Sister Rita Rose Baumert (Jasper)

Born: February 2, 1916
Died: March 6, 2010

Funeral Commentary read by Sister Ruth Brings

(Sister Rita Rose wrote her own life story. I will read parts of it for her funeral commentary. )

After the good doctor departed from our farm home on February 2, 1916, the family was informed that a baby girl was born. A girl!  Up to now it was Lena, Julius, Eleanor, Leo and Caroline. The next child was expected to be a boy. Oh, well four boys followed me.
 
A few days later I was baptized in St. Peter and Paul Church in Howells, Nebraska. I was given the name Rose Wilhelmina. I remember learning to pray in all ways: meal prayers, night and morning prayers, the rosary, and praying in times of emergencies. Sundays and feast days were special. I was allowed to wear my Sunday dress to school on a Holy Day.

For my first three years of school I attended district 41, a little country school, located less than a mile from home. When I entered the Catholic school in fourth grade, I remember being complimented for my good reading, penmanship and arithmetic. I made my First Communion in fourth grade. I made my confession prior to my First communion on May 8th. In May of 1929 I graduated from 8th grade and by this time I was determined that I wanted to be a sister. I admired Sister Jeremiah my upper elementary teacher, Sister Austreberta and all of the sisters who served at my home parish.

In August of 1929 my father and my Uncle Henry took Sisters Jeremiah and Austreberta and me to the train depot in a nearby small town. As I was stepping up into the train Dad said to me, “Rosie, if they make a teacher out of you, don’t ever have pets. ”  In my 56 years of teaching all grades, I never forgot Dad’s request. I never had pets!

A short time later I got my first view of St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee. As we ascended the steps we stopped at a beautiful statue of the Infant of Prague. Sister Jeremiah said to me, “Ask Jesus to give the grace of perseverance with the School Sister of St. Francis. ”  This request sank deep into my memory and I often prayed for perseverance.

My years as an aspirant and postulant were good years. After my first year of high school I was told to forget about nursing and to prepare to be a teacher. I taught grades 1-12 in Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota and Mississippi. My longest sojourn was 25 years in my native state of Nebraska.

In 1989 I discontinued teaching, moved to Milwaukee and shortly after moved to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport. I have never regretted moving here. The sisters in charge are truly Christ-centered, Spirit-filled religious. I am busy enough not to be bored and free enough to be relaxed. I have enjoyed living with many beautiful, compatible individuals.  

I have always enjoyed doing manual work. My reading vision prevents me from doing certain things, but I thank God for what I can see. My special prayer during the day is, “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God help me to mirror Jesus in my thought, desires, words, actions and omissions. ”

Sister Rita Rose, God heard your prayer and called you to live with him forever. Thank you for your years of life with us.

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Sister Ann Eschweiler (Francesco)

Born:     August 21, 1916
Died:     July 2, 2010

Commentary by Sacred Heart Convent staff

Sister Ann Eschweiler, the second youngest of 11 children, was born on August 21, 1916, to Edward and Frances Eschweiler.  The Eschweiler family lived in Milwaukee on 37th Street. The family included her brothers, Father Carl, Gilbert, Roman, Father Francis, Willie, Father Edward, and her sisters, Sister Rose and Marie. Great sadness came to the family even before Ann was born.  During the diphtheria epidemic of 1911, three of her brothers, ages 12, 8, and 4 died in just one week.   

When Ann was little, she knew that this must have been a very sad time for her dear parents, but it was only in her adult life that she realized what had really happened. 

Her father was a blue collar worker and her mother took care of the children and the home.  Her mother was a seamstress and made all of their clothes. 

Her parents were very faithful Catholics and all the children went to St Ann’s Catholic School. Her dear father sometimes had to work two jobs to pay the tuition.  Ann was always very appreciative of the sacrifices her parents made for all of them.

After Ann finished 8th grade, she asked her parents if she could go to the convent.  The answer was “yes” right away. Later on she would remember her dear mother saying, “God took three of my children when they were so young and now God is asking for five more…” to serve in religious life.  Sister Rose was already in the convent, two of her brothers were already priests, and one was a seminarian and now Ann was asking to go the convent.

