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in mathematics from Viterbo College (University) and a master’s degree in educational administration from Notre Dame University, Ind., Sister Alice began her career in education. She ministered for twenty-nine years as a teacher and principal at various middle and high schools in Wisconsin (Mosinee, Platteville, Colby, Boyd, Allouez and Loyal). From 1968-1985 she served as principal at St. Jude’s School, Guam. For the next eight years (1985-1993), she served the FSPA Eastern Region, first as Regional Secretary, next as Regional Assistant and then as Eastern Regional Leader. She then ministered as administrator of St. Rose Convent, a volunteer at Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center (Arbor Vitae, Wis.) and Franciscan Spirituality Center (La Crosse). Sister Alice retired at St. Rose Convent in 2002 and served as funeral coordinator at St. Rose until she retired to Villa St. Joseph, the FSPA retirement home in La Crosse, in 2010.
Sister Alice is survived by her Franciscan community, three sisters: Sister Rose Therese, FSPA at Villa St. Joseph, Geraldine Grazzini of Bloomington, Minn. and Jean Shannon of Minneapolis, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: James and Thomas and her sisters: Mary Olson, Margaret Levendusky and Helen Pearson.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 5 in Mary of the Angels Chapel. She will be buried 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.
Jandt Fredrickson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Sister Louise Rahe, FSPA
Sister Louise Rahe, 99, died Friday, March 30, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wis. She was in the seventy-seventh year of her religious profession.
Born on March 1, 1919, on a farm near New Vienna, Iowa, Sister Louise was the fourth child of John and Clara (Willenborg) Rahe. When Louise was six months old, the family moved into town. She attended St. Boniface School and frequently helped the Sisters with sacristy work, weeding flower gardens and singing for early church services. Louise’s father, who could play any musical instrument and had a beautiful tenor voice, provided a good portion of the entertainment at parties and gatherings. Her mother had the gift of storytelling and a sharp wit. Together they provided a home where honesty, diligence, gentleness, kindness, compassion and a good sense of humor were prominently on display. The year after graduation Louise worked briefly at Clarke College and then did housework for Mrs. Graff. There were eight girls in Louise’s class in high school and three of them entered religious life: one went to the Good Shepherd Order and Louise and Leonilla Wilgenbusch (Sister Grace Marie) entered St. Rose Convent.
Louise was received into the novitiate on August 9, 1938, and was given the name Sister Freda. (Later she returned to her baptismal name.) She pronounced first vows on August 12, 1941, and made final profession on August 9, 1947.
Upon entering the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with minors in Education and History from Viterbo College (University). She later earned a Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Detroit.
Sister Louise ministered in the field of education for over 50 years, mostly in Wisconsin. For 26 years Sister Louise served as an elementary teacher in schools in Iowa and Wisconsin including seven years at St. Mary’s, Big River, Wis. (1950-1957) and six years at St. Wenceslaus, La Crosse (1961-1967). From 1967-1977 she served as Director of Education for the Diocese of La Crosse. Following that decade, Sister Louise was principal and teacher at St. Pius X School, La Crosse for 15 years (1977 to 1992). After completing her professional career, she continued to volunteer in many capacities, eventually moving to St. Rose Convent in 1997. In her retirement there, she served ten years as receptionist and 13 years as a chapel tour guide. In 2016, Sister Louise moved to Villa St. Joseph.
Community members, family and friends remember Sister Louise for her contagious smile and sharp wit. She was a true teacher in all she did, always helping someone learn how to do something better. Like her parents, she loved music and storytelling. She would often entertain her visitors and sisters at the table with tales filled with humor from real life teaching situations.
Sister Louise is survived by her Franciscan community and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Arnold and Frank and her sisters: Alice Noel, Evelyn Close and Rose Agnes Maloney.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018, when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. that evening in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 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.
Dickinson Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Sister Joan (Mary Damian) Weigel, FSPA
Sister Joan Weigel, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 95, died Friday, March 23, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wis. She was in her sixty-eighth year of religious profession.
Sister Joan was born to Steve and Johanna (Weissenbeck) Weigel on March 19, 1923, in Marshfield, Wis. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1947, and made profession of vows in 1950.
Before going to the convent S. Joan did secretarial work for Berg Equipment Corporation, and Felker Bros. Manufacturing Company and bookkeeping for Hub City Jobbing Company in Marshfield, Wis. Having earned a degree in education, Sister Joan taught for 30 years in elementary schools in Iowa and Wisconsin. Several of these years she was also the principal of the school. From 1981-1994 Sister Joan worked in pastoral care at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. After her retirement in 1994, she continued to volunteer at the hospital and her parish church. Sister Joan retired to St. Rose Convent in 2003 and then to Villa St. Joseph in 2014.
Sister Joan is survived by her Franciscan community, her sisters: Rita Weigel-Bauer and Beatrice Statz of Wisconsin Rapids and Maxine Feind, Marshfield, Wis. and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother who died in infancy.
Friends may call after 3:15p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening 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, March 28, 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.
Schumacher Family Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Sister Bernyne Stark, FSPA
Sister Bernyne Stark, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 98, died on March 23, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph. She was in the seventy-fifth year of her religious profession.
