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Sister Martha BresterBorn: April 27, 1922
Died: April 1, 2011
Commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele
Martha Catherine Brester was born on April 27, 1922 in Howells, Nebraska to Mary and Louis Brester. Her brothers George and Joe and her sisters Bernadine and Odilia welcomed her into the family. Later Gilbert, Leander, and John would look up to Martha as their “little big sister.”
Martha entered the School Sisters of St. Francis on August 1, 1937 and was received into our community on June 13, 1938, receiving the name Sister Bavo.
Sister lived her religious life as a homemaker in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska. She was an excellent and efficient cook and truly a “homemaker.” She was easy to be around, and was kind and loving to everybody and had no favorites. She was loved by the sisters in her house. She had a great sense of humor, a delightful giggle, and enjoyed playing tricks on the sisters and making them happy.
Sister Leta Heese commented, “She was our cook and much more. She welcomed all who came to our door – those sisters who came to spend the night, men who lived on the street who begged for food, and guests of the sisters who came to visit. She cheerfully gave her time for each cause.”
In 1997 when her health problems began to surface, she moved to St. Joseph Convent, Campbellsport.
Sister Martha, your generous spirit and loving care have been your characteristics for many years. May Jesus now be generous with you and take you forever into His loving care.
Born: November 30, 1910
Died: April 26, 2011
Funeral commentary prepared by Sister Barbara Jean Potthast (delivered by Sister Mary Diez)
Ellen Cecilia Diez was born to her parents, Carl and Mary Rodgers Diez, on November 30, 1910, in a rural location called Dukeville in Nebraska. The nearest town and Catholic Church was Verdigre where she received the sacraments. Ellen was the firstborn of ten children - five boys and five girls. Of the immediate family three girls remain – one of whom is Sister Cabrini. At age four, Ellen entered first grade in a one room country school. Her father was director for the school district, and he only hired teachers who would “keep the children singing.” He played the violin and Sister has written, “There was a lot of music in our house.” At age 6 or 7 she took her first violin lessons and loved it more than piano which she took up later in high school. And so began her musical development.
The family moved to South Dakota shortly after Ellen began high school at St. Ludger’s Academy in Creighton, Nebraska, where she was taught by the School Sisters of St. Francis. She boarded with the sisters, and took the train home to South Dakota in summers to help on the farm. For fun she enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, playing ball, and teasing her siblings with her unique sense of humor that she retained throughout her life. She liked to drive too, beginning with the family’s Model T at age 15. She graduated at age 16 in 1927, and only a month before that did her parents learn she wanted to join the convent. She entered St. Joseph Convent in mid-August of that same year accompanied by Sister Benilda from Creighton. As a postulant she was assigned to the music department for further studies where she learned to play the organ in addition to taking other music lessons and courses. She earned a college degree by attending summer school for 20 years at Creighton University in Omaha but graduated from Alverno in 1950. She began studies for her master of arts degree after that.
Ellen was received in June 1928 and was given the name Sister Doretta. After reception, her first mission was as assistant musician at St. Philomena’s in Chicago. Next, she was assigned to Bellwood, Nebraska as a musician. After three years there, her class was called to St. Joseph Convent to finish their canonical novitiate – a year she loved. She returned to be a teacher-organist at Olean, (Dodge) Nebraska. There she was also assigned to be principal and Superior. Then it was back to Bellwood where she found many progressive changes that suited her well. St. Paul, Iowa, was her next short-lived and somewhat frustrating experience of one year. Her final mission in Nebraska was at Ryan High School in Omaha where she served as English teacher. Every move called for faith and trust since she felt unprepared for the new responsibilities and “didn’t know what to do” until she learned on the job. But she trusted God and wrote, “I couldn’t have done it without God’s help.” God had given her many gifts and she was given the opportunities to use them.
Her final challenge was in 1968 when Sister Ellen was called to be administrator, then coordinator of St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport. These were hard years with responsibility for many sisters when medical fields were not as advanced as today. For many years she fulfilled this assignment with much enthusiasm and love for the sisters. She even learned to repair just about anything for them. She retired in 1985 but continued to share her gifts through volunteering to schedule the music for Liturgy, serving on committees and teaching LaFarge classes – to name a few examples. Her last years were spent in other ways of prayer and presence as her health declined.
You were called home, Sister Ellen, and now your time on earth has ended. You have fought the good fight - but gently, and now you can enjoy the place He has prepared for you from all eternity.
Born: November 3, 1917
Died: April 14, 2011
Funeral commentary by staff of Sacred Heart Convent
Sister Adelle was born in Mitchell, South Dakota. She was the fifth child in a family of ten children. The greatest joy of her childhood was the arrival of a new brother or sister. The gold bed from her Mom and Dad’s room was brought down to the parlor, where her mom was queen and they all wanted their turn to hold the precious bundle.
After years of drought in South Dakota, the family moved to Wisconsin temporarily. The ultimate destination was a farm near Stockton, Illinois. Both in South Dakota and Wisconsin, Sister Adelle and her brothers and sisters attended public school because they lived too far from a “sister’s school.” They attended Holy Family Academy to prepare for the sacraments.
After a catechism class, she learned that if she became a sister, she would not be called Mary Alice, but she would receive a new name. She said to her mom, “You mean those sisters were girls like me?” She remembered the spot in the doorway where she decided that she wanted to be a sister.
Their farm in Stockton, Illinois, was only one mile from Holy Cross School where she met the School Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Reginald Braunger was a very inspiring teacher and toward the end of eighth grade, a class assignment revealed her secret hope to be a sister.
She never regretted her decision, although leaving home was the hardest thing she ever did in her life. After she entered our community she cried every night for a long time because she was so homesick.
Following in Sister Reginald’s footprints she began her ministry in elementary education and became a teacher and later on a principal.
In her early years of retirement, Sister Adelle volunteered at a neighboring high school and tutored students in math. She also was the receptionist at Mary Hill. Her warm and welcoming spirit greeted everyone who came to the door. Her graciousness permeated her entire life.
Sister Adelle was close to her family and was always happy to be invited to the homes for a meal and sharing. Her family was very faithful about coming to visit her.
