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Sister Agatha Adler

Born:      March 18, 1918
Died:      October 8, 2009

Written by staff members at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee

Henrietta was born to Margaret and John Adler in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, on March 18, 1918, the eighth of 12 children – 7 boys and 5 girls. The midwife who assisted the doctor at her birth was named Henrietta, and since her Aunt Maggie liked that name, Agatha was named Henrietta.  Sister Agatha never liked that name because the children had a variety of nicknames for it. How happy she was on Reception Day when she received the name “Agatha” – no more nicknames! 

Her Uncle John was a mail carrier and used his horse and buggy, or a sleigh in winter time, to deliver the mail. He always carried his gun along and would shoot any rabbits he saw along the way. This would be part of their meal at supper. He was also a farmer, but unfortunately they lost the farm during the time of the depression.

Later, the family moved into a home-tavern combination building on the corner across from the school grounds. Uncle John ran the tavern where they made home brewed beer in the basement. Henrietta helped them bottle and cap all the beer. They kept the dumb waiter loaded at all times, so that it was always ready to be pulled up to the tavern floor. Sometimes they bottled the beer too soon, and it blew up when the customers took the cap off the bottle.

After she graduated from St Francis School in Cross Plains, she decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps, Sister Dorothy, to become a School Sister of St. Francis.  

Sister Agatha began her ministry in elementary education at St. Benedict School in Chicago teaching the first three grades. After 7 years, she was assigned to teach at St. Dionysius in Cicero, where she taught the middle grades. Later she was transferred to a small town – Chilton, Wisconsin. After overcoming the shock of her abrupt transfer, she learned to enjoy the beauty and pleasant environment of rural life!

Three years later she was transferred to Immaculate Conception School in Chicago. For the next 11 years, healthy stockyard breezes replaced Chilton’s refreshing rural life breezes.

In 1967, Sister Agatha was asked if she would consider going back to teach at St. Dionysius. She accepted immediately, for she never really wanted to leave. She soon became the principal of the school and quickly earned the love and respect of everyone.

These were years of personal growth and learning. She was quickly recognized for her dedication and love for the people there.

St. Dionysius was closed in June of 1988. After the school was closed, she was asked what she would do. Her response was quick and to the point, “What better thing could I do than to continue working and praying with the people God has placed in my life?”  In parish ministry, she devoted her time and energy to those who were sick and the elders in the parish. Every Tuesday evening, she and Sister Ann Marie Mayroth conducted a Bible study and always prayed the rosary with the people. Her love for prayer and Our Lady had always been a high priority in her life.

In the summer of 1999, due to their decline in health, both Sisters Ann Marie and Agatha came to live at Sacred Heart Convent. This was a traumatic experience for Sister Agatha. At this time a dear sister friend sent her this note:

Agatha, I asked Jesus to keep you close to His heart. He loves you, and I know you love Him. I asked Him to carry your most burdensome cross. You are a good “cross-bearer!  He will hold you securely in His love. ”

Sister Agatha, you are now united with Sister Dorothy and all your loving family and the many people God has placed in your life. We are grateful to you for your years of service in the community.

We shall always remember you for your kindness, your thoughtfulness, and prayerfulness. NOW, your heart rejoices, and your soul is glad, and your voice can again speak His praises. You have seen your GOD - the CENTER OF YOUR LIFE!                                                                         

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Sister Eunice Becker (Cosma)

Born:      March 21, 1931
Died:      October 2, 2009

Funeral commentary by Sister Phyllis Wirtz

On March 21, 1931, a baby girl was born to Alphonse and Katherine Becker at St. Lucas Hospital in Faribault, Minnesota. The next day the newborn baby was baptized, Eunice Elizabeth Becker, at St. Lawrence Church in Faribault, Minnesota.

Eunice grew up with her two brothers, Silverius and Ambrose, and her sister, Jean on a farm six miles north of Faribault. When Eunice was in first grade, her Dad and Mother decided to move and buy a farm near Union Hill, Minnesota, which was about 35 miles from Faribault. This meant transferring the children from their one-room country school to the two-room school at Union Hill with four grades in a room and a library. Eunice graduated from eighth grade in 1945.