Sister Ann loved being in the convent.  She was received in 1934 and received the name Francesco in memory of her brother, Father Francis. After Ann finished her normal school training she was sent out on mission to teach. 

She found teaching very challenging and rewarding. For Ann teaching the subject matter was as important as taking the time to teach the boys and girls how to become young ladies and gentleman.  She took time to develop good Christian values and principles in all her students. She took great pride in her teaching and in all spent 48 years in education as teacher and principal.

In 1969, she received her Master’s degree in Library Science.  For several years she worked in the library at the Pius XI High School. In 1983, the Provincial Team asked her to direct the Resource Center for Formation in the United States Province.

Sister Ann was truly involved in the renewal of the 1960s. She was excited about the renewal of the Church and worked hard to make it happen in the parish and in the school. She shared this with her family, the school community, and friends. Renewal became part of her daily life. She had great energy and enthusiasm for the renewal in our own SSSF community.

In 1996, at the age of 80 Ann with her sister, Rose, moved to St. Joseph Convent.  As Sister Ann’s health began to decline, she felt it necessary to move to Sacred Heart where she would receive more care.

Sister Ann spent her last years at Sacred Heart Convent reading, praying, listening to music, keeping up with the daily news and enjoying life with Sister Rose. She often remembered her many visits and the time away with her family. She looked forward to the weekly visits and good conversations with Father Ed and Sister Rose. Sister Ann always considered herself truly blest knowing Sister Rose was at her side -- a real, live angel.

Sister Ann, you will be truly missed by Sister Rose, Father Ed, and your many relatives and friends.

From St. Peter’s letter, you often read and you made it part of our liturgy today – You loved Him even though you have never seen Him;  though not seeing Him, you trusted  Him; and  NOW you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from Heaven itself. 

Now enjoy this gracious God whom you served and loved so well!

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Sister Marie Hodapp

Born:     April 18, 1922
Died:     May 6, 2010

Funeral Commentary by Sister Lee Agnes Hodapp

Marie Caroline Hodapp was the fifth of seven children born to Ben and Anna Hodapp in Westphalia, Iowa.  She grew up on a farm south of town and was taught by School Sisters of St. Francis at St. Boniface School in Westphalia for grades 1-12.  Marie wrote this about those special years: “I helped Dad out in the fields, carried lunch to him and grew up to love the land, the outdoors and Mom’s garden.”

At the age of 17, Marie felt the call to Religious Life.  She joined several of her aunts and cousins to become a School Sister of St. Francis and was received in 1940.  At that time, she was given the name Sister Pricille, a name she seemed to let go of easily when the opportunity came to return to her Baptismal name.

Sister Marie was an elementary school teacher for many years and taught in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska.  She and Sister Mary Hettich were among the first School Sisters to get their master’s degrees in Religious Education and begin working in rural parishes as Directors of Religious Education.  The two of them became itinerant DREs in South Dakota for a number of years and Marie made life-long friends among the catechists with whom she worked.

She also served six years on the Leadership Executive Board for Our Lady of the Angels Province in Omaha.  After that, she was Pastoral Minister for several rural parishes in Iowa before moving to Hudson, Wisconsin, and then to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport, to continue her ministry of prayer and presence.   The SSSF Pastoral Ministry Network recognized Sister Marie as “an exemplary Pastoral Minister” in August of 1994.

Relationships and people were very important for Marie as evidenced by her love for family members, her willingness to travel long distances to visit family and friends and her fairly prolific correspondence and phone calls.  When with Marie you knew you were important to her.

I know that Marie’s life and presence has been a significant part of my own life.  Our family tradition always included a large gathering when she came home for a visit and  I remember how, when I was about five, “Sister” got two ice cream cones at a family reunion in the park!  She was the first person I talked to about my own call to be a sister and she has been a support and friend in many ways since that day.  As my brother, Dave, said after our visit with Marie last January, “She’s been a great influence on our family.” 

Sister Bernadette Engelhaupt , a dear friend of Marie, wrote “I lived with Marie in Adel, Iowa for five years while she was Pastoral Associate in Adel and I in Waukee.  There I learned to know and love her.  Her gentle willing spirit made her easy to live with and a joy and an inspiration to the people of the parish.  While I taught her that it was ok to take naps in the middle of the day and to go to bed before 10:00 p.m., she taught me to appreciate my artistic side a bit and to not be so critical of my own artistic attempts.” 