She had two favorite “foods” that anyone who knew her would see that she had. She loved root beer and Snickers candy bars. Even just a few weeks ago at a party that we had here, she drank an entire glass of root beer.
Her life was full and happy. She had many happy memories of her loving parents and her home life. All the love of her parents and her brother and sisters were a reflection of God’s love. Sister Adelle said, “My expectations of heaven are great, Lord. You have said “whoever does the will of my Father that one is my mother, my sister and my brother. I have tried to do your will, Lord. I look forward to being swooped up into your arms forever.”
Yes, Sister Adelle, you have been a faithful servant and now you will be in God’s arms forever.
Sister Rita Freund (Reginella)
Born: March 20, 1930
Died: March 26, 2011
Funeral Commentary by Sister Julie Dermody
Sister Rita was born March 20, 1930, in the Township of Brother-Town (Jericho), Wisconsin, north of Fond du Lac. She was the second youngest of two brothers, Reno and Gerald, and two sisters, Marjorie and Doris. Her parents, Martin and Martha Freund, were born in Jericho, Wisconsin. Sister Rita has several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews living in the area.
Sundays were always special for the Freund family. The family often gathered at home playing cards or spent the day at the lake, fishing and having a picnic lunch.
Sister Rita and her brothers and sisters went to St. Charles School in Charlesburg, Wisconsin, and were taught by the School Sisters of St. Francis. Her teachers were Sisters Victricia, Reginia and Tomasette.
Inspired by her teachers, Sister Rita entered the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1945 following eighth grade. She began her teaching ministry after the novitiate, serving in many schools across the Archdiocese of Milwaukee as principal but mostly as a junior high teacher which was her specialty. Sister Rita was a good organizer and used her skills to develop religious education programs in various schools. Also at this time, she attended Webster University and pursued a master’s degree in Mathematics during the summer months. She later became a member of the Wisconsin Mathematics Council.
As a junior high teacher, Sister Rita recruited students for Parish Human Concerns Committees, involving them in many outreach programs that benefitted the poor and needy.
One of Sister Rita’s cherished ministries was that of planning and organizing all school liturgies. She was asked to be a member of the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission and to serve on parish liturgy committees. She served on these committees several years.
Sister Rita came to St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee to retire in 2005. However, she continued being actively involved with great generosity as a driver, helping sisters with their computers and emails, doing research and helping with other chores that needed to be done. Sister Rita was diagnosed with leukemia in November of 2009. She underwent treatments at St. Luke’s Hospital until she needed hospice care. Sister Rita was at peace with her life as it unfolded.
Sister Rita, we thank you for generous response to the needs of God’s people and your faithfulness to your religious vocation. May you now live life in its fullness with our loving God and all the saints.
Born: January 7, 1919
Died: April 16, 2011
Funeral commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele
Florence Elizabeth Goeden was born on January 7, 1919 to Lucy and Michael Goeden on a farm in Dane, Wisconsin. She had one brother and three sisters.
She was taught by the School Sisters of St. Francis at St. Michael’s Grade School in Dane. Her parents were very religious and Sister Lucille said that they visited a shrine in Springfield, Wisconsin twice a year, making it a pilgrimage by praying the Rosary as they walked up the hill.
Everyone called her a “tomboy” in her youth because she loved to work outside with her father and brothers. Sister Lucille recalled that while walking the two miles from school she protected the younger children from a few “ruffians.”
After attending high school at St. Joseph Convent, she was received in 1935 and given the name Sister Lucille. She went into nursing and received her degree in 1939 to become a RN. Her first assignment was at St. Joseph Hospital in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She also served at these additional places in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: Waupun Memorial Hospital in Waupun; St. Joseph Convent Motherhouse in Milwaukee; St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport; Villa Clement Nursing Home in West Allis; Sacred Heart Sanitarium in Milwaukee; Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hospital in Milwaukee; Doctors Hospital and St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee.
Sister served as RN in the Diocese of Madison at: Methodist Hospital in Madison; Upjohn Homemakers in Madison; Dane County Health Care Services in Madison; Wisconsin Cheese in Sun Prairie; as a private duty nurse in Madison; and in home nursing in Waunakee. While doing private duty nursing she had the opportunity to visit Hawaii and the Philippines which she enjoyed very much.
Sister retired to St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport in 2002 and in 2010 she celebrated 75 years as a School Sister of St. Francis.
Despite the challenges of failing eyesight and other physical problems, her pleasant smile and quiet demeanor were an inspiration to all. She was a very patient person who was grateful for all that was done to help her. May we who hold her memory dear imitate her gentle spirit.
Submitted by Sister Agnes M. Steiner
Born: January 17, 1929
Died: April 28, 2011
I am certain that on January 17, 1929, on the day that Gene was born, there was great excitement at his home in Galesburg, Illinois. This babe was to grace others with his presence in various parts of the Midwest and then in Southern California. Gene graduated from St. Cecilia High School in Hastings, Nebraska. He received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Denver and his masters’ degree at Detroit University. His work experience took him back to Galesburg, his home place, and then to Ford Motor Central Staff in Michigan, and then to Los Angeles, California.
It is obvious from the above information that Gene needed to be adaptable and to adjust to new experiences wherever he went. Even though Gene held important leadership positions such as Industrial Engineer Manager and then Plant Controller at the Ford Motor Company, he was humble about his numerous positions and achievements.
At a time in history when divorce is common, Gene and Anita still held hands after 55 years of marriage. For their 50th anniversary, I wrote the following: “Within a marriage, you are a wonderful example of the balance of independence (thinking or acting for oneself) and interdependence (unable to exist or survive without each other). You let each other make decisions, you consult each other, and you build on each other’s talents. Emphasis on family life and care for relatives are very important and yet you are totally involved with parish activities, friends, SSSF Associates, and most important – your own spirituality. You are filled with fun and the excitement of life – enjoying music, attending drama, hiking, boating and traveling.”