Eunice attended New Prague High School in New Prague, Minnesota, which was about three miles from the family farm. After Eunice’s junior year at New Prague, she felt a calling in her life to follow her sister, Jean, to the convent and become a School Sister of St. Francis. She entered St. Joseph Convent, in Milwaukee in August of 1948. She completed her senior year at St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee. Eunice was received into the community on June 13, 1949, receiving the name Sister Cosma. She made her first vows on June 21, 1951, and final (perpetual) vows on June 21, 1957. As religious life changed, she had the opportunity to go back to her birth name and became known as Sister Eunice.

In August of 1951, Sister Eunice was sent out on mission to teach first and second grade at Holy Trinity School in Newburg, Wisconsin. Most of her teaching years were spent in Wisconsin – namely in Highland, Menomonee Falls, Ashford, and Whitefish Bay. She also spent one year at Blessed Agnes School in Chicago, Illinois. Her last teaching mission was St. Matthias in Milwaukee where she served for 19 years.

She received her teaching degree from Alverno College in Milwaukee and her master’s degree in the teaching of reading from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. Sister taught for 39 years and then decided to retire from teaching and look into a second career that was less stressful. Sister Eunice had experience working with those who were very poor in Walls, Mississippi. She spent four summers in the Summer Recreation Program there.

 In September of 1990, she moved to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport, to work as a switchboard operator and a part-time nurse aide. She enjoyed both jobs and found them very rewarding. Then she took on the full-time job of office manager and receptionist in the Communications Office. Most recently, Sister Eunice became a volunteer driver, taking sisters to their appointments.

 After being diagnosed with cancer in October of 2008, Sister Eunice engaged herself in a ministry of prayer and presence. She was grateful to God for her many years of service as a School Sister of St. Francis. Her cheerful, helpful attitude serves as an endearing memory. Her positive spirit of accepting God’s will in her life is an inspiration to others. Sister Eunice, you have contributed to making St. Joseph Convent a “Power-House of Prayer,” as you liked to call it. Your Franciscan spirit, friendliness and hospitality always made people feel welcome. Thank you, Eunice, for your presence in our lives.

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Sister Mary Silvana Eberle

Born:      June 12, 1909
Died:      September 13, 2009

Funeral Commentary by Sister Ellinda Leichtfeld       

Sister Mary Eberle and I have been friends for 70 years. That’s a long time to be blessed with a good friend.  It also entitles me the privilege of giving her funeral commentary, some of which she actually wrote herself.

Sister Mary lived her life, all 100 years, exactly the way she wanted – but always depended on God’s help in all her decisions. Therefore, she was happy and content with how events usually turned out.

Mary was a unique individual. God only created one Mary Eberle. She was always more than willing and eager to help wherever help was needed. She was a real stickler for details. Those of you who knew her can attest to that. A mutual friend, Sister Marylinda, once said that it took Mary an hour to tell a story that anyone else could tell in 10 minutes.

Sister Mary was born in Highland, Wisconsin, on June 12, 1909, and was the eleventh of twelve children. She had seven brothers and four sisters. She used to say all those brothers toughened her up!  They probably did because she certainly outlived all of them.

One day the pastor in Highland asked her if she wouldn’t like to become a sister. She all but told him he had to be out of his mind because that was the last thing in the world she wanted to do. Apparently, God had other plans for her. Suddenly she recalled one of Sister Mirabella’s religion classes about receiving a call to religious life and if you refused it, you could bring unhappiness into the rest of your life. Not only did Mary head for St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee, but her sister Gertrude did too.

Sister Mary thought she wanted to be a nurse. Again, God had other plans.  Mother Alfons sent her to the music department to continue to study music. For 46 years Sister Mary taught music and directed church choirs. Those were happy and fulfilling years.

After 46 years in the music field, Mary retired and decided she would like to try something different. In 1971, she became an assistant in the occupational therapy department at Milwaukee Nursing Home. After five years, she retired again.

At that time I was the administrator at St Mary’s Hill Hospital. Mary came to me one day and said, “Ellinda, I want a job at St Mary’s Hospital. ” My response was, “OK, what do you want to do?”  She said she wanted to work in the occupational therapy department. We created a position for her, and as they say, “The rest is history!” After 10 years, she once again retired.   For the next 9 years, she became a driver for the sisters.