Marie was a woman of deep prayer.  She welcomed opportunities to study Scripture and to lead prayer and discussion groups.  She sought out good spiritual directors so she would grow in her own relationship with God. 

Thank you, Marie, for being part of our lives as SSSF.   We were enriched by your presence, life and gifts as were the people with whom and to whom you ministered.  We trust that on May 6, God said to you “Come into my joy.”  Now we ask that you continue to pray for all of us as you did while here on earth. 

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Sister Lucinda Hubing (Rembert)

Born:                   May 9, 1921
Died:                   June 16, 2010

Funeral Commentary by Sacred Heart Convent staff

Sister Lucinda was born on May 9, 1921, in Athens, Wisconsin, to Emil and Elsie Hubing.  She had two brothers and one sister.  Her parents were born in Wisconsin – her father a German Catholic and her mother a French Lutheran who was a convert to Catholicism.  Her father was always busy at the Standard Oil Station he owned, and her mother took good care of the children, the home, and a big garden and made clothing for her children and others. Their home was one of prayer, respect, and generosity.

All the children attended St. Anthony School in Athens and were taught by sisters from La Crosse.  Lucinda always helped the sisters and liked them.  But when she wanted to enter the convent, she chose to come to the School Sisters of St. Francis where two girls from the parish had already gone. 

Sister Lucinda went to the convent right after 8th grade.  She finished high school and was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis community and was given the name Sister Mary Rembert.   She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and also minored in Art.  She taught second grade for seven years while continuing to study and attend art classes.  While teaching art classes in high school, she began her studies for a Masters of Fine Arts degree from Notre Dame University.  It was there that she developed great expertise in cloisonné art and received numerous awards. Sister Lucinda also earned a Master of Arts degree in Education from Marquette University in Milwaukee.

It became evident very quickly that Sister Lucinda was gifted with great artistic ability.  When Alverno College moved to its present location and expanded its curriculum, she was asked to be an Associate Professor of Art. She served in that role for 38 years.  It was an exciting time for her and she was able to dabble in a variety of art forms. She continued to take more classes in art and also taught art history courses at Alverno.

Sister Lucinda made many trips abroad with her students and other adults to visit and enjoy the arts in other countries.  She learned photography so she could take her own slides to use in her classes.  This was also the time she began to create many master pieces of her own – religious vessels for Catholic churches which included: a cloisonné processional cross, three chalices, three monstrances, and a 14x14 “Worship” enamel piece.  Sister Lucinda was an artist “in full bloom” and enjoyed her life as an artist.

 In 1991 at the age of 70, she became an artist-in- residence at our motherhouse and was asked by the Provincial Team to create and manage the newly-founded Alfons Gallery.  In her art gallery on the 5th floor of the convent, Sister Lucinda also directed the restoration of many of the older paintings created by our sisters. Even in her days of retirement, she never stopped working and creating.

As her health began to decline, she joined Community Care and later moved to Sacred Heart Convent. She inwardly struggled with wanting to do more but soon realized that she no longer had that kind of energy – her days of work were over and she could enjoy the many pieces of her art that were displayed on the walls at Sacred Heart Convent, St. Joseph Convent and St. Joseph Center.

Sister Lucinda, you have now joined the Divine Artist.  Here you have met the Divine Artist who created a whole world of beauty.  May you rest in peace.

Sister Hubing, 89, was lover of art education
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 2, 2010

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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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Born:                   August 29, 1922
Died:                   July 16, 2010

Commentary by Sister Agnes Marie Henkel 

Sister Colman Keeley, baptized Mary Ellen, was born on August 29, 1922.  Her parents, Mary McDonough and Colman Keeley were immigrants from Ireland, and made their home in Chicago, Illinois.

Sister Colman was blessed with loving parents, a keen sense of humor, and three younger siblings; her sister Anne and brothers, Bud and Father Patrick.  Together they enjoyed their Irish heritage, their love of a good story and relished those wholesome potatoes and survived the hardships of the depression years.