Gene was very involved with various facets of life at St. Timothy’s Parish. He was the financial chairman, a member of the Welcoming Committee, the chairman of the Bereavement Committee, the assistant leader of the Saturday Liturgy of the Laity, and a Eucharistic Minister visiting Mission Hospital, cheering the homebound, and ministering at church. When his buddy Gary Carlson was memorialized by the Pastor, Reverend Monsignor John Urell, he said that Gary had spent so much time at the parish that he had no idea that he was such a family person and active within the community. Well, the same was true of Gene who also spent much time at St. Timothy Parish collaborating with Gary Carlson and the other part of the Charity Outreach trio, Bob Haeussler.
For more than 20 years Gene Griffith has been an Associate of the School Sisters of St. Francis, having been invited by Sister Bernice Petronaitis. When Gene and Anita visited Germany, they visited the Motherhouse and met many of the Sisters. Whenever Sisters would visit Orange County, Gene and Anita were always willing to pick them up at the airport, welcome them to their home, and entertain them. They were excellent tour guides showing visiting Sisters the beauty of Southern California. For years Gene and Anita attended the monthly meetings, were active in promoting the Christmas Giving Tree Project (assisting Sisters in the Southwest area with gift cards), and the annual Garage Sale (again benefitting the Sisters of the Southwest area).
The last month of Gene’s life was spent at the hospital and was very difficult, but Anita and their three children and his grandchildren kept reminding him what a wonderful husband, father and grandfather he had been. Gene patiently and peacefully accepted his suffering and died on April 28th.
As Gene enters his eternal reward, we can quote Isaiah 52:7 by saying, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, who heralds peace, brings happiness, and proclaims salvation …” This sums up his life beautifully.
Born: April 14, 1925
Died: July 8, 2011
Information compiled by Sr. Barbara Jean Potthast
Sister Marion began her earthly life in Northfield, Minnesota, on April 14, 1925. Her father, named Hans Hanson, was born in Denmark. He married Marie Hilton, her mother of Irish descent. The family moved to Minneapolis where she, along with four brothers and two sisters, went to the public school since the Catholic school was much farther away.
After attending public high school and a girls’ vocational school she entered St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee. One might wonder how she came to choose a religious vocation having had only public school education. It was through the faith of her family, and the fact that she had a great-aunt and an aunt in our community, Sisters Cherubim and Benitia Savage, who influenced her decision to join our order. She especially admired Sister Cherubim, whom she spoke of as a “prayerful, holy person,” a good teacher, and was later in life was one of the artists who worked in our Motherhouse art room on the fifth floor. Marion came to St. Joseph Convent in 1942 and was received two years later with the name of Lucina.
Sister began her first ministry as a homemaker for three years serving each year in a different state: Nebraska, Illinois, and Wisconsin. It was a surprise when she was called upon to teach second grade in Yazoo City, Mississippi. She had had no prior training as a teacher. In those days, Catholic schools were staffed only with sisters, and this was a year of sister-teacher shortage.
Before long, Marion realized she had a natural gift for teaching primary children. Art class was her favorite subject. Her own love of art was an incentive for her pupils and she enjoyed their uninhibited creativity. Sister Marion eventually completed teacher-training courses and earned her BA degree. Beginning with Mississippi in 1948, her teaching days spanned 45 years. Except for Holy Redeemer in Milwaukee, most assignments were in our Chicago schools: Holy Angels, Our Lady of Victory, St. Nicholas, St. William, and back to Our Lady of Victory.
Sister Marion continued teaching at OLV for 33 years, and then began semi-retirement there. At the convent she was a seamstress, did much craft work, embroidery, crocheting, made greeting cards, and helped in the kitchen when needed. She continued this type of volunteer work at St. Priscilla’s. Heart problems that needed surgery soon slowed her down. In 2003 Sister Marion was admitted into St. Joseph’s Convent, Campbellsport.
Sister was known to be a gentle, humble person of simplicity and inner joy. These traits bubbled over in her many colorful drawings of playful, happy children – her Kewpie Kids, she called them - as well as in the serenity of lovely scenes of nature she painted. These decorated her room, the hallway outside it, and some were given to other sisters as a small gift. She always had a pile of embroidery and crocheting she worked at until her hands and fingers gave out in her last illness. This was her way of sharing “the work of her hands” for the use and enjoyment of others.
In addition to the visual delights of her hobbies, she loved to hear and tell good jokes.
One of the last creations she placed on her door was a photo of herself surrounded with small hearts of various colors - the same colors as a picture of a cross in a stained-glass window next to it. She had not planned it that way, but it spoke a direct and true statement. She is the center of God’s love surrounded by the love of many other loving hearts. Next to this is Christ’s glorious cross of colors. If it were of glass, light would shine through beautifully.
Marion has loved much and was loved by many throughout life. She has borne her cross courageously and peacefully with Christ at her side in her last journey through the valley of death. We believe and pray that her life now is truly transformed and the glory of God is shining through her. Picture that - with many colors! May she rest now in the arms of God’s peace forever. Amen.
Sister Marie Therese
KlutheBorn: July 16, 1919
Died: May 8, 2011
Commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele
Marie Therese was the tenth of 11 children and the youngest of the four girls. She was born on July 16, 1919 in Olean, Nebraska and lived on a farm in Howells, Nebraska with her parents Anna and Conrad and the rest of the family. From an early age the wearing of the scapular day and night was very important to her since she was born on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
She attended grade school at Sacred Heart in Olean, Nebraska and high school at St. Joseph Convent. Her higher education was received at Alverno College in Milwaukee and the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois.
Marie Therese entered St. Joseph Convent on August 30, 1932 and was given the name of Sister Wanda upon her reception on June 13, 1935.
Sister spent 36 years as a teacher and 14 years as a principal, all in Illinois. Later she did early childhood research in Madison, Wisconsin and taught at Rolling Early childhood Development in Madison, Wisconsin. She especially loved her ministry with early childhood programs. Some of those children continued to keep in touch with her as teenagers or young adults.
Her love of children had its roots as early as age eight when she was to watch her baby brother Francis. She told how she shook his crib to awaken him so she could hold him when he cried. That trick she did not recommend in her early childhood program!
Her next ministry was to care for the elderly in the Madison area, enabling them to remain in their own homes.