Sister Bernyne was born on January 30, 1920, to Frank and Marie (Reck) Stark in
Sister Bernyne spent her first six years of active ministry as an elementary and junior high teacher in Wisconsin. For the next 14 years she taught on the secondary level in Wisconsin, Iowa and Utah, including six years at Aquinas High School in La Crosse. Sister received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French with minors in Latin, English and Education from St. Louis University. She received a Master of Arts degree from Universite Laval, Quebec, Canada, in French (which included a 100 page thesis in French). From 1964-1995, Sister Bernyne served at Viterbo College (University) in various roles: French and English instructor and Chairperson of the Language department. She retired in 1995 and served with Elderhostel for a year. Sister Bernyne achieved Professor Emerita status at Viterbo University. From 1996 to 2011, she volunteered at Viterbo Learning Center, at St. Rose Convent as chapel tour guide, at the Red Cross blood donation center and many other places. She moved to St Rose Convent in 2011. In 2015, Sister Bernyne made Villa St. Joseph her home.
Community members, family and colleagues will remember Sister Bernyne as a tour guide extraordinaire, always interested in international education. She loved travelling, whether to study as she did in France and Switzerland or to lead tour groups from Alaska to Australia. She participated in the GATE program in Mexico and a sabbatical in Shisong, Cameroon, Africa. Throughout her life, she kept in contact with many of her former students and former travelers. She will be remembered for her feisty personality, always carrying herself with great dignity and pride.
Sister Bernyne is survived by her Franciscan community; her sister Mary Ann Neppl, Halbur, Iowa and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Norma Pietig.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2018 at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Sister Bernyne will be buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration,
Dickinson Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Sister Betty (Theolinda) Hebert, FSPA
Sister Betty Hebert, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, one week short of her 77th birthday, died on Jan. 17, 2018, at Villa St. Joseph,
Sister Betty was born on Jan. 24, 1941 to Francis and Rita (Hennes) Hebert in Unity, Wisconsin. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1956 and pronounced vows in 1961. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Viterbo College (University), with a double minor in biology and chemistry. Entering the healthcare profession, she served for 14 years as a medical technician at St. Francis Hospital (MCHS-FH) in La Crosse, three years at Sacred Heart Hospital, Idaho Falls, three years in Irvine, Kentucky and three years at St. Joseph Hospital in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. In 1982, Sister Betty was diagnosed with lymphoma. Despite continuing health issues, she began and successfully completed the occupational therapy program at St. Catherine’s College,
Sister Betty is survived by her Franciscan Community; three brothers: Gerald Hebert, Neshkoro, Wisconsin, Joseph (Pauline) Hebert, Marshfield, Wisconsin, and Daniel (Nancy) Hebert, Arizona City; two sisters: Carol Kosier, Colby, Wisconsin, and Rosaline (Duane) Peterson, Neillsville, Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Richard and Francis and two sisters: Antonette Weis and Virginia Borchardt.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent,
Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes is assisting with arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration,
Sister Mary James Ramaekers, FSPA
Sister Mary James Ramaekers, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 91, died Monday morning, Jan. 15, 2018 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the seventy-first year of her religious profession.
Sister Mary James was born on Feb. 15, 1926, to Fred and Gertrude (Smith) Ramaekers in Lindsay, Nebraska. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1944, and professed vows in 1947. Having earned a degree in nursing, Sister Mary James ministered as a registered nurse for eight years in hospitals in Idaho (Sacred Heart Hospital), Iowa (St. Anthony Hospital) and La Crosse (St. Francis Hospital) from 1951 to 1960. She attended Catholic University and earned a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing and nursing service administration. For the next 16 years she served as a psychiatric nurse at St. Francis Hospital (Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare), La Crosse, and as part-time instructor at Viterbo College (University), where she initiated the psychiatric nursing program. From 1978 to1981 Sister Mary James was a clinical nurse specialist at St. Joseph Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska. After a sabbatical year, she spent 11 years in Minneapolis in crisis nursing, counseling and as a visiting nurse. During that time she ministered with emotionally and mentally ill persons, doing health assessments for Hennepin County and as a mental health and crisis nurse at HealthEast Care Center at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota until 1993, working with women who had suffered addictions and abuse. She and Sister Rose Tillemans, CSJ, hosted refugees from Central America and Africa in their home. Sister Mary James was part of a peace network with the community of CSJ sisters and participated in non-violence training with them. She was among a group that demonstrated against nuclear build-up and the manufacturing of cluster bombs at Honeywell headquarters in Minneapolis in 1985 and 1986 and was arrested both times, spending two weekends in jail. Sister Mary James earned a spiritual direction certificate and did individual spiritual direction and outreach work for St. Stephen Church, Minneapolis. In 2001, she moved to La Crosse and continued her social justice ministry through volunteering at Place of Grace. She made Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, her home in April 2006.
Sister Mary James is survived by her Franciscan community, including a sister, Sister LaVerne Ramaeker, FSPA, Waukegan, Illinois, one other sister: Bernice Miller, McHenry, Illinois, her brother: Rev. Victor Ramaeker, Algona, Iowa and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers: Arthur, Andrew, David, Elmer and Paul, and one sister, Clare.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, when the body will be met at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. that evening in Mary of the Angels Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary James will be on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 10:30 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 St., La Crosse, Wis. 54601-8800. Dickinson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
