Obituaries
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Sister Jean Moore, FSPA
Sister Jean Moore, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 67, died on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in her 37th year of religious profession.
Sister Jean Marie Moore was born in Chuquicamata, Chile on February 13, 1953 to Mary Ruth (Noll) and Joseph Aloysius Moore, Jr. Her parents moved to Chile five months after they were married. Her father worked there for a large U.S. copper mining company. Sister Jean, her sister Cindy and her brother Steve were all born in Chuquicamata. A second sister, Kathy, was born following the family’s return to the States. After five years in Chile, Sister Jean’s family moved to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin in order to ensure “proper schooling near their home.”
Her first two years of grade school were at St. Jude the Apostle School in Wauwatosa. Her family then moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin where she attended St. John Vianney School. After graduating from the eighth grade, Sister Jean attended Pilgrim Park Junior High for one year before moving to Brookfield Central High School. During high school, she participated in various sports and clubs. Her family hosted foreign exchange students from Iceland and Italy. Sister Jean maintained connection with her “foreign exchange brother and sister” throughout her life, even visiting them abroad. Upon graduating from high school, Sister Jean attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in Spanish. She especially enjoyed her junior year studying abroad in Spain.
Friends had always been important to Sister Jean. Family was considered her best friends. Sister Jean and her sisters (and often her brother) spent many vacations together exploring their family roots in Ireland, or just hanging out by the ocean. “My family is a source of strength and support for me in their love and understanding.”
Sister Jean continued her education with a master’s degree in Spanish and Foreign Languages from Purdue University. With her graduate degree in hand, she began teaching Spanish at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Illinois. There she met the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA). That is when she started to deeply listen to the many messages in life God had been giving her, ultimately calling her to religious life. After visiting numerous religious communities, talking with many sisters, and somehow being nudged by St. Francis of Assisi, Jean entered St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. On August 6, 1983 Sister Jean made her first profession of vows as a FSPA. When reflecting on her choice of vocation, she said, “Upon visiting Maria Angelorum Chapel, I knew that I could never leave this.”
Sister Jean’s ministry as an FSPA centered around her love of teaching and St. Francis and St. Clare. She continued her education earning a Ph.D. in Second Language and Culture Education from the University of Minnesota in St. Paul and a Masters in Franciscan Studies from the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, New York. In her first year in community, she was Co-Director for the La Crosse Diocese Hispanic Ministry. She taught Spanish at Wayne State College in Nebraska for a year before transferring to Viterbo University in La Crosse as a Spanish instructor in 1985. After completing her doctorate, she returned to Viterbo as assistant professor of Spanish from 1990 to 1993. From 1993 to 1997, Sister Jean served as the Dean of the School of Letters and Sciences at Viterbo. She then became Vice-President of Student Development from 1997 to 2005. While at Viterbo, Sister Jean volunteered at the federal prison at Oxford, Wisconsin as a retreat leader, mentor and friend to inmates. After a year’s sabbatical, Sister Jean was appointed the Director of Mission Integration for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, a position she held until 2016. During that time she served as a pilgrimage leader (about 20 trips) for the Franciscan Pilgrimage Program in Assisi, Italy until 2018. From 2016 to 2019, Sister Jean was back at Viterbo University teaching classes in Franciscan Traditions and Values. Sister Jean’s most recent ministry was that of freelance writer and presenter. Sister Jean has been selected to be honored with the Viterbo University Pope St. John XXIII Award, the highest non-academic award bestowed by the university, in May 2020.
Community members, family and friends, remember Sister Jean as someone that always loved life in any of its aspects. Creativity and Franciscanism went hand-in-hand for her. She was in the midst of writing a book on Pieces of the Parchment-Rubrics for Daily Living. Her love of teaching, sports and cross-cultural experiences were always part of her life. This academic year she still served as chaplain for the Viterbo University women’s basketball team. She always had a story of St. Francis of Assisi to fit any occasion. From childhood Sister Jean “dabbled in arts and crafts” from woodworking to stained glass to photography to jewelry making. Many remember the fun time Sister Jean provided through her “Annual Doctor Sister Dean Jean Golf Scramble” at the end of each school year at Viterbo University.
Sister Jean is survived by her religious community and her sisters Cindy King of Ft. Meyers, Florida and Kathy (Robert) Lemke of Wauwatosa and her brother Steve (Lynn) Moore of Chaska, Minnesota and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Joseph.