Sister listened carefully to her parents and soon understood a few fine Gaelic blessings as well as one or two Gaelic curses. To balance this, she also learned to pray the Our Father and the Sign of the Cross.

Sister Colman attended Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School, and attended three years at Alvernia High School in Chicago. In 1939, she came to St. Joseph Convent as an aspirant and was accepted as a postulant in 1940. She was received as a novice on June 13, 1941 and made her final vows in 1949.

Sister received her B.A. from Alverno College with English as her major and received her M.A. from Marquette University in Educational Administration.

Sister Colman was an elementary teacher for 12 years serving at SS Peter and Paul School in Naperville, St Catherine School in Milwaukee, St Joseph School in Big Bend and St Rita School in West Allis, Wisconsin. She also taught at St. Joseph High School in Kenosha, and at St. Patrick High School in Fremont, Nebraska.

For six years she was the administrator at St. Gregory High School in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin, and also chaired the English and Drama Departments.

In 1966, Sister Colman was elected as the Provincial of Immaculate Heart of Mary, our Wisconsin Province of the School Sisters of St. Francis. She served in this position for 10 years. She was a member of the Alverno College Development staff for three years, and for the next 13 years, she was the Director of Development for Pius XI High School in Milwaukee. 

Sister Colman began her retirement by serving part-time as a member of the United States Province Institutional Sponsorship Services and also volunteered at the Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Program until her vision diminished and she became legally blind in 2000.

Since the early 1970s,  sister served on numerous not-for-profit Boards of Directors: Alverno College, St. Mary Hill Hospital (on the lake),  the Milwaukee Archdiocesan School Board, St. Clare Management, Wisconsin Project Equality and our six HUD facility corporations for those who are disabled in Milwaukee.

Friends, loved ones, co-workers and students recall Sister Colman as a gracious, humorous and dedicated person.  

As a provincial leader, it was said that authority rested lightly on her shoulders. As a teacher, she encouraged students to “read, read, and read” suggesting that a good book deserved to be read several times. As an administrator, she asked the needed questions and summarized information readily. As a friend, responding to an inquiry for specific information, she “gave a full and scholarly response. And as she pondered a problem, she would suggest in the end to “do plan to get over it.”

Sister Colman’s humor, integrity and goodness were dependable and true.  She lived life fully and graciously.

Gratitude was always a gift for her. She was ready with a “thank you” for the small favors as well as the even greater ones in her life. She was deeply grateful to the Milwaukee Public Library for their services for the blind as she was able to listen to 897 books on tape in the last 10 years.

In her 6 years at Sacred Heart, she was always grateful when someone would stop and read the comics to her, or to just come for a visit and share a good laugh or quip.  She found joy in music, especially when only one verse of a song was sung, and she look forward to any one who would bring her, what she called a “yummy” such as a sweet roll or some good mashed potatoes. 

Even though Sister Colman found her diminishment difficult and at times painful, she was always grateful for the spiritual and personal care, as well as, the medical and nursing care, she received at Sacred Heart Convent. She was particularly grateful to the Carmelite priests who serve so faithfully at Sacred Heart. (Especially, her dear friend Father Ralph, who presides today at the funeral.)

Sister Coleman shared her love readily and was loved in return. She never lost trust in her loving God, and as our reading from St. Peter reminds us today – God has reserved for us a priceless gift, the gift of eternal Life.  There is wonderful joy ahead.   Sister Colman you have already been embraced by this wonderful joy.

We will hold you in our hearts and prayers. May you rest in peace! 

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Sister Vitalis Koester

Born: February 15, 1905
Died: June 19, 2010

Funeral Commentary by Sisters Theresa Ethel Lesnak and Rose Marie Peters

Sister Vitalis was born in Earling, Iowa, on February 15, 1905, one of ten children. Her father was a master carpenter who was instrumental in building the church, which is still in existence. Her mother and later step-mother raised chickens and delivered eggs to the sisters frequently. When Mathilda expressed a desire to join the School Sisters of St. Francis, her father approved and said she would return home in two weeks. However, she began her high school education and because she knew German, she was given an opportunity to prepare a speech of welcome to the Superior of the German Province. Around reception day she couldn’t be found because she was showing her family either St. Mary’s Hill or the Sanitarium. Mother Alfons had to track her down with a remark “O Kindt.”