From 1995 to 1998, Mary was the full-time care giver to her youngest sister, Alberta. After Alberta died – yes, Sister Mary retired again and lived at Marian Hall, and then finally moved to Sacred Heart Convent where she would grow closer to her God while often repeating her favorite prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ”  That was her mantra. This final decision made the remainder of her life the true joy it was meant to be for all eternity.

We give thanks to God for Sister Mary’s full and well-spent life on earth, as I truly believe it continues to be so in heaven.

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Sister Irene Jacobs (Andrew)

Born:       May 28, 1911
Died:        January 6, 2010

Funeral commentary written by staff at Sacred Heart Convent

Irene was born in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Nicholas and Frances Jacobs, the youngest of their three daughters. She was a quiet, serious, conscientious child with a subtle sense of humor.

Irene’s early education was achieved in public and parochial schools in West Allis. She attributes her vocation to her sixth grade teacher, Sister Flavina, a School Sister of Notre Dame, who was a great inspiration to her at Holy Assumption School. She enjoyed attending school there. However, her 8th grade class had only three girls, no boys. The neighboring parish of St. Rita’s, had two boys. Since both classes were so small the decision was made to combine them. The girls were sent to St. Rita’s to complete their eighth grade year. This proved to be Irene’s introduction to the School Sisters of St. Francis.

After graduating in 1925 she wanted to enter St. Joseph Convent for her high school years, but her parents felt that their youngest daughter needed to remain at home for a few more years. However, she did follow her dream after two years at West Allis High School. She joined the School Sisters of St. Francis community as a postulant in July of 1927 and was received as Sister M. Andrew on June 12, 1928. Her older sister, now Sister Mary Basil, followed her example four years later. Retirement years gave them the opportunity to strengthen their relationship as sisters.

Following her novitiate, Irene served God, our community, and God’s children as teacher, principal, and superior in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. She was a member of Mt. St. Francis Province in Rockford from its foundation in 1959 until 1971. When her mother’s health began to fail, Sister Irene joined the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province here in Milwaukee, so she could be closer to her mother. She then returned to St. Rita’s, her alma mater, to teach and to minister in the Learning Center.

Due to her own failing health, Sister Irene retired to Maryhill Convent in September of 1978. She taught several classes of macramé at the La Farge Institute and was a volunteer sacristan at Maryhill. She tried to have fresh flowers to honor Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament until her move to Sacred Heart Convent. Here too, she found ways of being helpful. Her care of the birds gave quiet evidence of her Franciscan love of God’s creatures. Each day she spent many hours prayerfully reading and studying the Scriptures. Wherever she served, Irene was known to be conscientious, quiet, caring, and was highly thought of by sisters, students, and by all who knew her.

Thank you, Irene, for sharing your quiet, friendly, prayerful life with us. We rejoice that you have found rest and peace in and through Christ whom you followed so joyfully these many years.

Let us all celebrate Sister Irene’s homecoming and ask her to intercede for us and for our community before the throne of God. Here she regains her sight and sees her God face to face.

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Sister Mary Basil Jacobs

Born: February 16, 1910
Died: March 6, 2010

Funeral commentary prepared by staff at Sacred Heart Convent

Sister Mary Basil was born in Milwaukee on February 16, 1910. She was the middle child of three girls born to Frances and Nicholas Jacobs. Her father was a carpenter, and even though he had no high school education, he advanced quickly in the trade. Her mother took care of the children and the home. Once the children were in school, her mother began working in an office so that they could buy their own home.

The children learned a sense of responsibility and determination from home. Both parents always stressed the importance of having a dream, choosing a goal, and working hard to obtain it. Since her parents were Catholic, prayer and church were important aspects of their lives.

Sister Mary Basil started her education in a public school, but then attended Holy Assumption School in West Allis. As soon as St. Rita School was open, she transferred there. At the school, both Sister Mary Basil and her sister, Sister Irene, now deceased, became acquainted with the School Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Mary Basil attended a public high school for one year and then worked for seven years before she decided to become a sister at the age of 21. Sister Irene, even though younger, was already in the convent and liked it very much. So Sister Mary Basil also decided to join the School Sisters of St. Francis.