Sister Jean has requested a natural burial. Friends may call Wednesday, March 4, 2020 after 10 a.m. at 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 Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel (click to live stream). Burial will take place immediately after in the natural burial plot at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. Coulee Region Cremation and Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Viterbo University Food Pantry, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, Wisconsin. 54601.
Sister Betty (Melanie) Daugherty, FSPA
Sister Betty Daugherty, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 88, died on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa. She was in the sixty-fourth year of her religious profession.
Born in Bellevue, Iowa on October 4, 1931, Elizabeth Ann was the daughter of Cornelius Vincent and Teresa Mary (Keuter) Daugherty. She had fond memories of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who taught her at St. Joseph’s Grade and High School in Bellevue. The thought of entering religious life entered her mind after graduating from high school; however, she stayed home to help on the family farm for a year and one-half. Betty then spent a year working at a department store in Dubuque. Yet the call to religious life remained strong. In August 1952, Betty entered St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Betty was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1953, and was given the name Sister Melanie. She later went back to her baptismal name. Sister Betty made first profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1955.
Over the course of 12 years, Sister Betty ministered as a middle grade teacher in Greenwood, Wisconsin, Spokane, Washington (at St. Augustine) and La Crosse (at Trinity and St. James). She served as principal at Holy Spirit School in Carroll, Iowa for two years. Sister Betty received a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in history from Viterbo College (University) and a master’s degree in English literature from Notre Dame University. In 1968, Sister Betty moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she was teacher and director of religious education for five years. She then ministered in the Tulsa Diocesan School Office for seven years and two years as editor of the diocesan paper. She served in the FSPA Communications Office in La Crosse from 1981 to 1985, when she was elected Regional Leader of the Central Region, headquartered in Hiawatha, Iowa. In 1993, after completing her term in community leadership, Sister Betty served as part of the core group which founded Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha.
Sister Betty continued to be an active member of the Prairiewoods community as a spiritual director, retreat director, program coordinator, program presenter and librarian. She designed and assisted in the construction of the labyrinth and Cosmic Walk at Prairiewoods. She volunteered in numerous other areas at the center until her death, even serving as greeter at the Prairiewoods’ annual Christmas party on December 13. In her not-so-spare time, Sister Betty would frequently write articles on eco-spirituality, the environment and the Universe Story.
Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Betty as a true woman of the Universe. She was known in her community for her passionate care of the environment. She had a great love of the woods, the animals and the garden at Prairiewoods. Thomas Berry, one of Sister Betty’s favorite authors, says, "For in the end, the universe can only be explained in terms of celebration. It is all an exuberant expression of existence itself." Sister Betty celebrated life as a teacher, administrator, writer and spiritual leader. Her sparkling eyes, peaceful smile and gentle words invited all to celebrate life and be one with the Universe.
Sister Betty is survived by her religious community, including her sister, Sister Gertrude Daugherty, Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, and her sister-in-laws Rita Daugherty, Bellevue, Iowa, and Agnes Daugherty, California, as well as many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Neil, Charles, William, John, Patrick and Thomas; and her sisters: Jean Daugherty, Mary Lou Koppes and Helen Mulligan.
Sister Betty had requested to be cremated. There will be a celebration of her life at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A wake service will be held for her at St. Rose Convent, 912 Market St., La Crosse on Friday, Dec. 27, at 6:30 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at Mary of the Angels Chapel on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at the natural cemetery at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse.
Cedar Memorial Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, 120 Boyson Rd., Hiawatha, IA 52233-1277.
Sister DeSales Curti, FSPA
Sister DeSales Curti, 90, died at Villa St.Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin, on November 13, 2019. She was in the sixty-fourth year of her religious profession.
Sister DeSales and her twin brother (Charles) were born on October 12, 1929, to Anthony and Elizabeth (Malin) Curti on a farm near Genoa, Wisconsin. At her baptism she was given the name Inez Elizabeth. Inez attended Hickory Ridge School for grades one through six and completed grades seven and eight at St. Charles School. She and Charles enrolled at Lansing High School and went there until one span of the bridge over the Mississippi washed out. Then they transferred to Aquinas High School in La Crosse. Inez completed two years at Wisconsin State College, La Crosse, and earned a teaching certificate. She taught two years at Romance and one year at Bad Axe Valley School, both in Wisconsin, before entering St. Rose Convent on Sept. 8, 1952. Inez was received into the novitiate on Aug. 12, 1953, and was given the name Sister DeSales. She made profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1955 and final vows on Aug. 10, 1961.