In 1923 she stared her ministry of teaching in the Chicago area at St. Petronnella, Glen Ellyn and our Lady of Victory. In 1934 she began her long service at Alvernia High School. She taught Latin and English stressing choral speaking and drama classes which produced memorable plays of high quality.  Later she was very active as Alvernia’s Alumnae Director remembering those who had been in the plays and their parts. Many of these alumnae later remarked how prepared they were for active participation as lay ministers in the church as well as their careers in business.

When Sister Vitalis moved to St. Priscilla when it opened in 1991, she continued her activity with the Alumnae Association as moderator. Sister Vitalis worked in this position with a stipend and a rental check yearly up to the age of 100 years old. Sister Vitalis walked up and down steps with no aid -- down to the first level for meals, second level for her office and third level for sleeping. Yearly Sister would go to California to visit her brother’s children. A prominent man in California met and asked Sister Vitalis if the sisters could pray for him. As a sign of gratitude he named his racing horse “Sister Vitalis.” School Sisters of St. Francis benefitted each time the horse won. Shortly after Sister’s huge 100th birthday celebration, Sister Vitalis became ill and came to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport.  Besides daily Mass and various activities such as using the wellness center and attending arthritis exercise class once a week, she was rarely found without her “Word Search” books.

We love you, Vitalis. Some remarks from your students over the years include:
What a trooper!
Your spirit and smile is always with us!
What’s your diet? I want some!
You are a role model.
You strengthened our Faith.

Sister Vitalis Koester a beloved teacher
Chicago Sun-Times, July 19, 2010

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Sister Carolyn Loesch

Born:     February 2, 1917
Died:     April 18, 2010

Funeral Commentary by Sister Dorothy McKeague

In the story of The Little Prince, the fox says to the prince, “If I tame you, you are unique in all the world.”  Well, that makes me think of Sister Carolyn.  God tamed her and she was unique.

Sister Carolyn was born in Milwaukee on February 2, 1917, the second oldest in a family of six children - two boys and four girls.  She was baptized Eleanor.  Only one of Sister Carolyn’s siblings is now living - her sister Rosemary who lives in California.

Eleanor entered the School Sisters of St. Francis after she graduated from eighth grade.  It was hard for her mother to let her go as Eleanor took care of her younger sisters and did the shopping and other chores in the home.  Upon leaving for Saint Joseph Convent, Eleanor promised her mother that she would send her angel to take over.  Sister Carolyn commented later that her angel did a good job!

Eleanor was received in 1934 and given the name Sister Carolyn.  She was a member of the first class that stayed home and made their first year of novitiate before going on mission. The class then returned to the motherhouse two months before profession.

Sister Carolyn was a teacher and I’m sure she was a good one.  She taught mostly in Wisconsin, but also served for two years in Nebraska and two years in South Dakota.  It is interesting to note that Carolyn taught her eighth graders to make bread.  After 32 years of teaching and a decline in her hearing ability, Carolyn became a homemaker because she enjoyed baking!  She spent 11 years as homemaker at St. Albert’s in Milwaukee. When a baker was needed here at Campbellsport in 1979, Carolyn jumped at the chance of being a full-time baker.  Many of us remember the wonderful breads, rolls and coffee cakes that Carolyn made.  She even sold bread to staff and people in town.  Later when it became too much for her, the sale of bread was dropped.  Over the years, townspeople would ask if Sister Carolyn still made bread to sell.

I said at the beginning that Carolyn was unique.  Her uniqueness came in the combination of two sides of her personality.  She had a tender, loving, gentle side, but she could also chew your head off is she didn’t agree with something you did or said!  But she didn’t ever hold a grudge.  Her classmates and friends were special to her.  How often she would get meat such as deer meat from friends outside and would cook a dinner for the sisters living on her floor or for other smaller groups.  On a regular basis Carolyn made meals in the bakery and invited a group that would fit around her small table.  She was always proud of what she cooked.  It was very hard for Carolyn to give up HER bakery.  But as she found herself with more health needs she asked to move to the second floor.  There she was so kind to the other sisters and shared goodies that she would get.  One sister told me recently how nice it was to have Carolyn on their floor as she was so good to them.