She finished high school and took some college courses before she went out to teach. She completed her college courses by going to summer school. She loved teaching. Mary Basil was an elementary teacher for 33 years in the Catholic schools in Decatur, Aurora, Kankakee, and Winfield, Illinois, and at St Benedict in Chicago. She usually stayed in the same place for a long time. Where there was a need, Mary Basil was there. Since she had a Library Science Degree, she worked as a librarian at Madonna High School in Aurora and St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee.

After retiring from being a librarian, she served as switchboard operator in the motherhouse for 25 years. Sister Mary Basil spent her last years at Sacred Heart Convent always mindful of her new ministry of prayer and presence.

Religious life for Mary Basil was giving everything to God and holding nothing back. She was always grateful to our community for all that had been given to her.

Just two months ago to the day, you said farewell to your dear sister, Sister Irene. We are sure she was there to welcome you along with your family and friends. Sister Mary Basil, peace and happiness and the phrase “God is good,” are words that reflect your life. Now, may you enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven forever.

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Sister Emmanuel Kattner

Born:      May 2, 1934
Died:      October 11, 2009

Funeral Commentary by Sister Marilyn Therese Wolfram and Sister Mynette Tossing     

On May 2, 1934, Betty Kattner was born into the family of August and Anna Kattner. She had three brothers and three sisters. Their family life was centered in St. Benedict Parish with all its sacramental and social activities. Betty attended St. Benedict Grade School and Alvernia High School with School Sisters as her teachers. She felt called to be a sister and entered St. Joseph Convent, where she was received in 1954 and given the name Sister Emmanuel.

Her early years on mission were spent in several schools in the Midwest. From there, she moved on to St. Boniface in Stewart, Nebraska, where she spent many years and eventually became principal. This was an especially happy time in her life and she formed a number of lasting relationships.

During a change of assignments in 1995, Sister Emmanuel spent the summer in the family home with her sister, Rita. It was during this time that she was diagnosed with cancer and chose to remain with her family. Their house on Cullom Street had been known for its great hospitality for many years, and Sister Emmanuel continued that family tradition of gatherings with family, School Sisters, parishioners and friends. She welcomed visitors who lacked a place to go on special occasions. She was especially creative in finding ways to help people. She enjoyed being with people and found her happiness in being of service to others.

Sister Emmanuel was an active member of St. Benedict’s, her home parish. Every week a Bible study group met in her home to discuss the readings for the coming Sunday.

The Ministry of Praise, a group dedicated to praying for those who were sick and needy and for other parish intentions, was especially important to her. She cooked and baked for other parish-sponsored feast day dinners for people who had no one else with whom to celebrate. Cooking was a creative, enjoyable work for her.

She assisted her sister, Rita, in her archdiocesan work in a variety of ways by providing food for meetings, helping with clerical tasks, and preparing appreciation remembrances for Rita's volunteers.  

The "block party" committee in her neighborhood welcomed her appreciation. Some of her time was devoted to tutoring children who were learning English as their second language, or were having other difficulties in their studies. Her sister-friends in Campbellsport were remembered with bi-monthly surprises.

During this time, family and friends assisted her in taking a trip to Alaska, something she had dreamed of, and became one of the joys of her life. On several occasions she spent some days with family friends in Door County enjoying the beautiful fall colors.       

All of this was accomplished in spite of the fact, that she was undergoing weekly chemotherapy with its accompanying discomforts. Sister Emmanuel had a special love and concern for the fellow patients she met each Monday morning. She made it a point to speak to each person. In addition, she sent out an uplifting newsletter each month which always included an extra sheet of cartoons and clever sayings.

Sister had a creative problem-solving ability. She had a unique and simple way of making things work. Through all that she endured, she had a deep gratitude for the love and care given by her family and appreciated the support of others.

Now, Sister Emmanuel, we come to say thank you and good-bye until we meet again. We grieve your passing because we love you but rejoice in the knowledge that your suffering is over and that you are experiencing the ineffable everlasting joys of the Lord's kingdom.