After receiving a degree in pharmacology with distinction from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. Sister DeSales entered the healthcare ministry and served as a pharmacist for St. Francis Hospital for 51 years. From 1965 to 1972, she was named Chief Pharmacist at St. Francis Hospital. During that time she also worked at the Skemp Clinic Outpatient Pharmacy on Saturdays (1978-2005) and 12 hours per week at FSH Arcadia Hospital and Nursing Home until 2006. Sister DeSales also worked at several community pharmacies in Wisconsin including Cub Pharmacy, La Crosse; Miller Drug Store, West Salem; Rudi Pharmacy, Westby; Vernon Memorial Hospital, Viroqua, and Longwells Pharmacy, Galesville.
In her retirement, for a number of years, Sister DeSales managed St. Clare Health Mission Pharmacy in La Crosse. In 2011, she moved to St. Rose Convent. Sister DeSales made Villa St. Joseph her home in 2016. Community members, family and colleagues will remember Sister DeSales as an efficient and knowledgeable pharmacist, generous with her time and untiring in her efforts for others.
Quiet by nature, she kept abreast of current events and knew how to keep a conversation going about the news of the day. Another favorite pastime was the study of genealogy which allowed her to trace the roots of her large family. Sister DeSales is survived by her Franciscan community, her sister-in-law Joan Curti and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers and sister: Anthony, William, Charles, Francis, and Sister Mechtilde Curti, FSPA.
Services:
Click here to watch the recorded funeral service.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2019, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. 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 Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 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, WI 54601-4782 or offered online.
Sister Genny Morrissey, FSPA
Sister Genny Morrissey, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 76, died on Friday, August 2, 2019 at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the fifty-fifth year of her religious profession.
Born on November 20, 1942, in Carroll, Iowa, Genevieve Ellen was the tenth of 13 children of Charley and Lois (Klingbeil) Morrissey. Being one of the five youngest in the family, they were always considered the babies, a term they disliked very much—although they did like being spoiled by the older siblings. Growing up in a large family gave Sister Genny a great love for children. She enjoyed her younger siblings and taking care of neighbor children. Her father owned a small general store nearby, to which Genny would often take the younger children, an end up broke at the end of the trip. Genny worked at the store for many years. She liked meeting the many different people who used to come to the store. During fourth grade, she began to make rosaries for the missions, which she did for years, even after entering the convent.
In 1961, Genny followed her two sisters, Sister Mary and Sister Fran, to St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin to become a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. On August 12, 1962, she entered the novitiate and was given the name Sister Lois Ann. She later went back to her Baptismal name, Genny. She made her first vows on August 12, 1964.
Sister Genny began her ministry as a homemaker, serving in convents and parishes in Dedham and Sherrill, Iowa, and at St. Rose Convent. She served as a nurse aid in Tulsa, Oklahoma from 1969 to 1974. In 1974, Sister Genny received a Bachelor of Science in Health Arts from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill. and became a registered nurse. She ministered as an RN at New Hope Village in Carroll from 1975 until 1986, being appointed Director of Nursing in 1978. During her time at New Hope Village, Sister Genny was awarded Employee of the Year. “She is available every day and has given so much extra time to the welfare of all residents…and staff.” Her colleagues affectionately called her the “traveling nun,” as she would often take residents to visit their families.
In 1986-87, Sister Genny had a sabbatical and participated in the CREDO program at Gonzaga University, Spokane, Wash. She then returned to La Crosse and began ministering at Villa St. Joseph as an RN and eventually as Director of Nursing, until 2012. She then spent a year in Shisong, Cameroon working with the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis. When she returned to the United States, she volunteered to take sisters to visit family and to medical appointments. She also volunteered at Integrated Therapy, where she said she “met many wonderful people.” In 2017 her health required her to move to Villa St. Joseph as a resident.
Community members, family, colleagues and friends remember Sister Genny as always cheerful and fun-loving—with a heart of gold. She loved the young and the old. In fact, while in Cameroon, her enthusiasm for the children flowed over to her family and friends in the United States who adopted school fees for a number of the children. Sister Genny’s sparkle lit up any room she entered. Her wry humor raised everyone’s spirits.