Among other health problems, Sister Carolyn’s eyesight was failing but that didn’t stop her from writing letters.  Each month she wrote a letter and duplicated it for family and friends.  Always included in the envelope was a page of jokes.  She loved a good laugh.

Another thing that the sisters on her floor knew about Sister Carolyn was her walking.  She had found out exactly how many times she needed to walk the second floor corridor to make a mile.  She diligently kept track of the miles she walked.  On her walks she would stop for a short visit with sisters or just wave to them.

When all is said and done, Sister Carolyn gave years of loving service not only to the students she taught and her family, but also to our sisters. This service Carolyn knew to be of service to God through Jesus.  To be of service was her mission in our community.  It was her life and her life was prayers and this was “all important” to Sister.  Though she didn’t always get to chapel for prayer, she prayed with the group be it in her bedroom, the bakery or wherever she was.

Sister Carolyn, we continue to hold our memories of you with fondness and with a smile.  You touched our lives with your love and dedication to community, your family, the children you taught, your classmates and your friends.  For this we are grateful.

Now you can SEE not only with your eyes but with all your being.  May you experience peace and the great love of the ONE who called you into being and gave you your call to serve. Peace!

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Sister Lorraine Menheer

Born:     Feb. 4, 1933
Died:     April 17, 2010

Funeral Commentary by Sister Ann Busch

Sister Lorraine was born in Brighton, Wisconsin, on February 4, 1933. The daughter of Elizabeth and Jacob Menheer, she was the youngest of 14 children. Sister Lorraine joined the School Sisters of St. Francis as an aspirant at the age of 17 on August 30, 1949. She was received on June 13, 1950 and professed on June 21, 1952 and made final vows (perpetual vows) on June 21, 1958. She taught at St. Michael School in Wheaton; St. Catherine School in Milwaukee; St. Joseph School in Summit;  Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Glenview; and St. William School in Chicago.  She came to Barrington in 1966 and served as principal at St. Anne School for 17 years. During this time, many were drawn to her for help and inspiration and she noted the need for more pastoral outreach to the community.

After retiring from her principalship, Sister Lorraine began to focus her energy and talents on what would become Project Hope, a ministry of the St. Anne community that provides emergency assistance to area families in crisis.  From humble beginnings, Project Hope has grown to serve hundreds of families each year, restoring self-sufficiency while renewing hope.  Her legacy also includes the support and following of thousands of volunteers, a network of generous private and corporate donors, Annie’s Attic Garage Sale, and House of Hope Resale in Barrington.

Through her years of teaching and outreach Sister Lorraine has touched many lives.

In the last month when asked what we should pray for, her wish was simple that she would die singing.  My dear Sister, you did go out singing.

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Sister Florence T. McMahan (Ethelinde)

Born:     August 3, 1917
Died:     April 6, 2010

Funeral Commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele

Florence Theresa McMahan was born in Bowman, North Dakota.  She was the second youngest of 11 children, eight girls and three boys.  The family eventually moved to Wisconsin where she attended first and second grade in Sauk City. She later completed her grade school at Holy Redeemer, taught by the Notre Dames. Already in sixth grade she had the desire to become a sister.  After eighth grade she joined the School Sisters of St. Francis, following in the footsteps of her two aunts, Sisters Susanna and Wunibald Ring and her older sister, Sister Merita.

At reception she was given the name, Sister Ethelinde.  As a second year novice, Sister Florence’s first ministry was teaching the primary grades in Winsted, Minnesota.  She also later taught in schools in Montana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.  Sister Florence’s final place of educational ministry was in Chilton, Wisconsin, where she did tutoring.

During her teaching career which spanned 48 years of full time teaching and 22 years of tutoring, she touched the lives of many young students. 

Sister Florence came to Campbellsport in January of 2006.  We have been blessed in knowing her and have enjoyed her determined spirit. We thank God for her presence among us.

Sister Florence, you often expressed a desire to go home.  You have now gone to your eternal home!  May you have peace and joy.