When chosen to be “Religious of the Month” by the Sierra Club, she was asked who was the most important influence in choosing the religious life she said: “I feel strongly it was the Holy Spirit in answer to my mother’s prayers and that of a Sister-nurse who took care of me when my mother was hospitalized. Before we left the hospital Sister took me to the chapel and then told my mother, ‘I will pray that this baby becomes a Sister, even if not in our Community.’ Her mother never told her about this until Sister’s reception. Her mother had located the Sister and on reception day, there was a letter for the new Sister Wanda from Sister Henrica, a Franciscan Sister from Colorado – the one who had prayed for her vocation so many years before.
Sister came to St. Joseph Convent, Campbellsport on December 30, 2007. She greatly appreciated the services of the dedicated staff members as she began her ministry of prayer and presence.
Following her mother’s example she memorized and often prayed the following prayer:
Dear Jesus, assist me in my last hour.
Let Thy Holy Body and Blood be my
food.
Thy Precious Blood be my strength.
Let Thy Holy Mother breathe at me
and my patron saint St. Therese, the Little Flower, whisper to me.
Thy
Holy Angels and Saints smile at me,
so that I may die as I desire to live
in Thy mercy, faith, hope and love. Amen.
Now, Sister Marie Therese, this prayer has come to complete fruition for you.
Born: April 11, 1908
Died: February 8, 2011
Commentary by Sister Ruth Brings
Marie Masur was born to Frank and Rosa on April 11, 1908 in Lake Andes, South Dakota as the family was moving to Geddes, South Dakota. She was the fifth child and third daughter of their family of 15 children. She attended St. Ann’s School, located in Geddes South Dakota, where she was taught by School Sisters of St. Francis.
When Marie was about 10 years old, her sister Genevieve went to St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee. Marie was not too happy about this. She thought Genevieve should stay at home to help her mother. Four years later, Genevieve was received and given the name of Sister Ansilion. When Sister Ansilion came home for a visit she took her sister Francis back with her to the convent. At reception Francis was given the name Sister Rosetta.
Marie finished eighth grade but she had no plans to join her sisters at the convent, at least not yet. She enjoyed her life and helped her mother care for her younger siblings. However, when her sisters came home for their next visit, Marie was ready to travel to Milwaukee with them.
At the age of 19, Marie entered St. Joseph Convent. As a postulant she spent a lot of time working in the Priest’s Department. She was received on June 12, 1928 and given the name Sister Kathleen. During the novitiate she worked in the laundry and the kitchen. Time passed quickly and she made first profession on August 19, 1930.
After her novitiate, Sister Kathleen worked for ten years in the priest department at Sacred Heart Sanitarium until she was diagnosed with tuberculosis. She then spent years in a sanitarium and Campbellsport until she was permitted to go St. Philomena’s in Chicago. In 1957 she went to St. Mary’s Hill Hospital and worked in the “Treatments and Therapy” department for three years. At Madonna High School Sister did office work for several years, and in 1964 she came to Mount St. Francis, the Rockford Provincial House. She then went to Decatur to help her biological sister, Sister Rosetta, who became ill. After Sister Rosetta died in 1971, Sister Kathleen stayed on in Decatur as a homemaker and sacristan until she broke her ankle in 1983. She returned to Maria Linden to heal and later helped with the sacristy work at Maria Linden. Sister Kathleen came to retire at St. Joseph Campbellsport in 1997.
Sister Kathleen was a kind, pleasant, and friendly person. She was easy to get along with and willing to help where help was needed. She put her heart into her sacristy and chapel work including arranging flower decorations, which she did beautifully. She loved to do arts and crafts and sometimes even painted her flower arrangements.
Sister Kathleen’s prayer life was very important to her. She loved and valued her Franciscan community life. After her 100 plus years of life, her deep spirituality shines forth in all facets of her daily life and through her many hours of prayer.
Sister Kathleen, thank you for your years of life with us and for you example of kindness and prayerfulness.
ister Pierre
NeuensBorn: November 22, 1910
Died: July 12, 2011
Sister Pierre was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 22, 1910 in Chicago, IL to Michael Neuens and Theresa Frank. Her father was born in Luxemburg, and her mother was born in Bavaria, Germany. Sister Pierre, baptized Anna, was the sixth of nine children – four boys and five girls Her father was in the Delivery and Moving business and her mother cared for the children at home.
Sister Pierre was only five, when her sister, who was just a year and a half, died of heart disease. It was a sad time for the family, especially her parents. Sr, Pierre and all the children attended St. Nicholas School in Chicago staffed by the School Sisters of St. Francis. She liked school and liked the Sisters but never thought of being a Sister.
After high school, Sr. Pierre worked in a Milliner’s shop and as a telephone operator at night. Her mother would pick her up at 7:00 A.M. and then they would go to 7:30 Mass. One morning she just said to her mom, “I think I would like to be a Sister.” Her mom was so happy about her decision. After she told the Sisters at the convent of her decision, they all helped her get ready to go to the Convent. One evening the Sisters invited her for supper, and she was so surprised to see her cousin, Eileen Ploetz, who was also leaving to join the School Sisters.
Sister Pierre’s desire to be a nurse was set in motion when she was appointed to St. Mary’s Hill as a nurse’s aide while she went to school to acquire her RN Degree. It was hard work, and she was always busy, but she enjoyed it. Later, at the age of 57, she went back to school to become a Certified Occupational Therapist.
Sister Pierre was an outstanding therapist and was especially talented in the arts of knitting and crocheting. She was known for her patience while working with the psychiatric patients. Not only was she a good teacher; but she could fix any mistake in either form of handicraft. When she repaired something, it was impossible to find the mistake. Many, many patients left the hospital with the ability to knit and crochet like professionals.
Sister Pierre retired at the age of 76 but, as with all sisters, this only meant a change of occupation. She became a volunteer at St. Mary’s Hill Hospital, assisting with hair care, being a companion and finally helping the hospital dentist – a job she continued at Sacred Heart for many years as a volunteer for Community Care.