Eulogy for Sister Emmanuel by Michael O’Malley

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Sister Roberta Klesener (Jane Ann)

Born: August 22, 1941
Died: December 26, 2009

Funeral Commentary by Sister Mary Readdy

Sister Roberta was a dear friend who taught me much about life by the way she lived. She was a remarkable woman raised in a small farming community in St. Paul, Iowa.

She was the fourth child of Bernard and Genevieve Klesener. She and her six siblings – Dolores, Dennis, Ann, Jane, Tom and Charley – were taught by the School Sisters of St. Francis. Charley’s sudden death in 2005 was a great loss to Roberta and the family.

I met Roberta 40 years ago. At that time, and later, she taught music, played piano and organ, and gave private lessons in small schools and parishes. She made many friends in those communities.

She and Sister Susanne Maly got their M.A. degrees in Lawrence, Kansas. They both became interested in pastoral ministry at that time. We visited Roberta many times and discussed community affairs, our families, changes in the liturgy, the Church and politics. We had strong opinions about these issues. We also laughed a lot about dumb things we ourselves did.

In 1977, Roberta, Susanne and I drove with three Ursuline sisters to make a retreat at the priory in Weston, Vermont. It was a great experience for all of us. The Ursulines drove to Louisville and we rented a car to visit friends out East and to see historical Williamsburg, Virginia. We learned on that trip that we needed a credit card and not only money to rent a car. We did convince the rental agency that we would return the car and we did. We talked about that trip often.

In 1995, our friend, Susanne, died during a medical procedure. That was a great loss for both of us. Then in 1996, Roberta began to have medical problems. During radiations, surgeries and dilations, her courage was unbelievable. She had great trust in her doctors who never gave up on her.

We began corresponding more often as she kept me informed about her condition. I visited her at Marian Hall; she was always positive, but realistic.  When she needed more care, she went to Sacred Heart Convent and wrote to me of how kind her caregivers were to her. Despite all she was going through, she kept busy. I always marveled at all the talents she had. She began painting, learned about the computer, sent e-mails, began playing at some Masses, facilitated at a support group for cancer patients, attended community gatherings and continued to correspond with others.

In 2003, she was finally able to drive to Iowa for a week’s visit with her siblings, three aunts, an uncle, cousins and friends. That trip meant so much to Roberta. Then in October, 2003, she fulfilled a dream to visit friends in Melcher and Knoxville.

When Sister Dorothy Anne Jackson celebrated her 50 years in community, Roberta helped plan the liturgy and gave the homily.

In 2004, cancer spread to her jawbone, but once again she kept active as much as she was able. She learned later that the bone marrow test showed a form of leukemia. Her last years were often rough. I believe her faith in God, her family and friends sustained her to the end.

Roberta was a spiritual woman who “acted justly, loved tenderly and walked humbly with God” until her struggle was over. We will miss her.

Homily by Sister Felicia Wolf

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Sister Agnes Lutz (Dola)                

Born:  July 31, 1916 
Died:   September 30, 2009

Funeral Commentary by Sister Ruth Brings     

On July 31, 1916, Agnes Mary was the seventh child born to Elizabeth and Tony Lutz on their farm about three and a half miles south of Tipton, Missouri. Agnes Mary had five sisters – Mary, Clara, Lucy, Bertha and Johanna and five brothers – John, Louis, Anthony, Leo and Herman. They are now all deceased.   The family prayed together and Agnes remembered her parents stressing the importance of praying that each one would choose the right vocation in life.

When Agnes Mary was about five years old her father had a larger house built for his family. One large front room was for Grandpa Lutz who came to live with them. He had served in the Civil War. Agnes and her siblings liked to visit their grandfather. Agnes remembers a time when he had relatives visit from St. Louis who brought him a big beautiful apple. After they left he invited his grandchildren to his room and used his pocket knife to give each of them a slice.  

As the children grew up they were expected to share the work and there was plenty of that. Her Mother did a lot of cooking and sewing. Agnes Mary helped her mother with visitors that frequently came on Sundays, holidays, Feast Days and during the summer. But it wasn’t all work and no play.   The family did not have radio or TV so Agnes Mary and her siblings played and entertained each other and learned to care and share. She loved her family and her home.