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Sister Anna Margaret Rohr

Born: November 15, 1916
Died: August 26, 2010

Funeral Commentary  by Sister Charlotte Schuele

Anna Margaret was born on November 15, 1916 in Antonina, Kansas, to Catherine and Peter Rohr.  She was baptized at Our Lady Help of Christians Church.  Anna Margaret had five brothers and three sisters.

She entered the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1934 and was received on June 13, 1935. Her ministries as a School Sister made use of her various skills as homemaker, teacher, and pastoral minister.  Sister received her bachelor’s degree from Alverno College in Milwaukee.  She served in mission is in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

Sister Anna Margaret came to live at Campbellsport in June of 2007 after having lived in retirement at St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee.  Prior to that she had worked with older adults for 16  years in Hays, Kansas.

Sister Anna Margaret, we thank God for the many talents that were given to you.  We thank you for sharing those talents so generously with others.  We ask you now to remember us as you enjoy the presence of God forever.

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Sister Lucille Smith (Angelique)

Born:     July 22, 1917
Died:     June 29, 2010   

Funeral Commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele

Lucille Smith was born to Antoinette and Henry Smith on July 22, 1917, in a farmhouse near Octavia, Nebraska.  She was baptized in Presentation Church in Bellwood, Nebraska. 

Sister Lucille said that “it was in this parish that the work of her vocation was initiated and fostered.”  Although the family moved five miles away to David City they often returned to Bellwood to visit relatives and attend parish functions.  It was then that Lucille noticed the sisters’ Franciscan joy.  She was inspired to join the School Sisters of St. Francis as an aspirant on August 16, 1931, after graduating from eighth grade.

Sister Lucille said that her most treasured memory as a School Sister of St. Francis was being greeted by Mother Stanislaus shortly after her arrival to the convent.  As an aspirant, Lucille was taught her high school subjects at the motherhouse by sisters whom she said were the “best of the SSSF community.”

After her years of preparation, Lucille was received as a novice on June 13, 1934, and given the name Sister Angelique.  That was the first time that her parents were able to make the trip to visit her in Milwaukee and it was a day of special joy for her.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Education degree, Sister Lucille spent 38 years teaching and working in small rural parishes in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin.  Usually her classrooms were a combination of three or four grades, sometimes as a teaching principal, but most often as teacher and organist.

In the summer of 1973, Sister Lucille went to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport to work in the laundry and diet kitchen.  She served in this ministry for three years and then went back to teaching in Howells, Nebraska, so that she could be closer to her aging mother.

After three years of teaching at Howells, she was invited back to St. Joseph Convent to help on the nursing floors.  She was trained as a nurse aide and worked on all the nursing floors and during all shifts.  She appreciated the opportunity to care for many sisters with whom she had lived and worked.

When her own health failed, she was faithful to her ministry of prayer and presence.  In words she wrote in 1984, she is thankful for the unconditional love of God, of her family, of her religious community, and of her friends.

Sister Lucille, the Lord has finished the work he started in you nearly 94 years ago.  Rejoice in the Lord’s unconditional love.

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Sister Angiola Stickelmaier (Bernella)

Born: July 22, 1921
Died: July 8, 2010

Commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele

Metamora is a town in Illinois, 20 miles east of Peoria. It was the birthplace of Bernella Stickelmaier.  She was born at home and, as she was later told, it was the hottest day of the summer!  

Bernella later attended St. Mary School with the Peoria Franciscans of the Immaculate Conception, along with her four sisters Marcella, Loyola, Rita Anne, and Elizabeth and two brothers Gilbert and Jerome. Her cousins also attended St. Mary’s so there were at least three or four Stickelmaiers in each grade.

The August after eighth grade Bernella felt the call to enter the convent. She chose the School Sisters of St. Francis, following in the footsteps of her three second cousins – Sisters Hortensia, Beatina, and Loyola. When she completed high school, Mother Corona asked her to be a teacher-organist.  Continuing this course with college studies and little time to practice was very taxing, and Sister Angiola was eventually relieved of organ work.

Upon becoming a novice, Bernella received the name of Sister Angiola.  Sister Angiola’s teaching ministry began at St. Mark School in Kenosha.  Soon she was called to Beacon, New York, and then on to 19 years as an art instructor at Alvernia High School in Chicago.  The inlay mosaic near the Alvernia Business Office was one of Sister Angiola’s larger works.  Another mosaic work is in a private chapel at Loyola Academy in Wilmette.  The large mosaic in the lobby of Sacred Heart in Milwaukee is also one of Sister Angiola’s beautiful and impressive works.