Sister Pierre lived at Mary Hill Convent for 71 years. Those who lived with her fondly recall her “little ways”. Perhaps, consciously or subconsciously, she followed St. Therese of Lisseux’s “little ways” that brought St. Therese to sainthood. Her family belonged to St. Clare’s Church in Chicago which houses a shrine in honor of St. Therese.
Pierre’s family, her teachers and this shrine were an influence in her life and helped her follow the “little ways”. The Sisters who lived with her at Mary Hill have many treasured memories of Sr. Pierre always happy and being of service. Not only did Sr. Pierre answer the door bells; but she did so with cheery words of welcome. She surprised her fellow sisters by getting the table set early, or getting the dish washer emptied before any one else noticed. She made sure the candy and peanut bowls were filled. The maintenance men, who came to fix something, always received a kind word as she escorted then through the convent. Sr. Pierre also kept herself busy with crafts of some kind. She was very talented and enjoyed creating things.
There came the time when it was necessary for Sister Pierre to move to Sacred Heart where she would receive the nursing care that she needed. Even though her life was less active, she kept herself busy with word search puzzles and her crafts. The finished projects were always shared with others.
Sr. Pierre was also very proud of her sister, Mary, who was a professional wood craver and painter. Sister Pierre was a “Professional Craft Worker”
Throughout her entire life, Sr. Pierre was ever happy. In 2010 she became a centenarian. Through the years she never lost her smile and she was always “the lady”. She used a walker in her later years but this did not inhibit her. She could move very quickly with lots of determination.
On July 12th , after a rather normal day for her, God called Sr. Pierre. She went quickly to the God she had served all her life. Yes, Sister Pierre, your ministry as a School Sister of St. Francis was filled with many services performed in “little ways” and now God has rewarded you in a BIG WAY.
Sister Inge NordschildBorn: May 20, 1920
Died: June 18, 2011
Commentary by Sr. Barbara Jean Potthast
Sr. Inge had a most interesting life’s journey. She was born on May 20, 1920, in Wiesbaden, Germany, a very scenic area close to mountains and the Rhine River. There she lived with her Jewish parents, who were “staunch atheists,” and her older sister by two years. Being close in age, the girls enjoyed playing with each other. The family lived comfortably in a big house surrounded by a lovely garden.
Later on the political situation became very bad. It was then that her father, who had been an excellent provider for them, died suddenly. So Inge, her mother, and sister left Germany for America and settled in New York. There Inge completed her high school before entering the working world.
Inge felt drawn to the field of health care and entered a school of nursing in New York for one year. She was offered a job in New Jersey, then in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and Chicago. Though successful in her work, she wanted to settle down and perhaps raise a family. This uncertainty bothered her. She did not grow up with any religion, yet she had always believed there was a God, but kept it secret from her family. A lady friend suggested she pray to God for help. Inge wasn’t sure how to pray, but that night she did pray to God for the first time “with all her heart.” In the morning she felt strangely different and peaceful. She had experienced an “overnight conversion,” she says, and told her friend she wanted to become a Catholic.
She took instructions from a priest in Chicago and was baptized in July of 1945, taking as her baptismal name Magdalen. It was through this priest that she learned about Sisters and her interest in religion grew. Could God be calling her to follow him through a religious vocation? She decided to go for it. Of the three orders suggested to her, she chose the School Sisters of St. Francis. She was received in 1947 and for a while was known as Sr. Caecilius. Now she was settled and happy. Her family was not, yet she continued to accept them as they were.
While still a novice, Inge was diagnosed with a health problem that needed special treatment for a while. Her new-found God seemed to be testing her faith. She was determined to go on to be professed, and when she was well enough she was sent out on her first mission to Aurora, Illinois, but as a teacher. After that one year it was clear teaching school was not her gift. She was permitted to go back into health-related work that took her into various hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices in Wisconsin up until 1993.
In 1968 she took one year off for continued education at Alverno. Her office-type skills were well used as a medical assistant, admitting clerk, receptionist, secretary, switchboard operator and social worker. She was very involved with the Health Agencies Council when that was established. Her last ministry was caring for interfaith elderly persons for five years which she liked very much.
Inge’s own health began to decline; walking was more difficult. She had developed a health condition that would disable her for the rest of her life. She applied for retirement at St. Joseph’s Convent in Campbellsport in 1992. As much as possible she still wanted to be of service here as well as to take time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the country setting. In her room one could often hear the beautiful classical music of the German composers that she loved.
Sr. Inge had an attitude of accepting “whatever is God’s will.” She showed much courage, determination, and strength throughout life, but left final decisions in the hands of God. Her faith was admirable and so was her gratefulness “for being in this wonderful place with such wonderful people.” I can hear her saying the same thing now for she’s seen the face of God “in this wonderful place with such wonderful people.” And we thank you Inge for spending some time with us in your journey through this earthly world.
Born: April 25, 1906
Died: April 18, 2011
Funeral commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele
Sister Dionys requested to have no commentary; however, we will take a few moments to reflect on her heritage and her service to our community, the School Sisters of St. Francis.
Anita Pfefferle was born to Margaret and John Pfefferle on April 25, 1906 in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. She attended the public school for kindergarten and then St. Gregory Grade School for grades one through eight.
On October 24, 1924 she left home and entered St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee.
She was received on June 24, 1925.
Sister Dionys served on mission in Chicago and Peoria, Illinois as well as in Hartford and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1936 she began working at the Motherhouse at the Seraphic Press and continued in that ministry until1960. At that time she came to St. Joseph Convent, Campbellsport and worked in the Host Department until she was no longer able to do so.
On the occasion of her 60th Jubilee, she wrote: “Roses, roses, roses scattered in the sanctuary brought to my mind the words of a poet … ‘to know the rose is to know God. To know that the faded rose will bud again is to know eternity.’ ” Now Sister Dionys truly understands the meaning of those words.
For nearly 86 years, Sister Dionys served God in her various ministries as a School Sister of St. Francis. We are grateful for her presence among us and ask her to remember us as she enjoys the presence of God forever.
Born: November 27, 1922
Died: February 7, 2011
Commentary by Sister Charlotte Schuele
Sister Mary Severina was born to Helena and Theodore Sondag on November 27, 1922, in Portsmouth, Iowa. She lived with her family in the small town of Shenandoah, near Portsmouth. Sister had four brothers who are now deceased. She has one sister, Joyce, who is here with us now.