Sister Genny is survived by her Franciscan community including her sisters: Sister Mary Morrissey FSPA, Sister Fran Morrissey FSPA and Sister Shirley Morrissey FSPA, Rita Spence (Pendleton, South Carolina) and Veronica (Dick) Heun (Duncombe, Iowa) and her brothers: Tom (JoAnn) (Highlands Ranch, Colorado), Mike (Jean) (Elkhorn, Wisconsin), Steve (Mary) (Ankeny, Iowa) and Joe (Kay) (Lee’s Summit, Missouri), and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Fr. Charlie, OMI and Mac, and her sister Monica Coble.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2019, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. 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 Tuesday, August 13, 2019, in the chapel. If you're unable to attend, the funeral will stream live here. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Memorials may be made online or sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, WI 54601-4782.
Sister Rose Therese McMullin, FSPA
Sister Rose Therese, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 97, died Saturday, March 25, 2019, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in her 78th year of religious profession.
Sister Rose Therese (Leona May) was born to John and Sophie (Tomczak) McMullin on May 17, 1921, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her family moved to Ashland, Wisconsin shortly after she was born. Growing up during the Depression, she remembered being “happy with the simplest things.” She loved nature and would join her sisters for jaunts into the woods to “gather the first blossoms of the early spring!” The family moved back to Minneapolis where she attended school until after her ninth grade. At that time, sensing the call from God to be a religious sister, Leona entered St. Rose Convent and completed her high school in La Crosse.
In 1939, Leona entered the novitiate and was given the name, Sister Rose Therese. She made profession of vows on August 12, 1941.
Sister Rose Therese’s career in teaching spanned 50 years including 18 years at Mosinee, Wisconsin, where she was principal from 1976 to 1984. She taught grades one and two in parochial schools in Iowa, Montana and Wisconsin. Sister Rose Therese earned a bachelor’s degree in art with a minor in philosophy from Viterbo College (University) in La Crosse. She continued her education at UW-Stevens Point studying reading and literacy. In 1992, Sister Rose Therese left the classroom and moved to the FSPA Eastern Region Home in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin, where she was the cook and homemaker. She went to Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1996, and was a volunteer tutor at Immaculate Conception School. Sister Rose Therese retired to St. Rose Convent in 2002, volunteering in various ways and taking adoration hours. Ten years later, Sister Rose Therese moved to Villa St. Joseph, where she spent most of her days visiting the sister residents.
Sister Rose Therese is survived by her Franciscan community, two sisters: Geraldine Grazzini, Bloomington, Minnesota, and Jean Shannon, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters: Sister Alice McMullin, FSPA, Helen Pearson, Mary Olson and Margaret Levendusky and her brothers: James McMullin and Thomas McMullin.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. 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 Thursday, 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-Kish Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
Sister Rita (Henryne) Becker, FSPA
Sister Rita Becker, FSPA, 95, died Friday, March 22, 2019, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the 74 year of her religious profession.
Sister Rita was born to Henry and Margaret (Kenney) Becker on July 28, 1923, on a farm southeast of Lansing, Iowa. Rita was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1943, and given the name Sister Henryne. Later she returned to her baptismal name. She made first profession of vows on August 12, 1945, and final profession on August 5, 1951.
Sister Rita entered the education profession and taught first and second grades for 41 years in parochial schools in Iowa and Wisconsin including 21 years (1969 to 1990) at Blessed Sacrament, La Crosse. After she left the classroom, Sister Rita served as a tutor and teacher aide before moving to Bloomer, Wisconsin. There, she was librarian and substitute teacher for one year. From 1991 to 1993, she offered her services in child care to a family in La Crosse. She formally retired to St. Rose Convent in 1993. A decline in her health brought her to Villa St. Joseph in 2010.
Community members, family and friends will remember Sister Rita as always having a smile for everyone. She loved reading, doing crossword puzzles and watching the news. Sister Rita was an avid sports’ fan. When asked what she likes to do best, her response was “taking walks and praying.” After her retirement, she was frequently occupied with visits from her former students. They loved her dearly and couldn’t give her enough credit for the foundation she gave them.
Sister Rita is survived by her Franciscan Community and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: John and Henry, and her sisters: Mary and Margaret.