Sister also taught emotionally-challenged children at the Albert Lorenz Institute in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  While teaching at Eau Claire, she joined the newly-formed Health Agencies Council.  After leaving this ministry she worked for a while in the Lafarge Lifelong Learning program. In 1975 Sister Angiola was elected to the Provincial Team of the Health Agencies Council. Sister also served in the U.S. Province Health Care Office for many years.  She retired in 1991 but continued doing volunteer work. 

Sister Angiola joined our St. Joseph Convent (Campbellsport) family in October of 2008. Her pleasant demeanor, helpful attitude, and deep spirituality have been an inspiration to many.  Sister Angie, you have walked humbly and lovingly among us.  May you now enjoy your heavenly reward.

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Sister Emmalin Recker (Dacia)

Born:     September 21, 1906
Died:     April 28, 2010

Funeral Commentary By Sister Charlotte Schuele

Emma Marie Recker was born on September 21, 1906 to Catherine Lampman and Anthony Recker in the town of Raeville, Nebraska.   She was the fifth child in a family of ten. The family lived on a farm but her father planned for the future and built a house in town.  Later they built a pool hall to provide income for the family.

Emma attended St. Bonaventure Catholic School.  She had Sister Amanda as her 7th and 8th grade teacher.  After graduating, her sister Frances asked her parents to allow her to join Sister Austreberta in the School Sisters of St. Francis community and to allow Emma to go with her.  They both left for the convent in the summer of 1921.  Their sister Elizabeth later joined them and all three were received into our community on June 21, 1923.  Frances was given the name of Innocence, Elizabeth received the name of Regis, and Emma became Dacia. 

After Profession, Sister Dacia was sent to teach in Wheaton, Illinois, to teach second grade.  She loved the little children and was especially happy to prepare them for their First Holy Communion. During Sister’s teaching career she taught in Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa and had the experience of teaching all of the elementary grades.

After retiring from teaching, Sister served as receptionist at Maryhill Retirement Center and also in various support services at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport.  However, she never forgot her experiences of teaching and made many booklets about the birth and life of Jesus that she shared with those still teaching little children.

In her autobiography, Sister Emmalin stated: “I pray daily for a happy hour of death and think of the joy of seeing Jesus and all my loved ones in heaven.”  Sister Emmalin, that hour has come, and we rejoice with you.

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Sister Raphaelita Wollner

Born:  June 11, 1912
Died: August 18, 2010

Funeral commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele

Cecilia Wollner was born to Anna and Joseph Wollner on June 11, 1912 in Newburg (St. Augustine), Wisconsin.  She had one brother, Lawrence, and two sisters, Ann and Mildred.

Cecilia entered the School Sisters of St. Francis on September 8, 1928, and was received into the community on June 12, 1930.  She received the name of Sister Raphaelita.

Sister Raphaelita received her bachelor’s degree from De Paul University in Chicago and taught in Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.  In Illinois she served as a principal at St. Anne School in Barrington and at St. Alexis School in Bensenville. In Wisconsin she served as a principal at St. Anthony School in Menomonee Falls and at St. Matthias School in Milwaukee. In Nebraska she served as a principal at St. Aloysius School in Aloys.

As changes occurred in the School Sisters of St. Francis community over the years, Sister Raphaelita enjoyed the new freedom.  One thing that she especially enjoyed was going out to dinner with her friends.

Sister Raphaelita came to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport in 1980.  She took a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course and served in that capacity.  She also served as sacristan for a time and helped in various other ways throughout the convent.  As Sister’s health declined, she needed to discontinue her ministries.

This year she celebrated her 80th jubilee as a School Sister of St. Francis. She was able to enjoy the day and appreciated those who visited with her.

Sister Raphaelita was an example of patience to all of us and was generous in giving smiles.  May we all imitate her calm, pleasant, and accepting demeanor.

Sister Raphaelita, remember us as you enjoy the presence of God who called you to religious life and helped you to remain faithful for so many years.

 

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