After attending grade school and high school, she entered the School Sisters of St. Francis on August 26, 1940 and was received on June 13, 1941. She had four second cousins in our community: Sisters Adelviva, Ermenhilde, Amabilis, and Suso.
Sister Mary Severina spent most of her mission life as a homemaker, serving in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Mississippi. In later years she served at the Motherhouse as a seamstress. She received an Associate of Arts certificate in Tailoring from the Milwaukee Area Technical College. That education was put to good use as she applied her creativity and talent to enhance St. Joseph Hall, dining rooms, community rooms and bedrooms with beautifully sewn drapes and restored furniture. Yards and yards of fabric were measured, cut, and sewed as she worked in partnership with Sister Laurelia Sipek. In addition to her tailoring work she also served as a receptionist. She helped to create community at the Motherhouse through her kindness to the other residents and she related in a friendly way to the many LaFarge Lifelong Learning Institute participants who came to the Motherhouse for that program.
God gave her the grace to meet each new challenge in her life and she faithfully responded to those graces.
On August 30, 2001, Sister Mary Severina came to join the living group at St. Joseph Convent, Campbellsport. Reading and crocheting were some of her favorite things along with watching EWTN. Many a beautifully crocheted cap has come to the St. Joseph Convent gift shop because of her skills. Her sister Joyce kept her supplied with hobby books and yarn. She always looked forward to Joyce’s visits and especially enjoyed her Culver’s ice cream treats. Sister was very grateful for the care she received here at St. Joseph Convent and often expressed her appreciation for the accommodations and care from staff members. She frequently said: “We are so lucky to be here. We have everything we need and such good care. ”
Now, Sister Mary Severina, you can truly say you have everything you need as you rest in the presence of our good God. May peace and joy be yours.
Sister Anne Zander (Sophia)Born: September 5, 1930
Died: June 5, 2011
Commentary by By Sister Felissa Zander
Anne Zander was born on September 5, 1930 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. She was the fourth of nine daughters born to Laura and Jacob Zander of Cross Plains. She grew up on a farm where the family lived. Having no brothers, all the girls helped with farm chores, working along with their mom and dad, even helping in the fields with the planting and the harvesting. They also learned all the household tasks under the guidance of their mother.
Anne and her sisters attended St. Francis Xavier School in the parish at Cross Plains with School Sisters of St. Francis as their excellent and creative teachers. Having a mother who played the piano for family song fests at family gatherings, Anne and her sisters all took piano lessons.
After graduating from 8th grade, Anne followed her three older sisters and entered St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she received her high school education, which included a full music schedule of piano, organ, violin, and theory.
In 1948, Anne was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis Novitiate and was given the name Sister Sophia. As a second year Novice, Sister Anne began classes at Alverno College, studying towards a music degree.
In 1950, she made her first profession of vows. In August of that same year, she was sent on her first mission of St. Martin of Tours in Chicago as the organist and classroom music teacher. Next she was assigned to St. Bernardine Parish in Forest Park, Illinois, continuing with her music career. While in the Chicago area, Sister Anne furthered her music studies at DePaul University.
In 1963 – 1972, Sister Anne was transferred to St. Catherine Parish and School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Now able to again study at Alverno College, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music in 1964. After studying during five summers at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, Sister Anne earned her Master’s Degree in Music in 1972.
In 1972 - 1983, as organist and classroom music teacher, Sister Anne was transferred to St. Mary’s, Hales Corners Parish.
When her father suffered a heart attack in 1964, the family left the farm and moved to a new home in upper Cross Plains near the parish church. In 1967, her father died of a stroke, which left her mother living alone. When Sister Anne’s older sister, Sister Cecilia, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Sister Cecilia spent a few months with mother in Cross Plains.
With Sister Cecilia’s death, Sister Anne’s mother continued to live alone, but was now getting up in years, could no longer drive, and was forgetting to take her medication and prepare food for herself. So in 1983, Sister Anne received permission to be her companion and caretaker. During those years and until her mother’s death in 1989, Sister Anne served as a volunteer organist at St. Francis Xavier in Cross Plains and taught classroom music and gave piano and organ lessons at St. Michael School in Dane, Wisconsin. Also, during her last three years of caring for her mother, Sister accepted the position as organist at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Then, when her mother died, Sister Anne moved into the old St. John the Baptist Convent in Waunakee and served as a full-time classroom music teacher and organist for the next nine years.
In 1998, when Sister Anne decided to move into part-time work, she returned to live in a small apartment in Cross Plains. She did some part-time music and worked part-time in Heartland Village Nursing Home in Black Earth, Wisconsin as a dietary aide. When a new assisted living manor was opened in Cross Plains near her apartment, Sister Anne transferred there as activity director.
In 1999, when her sister, Sister Rose, returned from her forty years in Central America, she came to live with Sister Anne. Around that same time, the new pastor at St. Michael, Dane, Wisconsin, asked Sister to help with the Sunday church music, which she did until Father was transferred elsewhere.
During 1984 - 2008, Sister Anne formed and directed, in Cross Plains, a senior citizens’ chorus called the Silvertones with seniors who loved to sing. They would prepare programs and entertain with lots of fun music in the four local nursing homes of the area, which everyone enjoyed. She was also called upon as a substitute organist in parish churches in the area and continued to give private piano lessons.
Besides her music, Sister Anne had also inherited other talents from her mother. She had learned the beautiful crafting of lovely quilts, becoming an excellent quilter and seamstress, loving to sew colorful and decorative kitchen and bakery aprons which she was still doing when she fell ill, and sewing around the outlines of figures on trapunto cloth, stuffing the figures for a three-dimensional look and then mounting the cloth in various sized hoops with lace edging and ribbons. Added to this were the multiple plastic canvas ornaments she made, festooned with colorful yarn edgings and designs.
