I was born on June 14, 1929 during the depression to Joseph and Clare Fuchtman on a farm in Creighton, Nebraska. At Baptism I was given the beautiful name Kathleen. I was the second youngest of twelve children. One brother died as an infant. Four of my brothers were among the 40 young men from our Parish who served our country in World War ll. All returned safely! I attribute this great blessing to our pastor who had a Holy Hour each week while they were away doing their civic duty.
The days of my youth were simple but rewarding. When I finished high school I expected to be a simple, carefree person, but my ways were not God’s ways. For some time I felt something was missing in my life. One day as I was day-dreaming the thought came to me that my life might be fulfilled if I would become a Religious Sister. Since my oldest sister, Sister Frances, (formerly Sister Rosamund) and the Sisters from St. Ludger Academy were School Sisters of St. Francis, I consulted them for guidance.
In the year 1950, I entered the School Sisters of St. Francis. After a year of Postulancy I was received on June 13, 1951 and given the Religious name Sister Anastasia. Since I was interested in Nursing, I was asked to go to the Sacred Heart Sanitarium. My ministry there was very happy and rewarding. A few years later I attended Sacred Heart School of Practical Nursing and received my degree. During my nursing career, I ministered at Sacred Heart Sanitarium, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Anthony Hospital, Salvatorian Heights, and United Seniors of Wisconsin. After working as an LPN for fifty years in the Milwaukee Area, I felt the need to retire. Times were changing in community and Campbellsport was going to close so I joined the group of our Sisters at Villa St. Francis. After five happy years there I felt the need to move to Sacred Heart. Back where I started! But now it was a home with all levels of care for only School Sisters of St. Francis.
My life as a School Sister was filled with great blessings. I wish to thank everyone who walked with me. So now I’m waiting for the Angels to come and lead me to my Heavenly Home.
Gratefully,
Sister Kathleen Fuchtman
Yes, Sister Kathleen, the Angels came on Saturday morning, February 13th, surprising everyone. Your health had declined rapidly in the past few months and within these last weeks you learned that your lymphatic cancer had returned with vengeance. Weakness and the need to make a decision was before you. In your usual gentle spirit, you turned to discernment and prayed for wisdom. Wisdom did come in all her glory on Saturday morning and took you to your eternal home. You were ready!
Now in this your 70th Jubilee Year we your Sisters rejoice with you and thank you for your 70 years of faithful Franciscan living.