Agnes attended St. Andrew Catholic School in Tipton and had School Sisters as teachers. After completing school Agnes worked at home and occasionally helped her relatives and nearby neighbors until she decided to enter the convent. Her two sisters – Mary and Lucy – who later were named Sister Honesta and former Sister Perpetua had become School Sisters of St. Francis.

At the age of 20 Agnes took a train from Tipton along with a cousin Kathryn Schmitt (later named Sister Mateo), and entered the School Sister community. She was received in 1938 and was given the name Sister Dola.

After her first profession, Sister Agnes was appointed homemaker in Nebraska where she worked for a number of years. Later she served as homemaker in Wisconsin, Chicago and Barrington, Illinois. The sisters at Barrington can attest to her simple but delicious meals. At Christmas she made more than 25 different kinds of cookies and the sisters gave them to benefactors as gifts.  

 In 1988 Sister Agnes moved to St Joseph Convent in Milwaukee. She took charge of the lunchroom on third floor, keeping it neat, clean and stocked with lunch items. She also volunteered with preparing mailings.

Due to increasing health problems, Sister Agnes moved to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport in 1999. She continued volunteering and taking charge of the fifth floor kitchenette. She thoughtfully delighted others with “treats” and was always mindful of their needs and likes. She assisted residents with sewing nametags on their clothing.

Sister’s mission was also prayer and presence. Daily, she made a Holy Hour in chapel praying a string of prayers. Once a week she and her neighbors on fifth floor did centering prayer together.

Sister Agnes, the prayers of your parents were answered. You chose a vocation that was right for you, serving others – always giving, caring and putting their needs and likes first. We are sure you heard the Lord say, “Come, and inherit the Kingdom prepared for you. Whatever you did for the least of your sisters and brothers, you did for me. ”

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Sister Adele Pronschinske (Fredulpha)

Born:      February 25, 1916
Died:      September 29, 2009

Funeral Commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele

Adelaide Pronschinske was born on February 25, 1916, to Leo and Margaret Pronschinske of rural Waumandee, Wisconsin. She attended Sharp Corners Public School and graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School in Waumandee. She had five brothers and one sister.

She entered the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1936 and was given the name Sister Fredulpha. After her novitiate and profession of vows she was stationed at Ford City, Pennsylvania for four years. Later she served as homemaker at Holy Redeemer Parish in Milwaukee for 12 years and then on to McHenry, Illinois. She was appointed food service administrator at St. Joseph Hospital in Beaver Dam in 1955 and later served at Blessed Agnes Parish in Chicago for four years. From 1960 to 1983, she served at St. Mary Parish in Chilton, Wisconsin.

One sister who was on mission with her remembers Adele as a “very dear lady. ” As she said, “that’s the only way I can think of her. ”  She was shy but friendly, even-tempered and cheerful, and of course, was a very good homemaker. She loved her family and family parties.

Being tall, she teased another young tall sister by saying, “Stop all that running back and forth because they’ll think it’s me!”

Another sister who was on mission with her remembered her as a loving person with a great sense of humor. Those are Sister Adele’s main characteristics. I would add to those characteristics the virtue of humility. On her funeral preparation paper she indicated that the commentary may be done by whomever but to “make it short!”

Sister Adele moved to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport in 1983 and volunteered her services for as long as she was able to do so. A quiet person with an almost shy smile, Sister Adele has shared life at St. Joseph Convent for over 25 years. May she now enjoy the peace, comfort, and joy of her heavenly home.

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Sister Loretta Ruskamp (Marianus)

Born:       August 21, 1923
Died:       January 16, 2010

Funeral Commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele

Loretta was born on August 21, 1923 to John and Mary Ruskamp on a farm in Dodge, Nebraska. She was the third of four children. She had one brother, Richard and two sisters, Louise and Ornitha. Four days after Ornitha was born, their mother died. She was 30 years old.

Three year old Loretta and baby Ornitha were sent to live with their maternal grandparents. Her brother Richard and her sister Louise were sent to live with uncles and aunts.