In August 2008, Sister Anne with Sister Rose decided to move to St. Joseph Center to be closer to their eldest sister, Sister Mildred, who was dying at Sacred Heart Center from congestive heart and kidney failure. Sister Anne then began to serve as volunteer organist and help plan liturgies in St. Joseph Chapel. When Sister Mary Hueller retired as principal organist of the beautiful convent chapel organ, Sister Anne felt most privileged on being asked to play that wonderful organ for services. Even in her last days with us, while she could still speak, she kept saying that she had to return to St. Joseph Center to play the organ.
Sister Anne was preceded in death by her parents Laura and Jacob Zander, her two older sisters, Sisters Mildred and Cecilia, and her niece Patricia Ann Severson. She is survived by her sisters, Sister Rose, Sister Doris, and Sister Felissa, and her three married sisters, Marion Dommer, Lois Severson, and Kathy Statz.
Dear Sister Anne, you were called to ascend into heaven on the Feast of the Ascension, June 5, leaving such a beautiful music legacy with us. You nurtured many youngsters in developing their musical gifts. You taught endless school children how to love singing. You formed and directed parish choirs and senior citizens in the joy of using their voices in praise and in entertainment. The echoes of all this music will continue to resound throughout the heavens, as all the musician choruses who have gone before you welcome you home to your musical paradise.
Sister Rose Zander (Columbana)
Born: February 10, 1929
Died: July 19, 2011
Rose Zander was born at home on February 10, 1929 at Grandpa and Grandma Zander’s farm in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. She was the third of nine daughters born to Laura and Jacob J. Zander. When Rose was about five years old, Jacob and Laura bought their own farm and moved closer to Black Earth, Wisconsin. Having no brothers, all the girls helped with the farm chores, helping with the planting harvesting, milking the cows, feeding the cows, sheep, pigs and chickens, gathering eggs, shearing sheep, and getting the cows and horses from the pasture. It was a very wholesome upbringing which taught all the girls a work ethic.
In 1934, Rose started school a year early because she was so eager to learn and read. She attended a one room school house called Union Valley School in Cross Plains, Wisconsin for one year. Here she learned to read from the older students and many times the teacher would let Rose sit and do independent reading. She even read to other students. No doubt this is how Rose acquired her great love of reading. Following that year, Rose attended St. Francis Xavier Parish School in Cross Plains, Wisconsin for grades 1- 8 where SSSF were excellent, creative teachers. After 8th grade graduation in 1943, Rose decided to enter St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee on September 1. From 1943 – 1946 she completed her high school there. On June 13, 1946, Rose entered the Novitiate of the SSSF Religious Community. From 1947 – 1950, Rose completed her university studies at Alverno College in Milwaukee. Rose graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Rose enjoyed the start of her teaching career at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Skokie, Illinois from 1950 – 1960. Rose always told stories of the fun she had playing baseball with the 6th grade boys in Skokie.
Because Rose had volunteered to be a missionary, she was called to mission in May of 1960. She was transferred to Costa Rica in Central America. Rose taught three years at St. Clare College while taking Spanish classes at the university. She then taught three years at the St. Francis Primary School. During those years Rose also worked at the Central Penitentiary of San Jose, Costa Rica, and the Penal Colony of the Island of San Lucas in the Pacific, off the coast of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. On San Lucas Rose established an elementary school so the adult prisoners could learn to read and write and attend art classes.
In January, 1966, Rose wanted to work in a poorer country. At that time Honduras was rated the second poorest country in the world. So Rose transferred to Comayaguela, D.C., Honduras, where she founded and directed a high school, Instituto Immaculada Concepcion for two years. During those years, Rose also worked in the Central Penitentiary of Tegucigalpa, D.C., Honduras. In this prison, the cells had dirt floors and men and women were not separated. Babies were being born in prison. Rose tried to make changes here but it seemed impossible so she decided to work with troubled young men already in the justice system, hoping to keep them from ending up in such a prison. So in December of 1968, Rose transferred to Centro de Orientacion Juvenil Jalteva, now known as Complejo Pedagogico, Jalteva. This is a rehabilitation center for street and delinquent boys, ages 12 – 18. Rose worked there for 31 years, seeing many injustices to be corrected.
While working at Jalteva, Rose also had the role in community as the SSSF Coordinator of the Latin American Province from 1973 – 1977.
At Jalteva Rose’s title was Educational Orientator and Counselor for the boys and personnel. During the years of 1984 – 1988, the government of Honduras made Rose the Director to run the entire institution. They dispensed with the rule that the director had to be a native Honduranian because Rose was the most honest, trustworthy, qualified person there to run the place. However, after four years she requested her old job back because she missed the personal interaction with the boys.
Rose introduced very worthwhile classes such as guidance for dating and marriage – especially pointers on how to treat girls and women. Rose also was the priest-figure in the absence of an ordained priest. She would hold communion prayer services for the boys.
Spanish became Rose’s native language to the point that on her home visits Spanish words would slip into her English conversation with relatives.
With donations from the United States, Rose would take back items too expensive or impossible to buy in Honduras. She also used donations for scholarships for rehabilitated boys to go to college after leaving Jalteva. Rose would always go to the city in person to pay their tuition and book bills directly to the university. Then she would visit the boys where they lived to encourage them to stay straight and continue school. As a result, Rose had some neat success stories of boys who went on to become nurses, lawyers, teachers and accountants. She always said, “Giving them food, shelter, love, and an education usually works.”
While working in Central America Rose lived through a number of hurricanes, but the granddaddy of them all was Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Rose said the devastation and submersion under water for days was unbelievable. Rose’s family did not know if Rose had survived the hurricane because Jalteva never had any phone service in that part of the country. So after about nine days someone could finally verify that Rose was okay.
Rose’s last years in Honduras witnessed several outstanding awards from the government of Honduras for her service to their country. One time she was even on national television to get her award and in the newspapers there.
In July of 1999, Rose resigned from on-location missionary work in Central America. She continued writing letters of encouragement to the personnel at Jalteva. She also sent donations that she received from regular donors. After she returned to the United States, she lived with her sister, Sister Anne, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. For three of those years, Rose taught Spanish at St. Francis Xavier’s Parish School where she and her sisters had received their elementary education. The summers of 2000 through 2004 saw Rose go back to Jalteva to help out and renew friendships.