Since Sister Rita had requested a natural burial, her wake will be Sunday evening, March 24, at 4 p.m. at Villa St. Joseph. Her funeral Mass will take place at Villa St. Joseph on Monday, March 25, at 9 a.m.; burial will follow at Villa St. Joseph. There will be a Memorial Mass for Sister Rita at St. Rose Convent on Wednesday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m., followed by sharing in the Community Room. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market St., La Crosse, WI 54601
Sister Mary (Mary Christopher) Schoemann, FSPA
Sister Mary Schoemann, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 87, died Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the 86th year of her religious profession.
Mary Ann Schoemann was born on September 7, 1931, to Christopher and Sophia (Blum) Schoemann in Portsmouth, Iowa. Mary Ann grew up on the family farm in southwestern, Iowa. She recalled riding horses and doing farm chores with her seven brothers and sisters. She began her high school education at St. Mary’s in Portsmouth, but completed it at St. Rose High School after going to La Crosse to visit one of her sisters who had joined Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The trip solidified her discernment to join the congregation in La Crosse. Mary was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1949, and given the name Sister Mary Christopher. She later returned to her baptismal name. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1951.
Education was the chosen field for Sister Mary. She taught middle grades in Iowa and Wisconsin schools for 23 years. Sister Mary earned a bachelor’s degree from Viterbo College (University) in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary education from Notre Dame University. In 1975 she embarked on a new venture in Madison, Wisconsin—a course in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). For 24 years, Sister Mary served in pastoral care ministry in Mishawaka, Indiana, Lafayette, Louisiana, and North Branch, St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. From 1990 to 2002, Sister Mary provided pastoral care at Nazareth Hall Nursing Home and then Thomason County Hospital in El Paso, Texas. During her time in Texas, she was involved in border work, as it was becoming an issue for people “in the colonias across the border.” In 2002, Sister Mary retired to St. Rose Convent until she moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2012.
Sister Mary is survived by her Franciscan community, her brothers Father Robert Schoemann of Des Moines, Iowa and John Schoemann of Portsmouth and sisters, Grace Pauley of Panama, Iowa and Cecilia Langer from Arvada, Colorado and her sister-in-law Thelma Schoemann from Portsmouth. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Eugene Schoemann and her sisters Sister Elaine Schoemann, FSPA and Sister Josephine Schoemann, FSPA.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2019, 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 will be celebrated for Sister Mary at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 22 in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.
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 Praxedes Wertalka, FSPA
Sister Praxedes Wertalka, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 101, died Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the seventy-seventh year of her religious profession. Sister Praxedes was born on August 17, 1917, to Vincent and Anna (Ladauckite) Wertalka in Gary, Indiana. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1939 from Ringle, Wisconsin and made profession of vows in 1942.
Sister Praxedes chose homemaking as her profession. She worked in convent homes for 25 years Iowa and Wisconsin. From 1947 to 1965, Sister Praxedes served her FSPA community by fitting and repairing shoes for the sisters in the shoe department at St. Rose Convent. After almost 20 years at St. Rose Convent, Sister Praxedes returned to homemaking while also teaching religious education classes. She and three other sisters ministered to the poor in Frogmore, South Carolina from 1984 to 1987. Sister Praxedes returned to St. Rose Convent in 1988 and worked in the mission office distributing clothes and bedding to needy La Crosse families for several years before retiring. She made her home at the Villa in 2006.
Sister Praxedes is survived by her Franciscan community, several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Her parents, her brothers Carl and Joseph and her sisters Adella Anderson and Sister Mary Luca Wertalka FSPA preceded her in death.
Friends may call after 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. A prayer service will be held that evening at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Sister Praxedes at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20 in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse.
Dickinson Family 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 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, Sparta, Ashland, Wausau, Superior and Bloomer, Wisconsin and Muscatine, Iowa. 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.
Sister 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, Wisconsin and pastoral care assistant at Villa St. Joseph for another three years, before taking time to enter a Clinical Pastoral Education program in Willmar, Minnesota. 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, Washington, 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, Wisconsin, Angeline (Laverne) Brantner, Eau Galle, Virginia (Roman) Schuh, Plymouth, Minnesota; two brothers: Carl Bates, Springfield, Minnesota and Alfred Bates, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, 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.