Three years later their father met Katharina and they were married in Olean, Nebraska. They had one child, Johnny, who was loved by the whole family. Johnny died at age 30 due to a malignant brain tumor.

When Loretta was six years old, she returned to Olean to live with her father and stepmother. She attended the Catholic grade school there. She loved the School Sisters of St. Francis who taught there because they were very prayerful and kind. She developed a deep desire to become one of them and give her life to God.

After she finished eighth grade, she told her parents she wanted to join the School Sisters of St. Francis. They gave their consent and she entered St. Joseph Convent on August 1, 1937. She was an aspirant for three years and a postulant for one year. On June 13, 1940 she was received into our community and given the name Sister Marianus.

Sister Loretta began her ministry in Catholic education in 1944 when she was sent to Newburg, Wisconsin, to teach first through third grades. She later taught in Colorado Springs and then continued her ministry of teaching in Nebraska in Omaha, Petersburg, Creighton, and St. Helena. Her final place of educational ministry was in Osmond, Nebraska, where she taught for eight years and then was principal for seven more years.

Sister Loretta enjoyed her teaching ministry very much, especially preparing second graders for First Communion. It was difficult for her to leave her mission in Osmond but because of health reasons, she came to live at St. Joseph Convent, Campbellsport, in August of 1996. In her early years here she worked at the switchboard, led Office, assisted with liturgy planning, and helped with the mailing of our newsletter.

In the final paragraph of her autobiography Sister Loretta had this to say:  “Dear God, thank you for all the graces and blessings you gave me throughout my life. I also want to thank my family, all the sisters in my community and the staff here at St. Joseph Convent for all the love and care they showed me. I ask God to bless them all abundantly. ”

Sister Loretta, we also thank you for your faithfulness in community and your dedication to your students and the ministry of Catholic education. We thank you for gifting us with your life and your friendship.  May you now enjoy being at home with God.

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Sister Mary Frances Ryan (Agna)

Born: June 21, 1915
Died: September 20, 2009

Funeral commentary written by staff members of Sacred Heart Convent

Sister Mary Frances, the first child of Ellen and Dan Ryan, was born June 21, 1915. The good Lutheran doctor who delivered her suggested to her father, “If you believe in Baptism, do it now. ”  At the time of her conditional Baptism, by the parish priest, she was taken to the side altar and consecrated to our Blessed Mother.

With names like Mary and Frances we knew that our Blessed Mother had an eye on her from the start and that Francis had priority over Dominic when it came to vocation.  She had four years of education with the Dominicans and only three and one half years with the School Sisters. Mary Frances entered Saint Joseph Convent on February 3, 1929, and was received into as a School Sister of St. Francis on June 28, 1933.

For 64 years she was involved in music ministry. She was a teacher of piano, violin, and organ; and the directress of children, high school and adult choirs. She encouraged and taught many music students to become involved in music ministry. She instilled in her young high school boys a deep confidence that they could sing, and sing well, even to the point of winning competitions in their senior year at Creighton and Ryan High School.

Sister Mary Frances ministered in Milwaukee, New York, Omaha, Chicago, Glenview, Summit, and Forest Park. For 32 years, she continued in music ministry at Our Lady of Charity in Cicero, and the last five years of these were spent in ministry of prayer and presence. Who could remember how many parish masses, Little Flower devotions and Benedictions Sister Mary Frances played in one day. How many more in her lifetime as a parish musician!

On Friday, September 13, 2002, Sister came to the motherhouse to continue her retirement. Here she would enjoy the fruits of her labors and begin to prepare for her final Reception. As Sister Mary Frances reflected on her religious life at Jubilee time, she remembered her mother saying, “I am so glad that I made the sacrifice and let you go to the convent. ” And she herself said when speaking of her life and her ministry, “We don’t do it alone! And I loved it all!”

Her manner was always quiet, soft-spoken, determined and forth right. She remembered the many intentions of our community and of the world in her holy hours and in the rosary that she prayed each day after lunch. Her family, her living groups, and her friends were gifts and blessings.  

Sister Mary Frances, we will miss you. Sister Catherine will continue to pray with you, I am sure. May God grant you an abundance of His peace and happiness.

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