In August of 2008 Rose and Anne decided to move to St. Joseph Center to be closer to their oldest sister, Sister Mildred who was dying at Sacred Heart Center. At St. Joseph Center, Rose wrote three books: "Children of Men," (12 stories and pencil sketches of some Jalteva boys, published in 2008), and two histories of our Latin American Missions – one of Honduras, "Through This Window," and one of Peru called "From the Sea to the Sierra."
Rose always kept herself occupied reading books, doing creative writing, and working at crafts and art projects.
After surgery at St. Luke’s, as Rose would slip in and out of sleep, she would say: “I have so much I still want to do.”
We end with some quotes from Rose’s niece, Patty Severson. In the early 90’s Patty wrote an English paper about Rose at Pewaukee High School. It was titled: “My Hero” – dedicated to my Aunt Rose. Patty begins: “Being a hero is not something you can plan, and not just anyone can be one. It takes a certain kind of person: someone compassionate, concerned, helpful, brave and strong, but not always dealing with physical strength, but emotional strength, someone able to face tough situations.”
In another section Patty says: “Every year during the summer, Aunt Rose comes back home to see us. This gives her the chance to be a disciple for the boys. Her discourse to people about what she does and the conditions down there influence them to collaborate with her by donating money. With the help of people back here, they were able to buy a tractor and get all the payments in on time.”
“…My aunt is under heavy risk every day. One time there was a knife fight between two boys. One was a new boy who didn’t want to have anything to do with anyone else. I guess the other boy got on his nerves and they ended up fighting. One of them stabbed the other boy in the stomach. My Aunt Rose saved his life by sterilizing a needle and thread and sewing him back up. They drove him to a doctor a couple of hours away. The doctor said that if my aunt had not helped him, he would have died. Now that’s a real hero. Even though everyone deserves to live, some individuals just won’t bother helping these kinds of people. Despite whatever Aunt Rose might have thought of him, she helped save his life.”
“For her strength in hardships and her selfless ways, she is my hero. She gives of herself for the good of others. She does not have to advertise her good deeds to make herself feel good. It’s enough for her to do the thing she loves the best as she can, and know in her heart that she is doing the right thing for the people she helps. My Aunt Rose is a giving, loving person. For that and all the other things she has done for others, she is a hero in the eyes of her friends, her family, and those that she has helped.”
Born: April 27, 1914
Died: July 5, 2011
Commentary by Sister Marlene
Boden
Contributions by the late Sister Marjmarie Zuiker
In April 1914, when World War I’s woes were sweeping around the world, Irene (which means Peace) was born to John Zuiker and Margaret Wail, both child immigrants from Holland. They lived in Roseland, near the Pullman section, on the South Side of Chicago. Roseland was so named because of the many wild roses found in the prairies…many bushes of Seven Sister roses. Her parents had their own. Irene was the third oldest of nine children, seven girls and two boys.
Roseland was a multi-ethnic neighborhood. Irene’s first seven school years were at the German St. Nicholas Parish where she was taught by the School Sisters. In eighth grade, she transferred and graduated in the charter class at the Dutch St. Willibrord’s School, where the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity taught. They were commonly referred to as the Manitowoc Franciscan Sisters. After graduation from eighth grade, she enrolled in the French St. Louis Academy where, after two years, she graduated from the commercial business course. The Depression was rearing its ugly head higher and higher. Irene’s parents needed help to support their large family. Right after her graduation from the commercial school, Irene was invited to assist as teachers’ aide. She kept this job for three years and was able to help her family financially.
After these three years, the Spirit nudged her and she needed to select one of the three communities which had taught her. She chose the School Sisters and entered in September of 1932. Irene completed her high school at the Motherhouse. She was able to complete it in two years and then was received in 1934. Her cousin, who had preceded her into the community, had been given the name of her parish. Irene was happy to receive the name Judelle.
The class of ’34 was the first class where all the members started their Novitiate immediately. In their second year they were sent out to experience their future ministries. She went to Whitefish Bay. In April, she returned to complete her Novitiate until Profession in August. At this time the community inaugurated the Juniorate program. Ten members of her class were selected, along with six of the class of ’33, to stay home and become the first freshman class of Alverno College. The following year she was told to register for zoology and physics at Marquette University. She used her physics during World War II when she taught basic aeronautics to her high school students. In 1940 she obtained her bachelor’s degree in science, graduating Cum Laude.
Her ministry of teaching began at the Czech high school in Protivin, Iowa. For ten years she enjoyed the rural scene of Iowa and Nebraska. She learned to rattle off Bohemian prayers and phrases. Then she was assigned for one year to Alvernia High School in Chicago as a science specialist.
She earned her master’s degree in biology from DePaul University and was assigned to Alverno College, where she served for 11 years and 22 summers as biology and nursing instructor, moderator of resident lay students, head of the science department, and, always, faculty secretary.
When she was told to get her Ph.D. from Marquette University while teaching and chairing the department, she recognized that her health would not allow it and she asked for a change. She returned to high school teaching by choice. She then returned to Chicago, to St. Benedict High School, as teacher, administrator, and finally worked in the curriculum and scheduling fields. She loved her religious family here and they became known for their welcoming celebrations and vital community spirit.
In 1987 Irene retired from the education ministry and became the director of special services at Maryhill. She lived at Marian Hall for 12 years until 2000, when it closed. The Motherhouse then became her home until it was deemed necessary to move to Sacred Heart Convent for the health care that was provided there.
Irene always loved to be outside and could often be seen sitting doing her crossword puzzles under the awning on the patio at Sacred Heart Convent. Her favorite response, when asked how she was, that everyone who worked at Sacred Heart came to know, was “fine and dandy, sweet as candy.” Then she would give us a great big smile.
Irene was good, kind, industrious, self-sacrificing, intelligent, and always reached out to others. She said she learned the best of her values from her parents who were so wise, though uneducated. Very loyal to family and friends, and especially to the God she followed so faithfully, she answered when the Spirit nudged her and said, “Come, Beloved, return forever to your family and friends, with your God.” Irene passed peacefully to her lasting home. Be serene, Irene, forever.