Women Religious Obituaries

Sr. Nancy Frommelt died on March 31, 2025 at the age of 86.    

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Nancy Ann, daughter of the late Arthur and Dorothy (Link) Frommelt, was born November 16, 1938 in Dubuque, IA. She was baptized at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and confirmed at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, both in Dubuque, IA. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque on September 3, 1957 and was received with the name Sister Mary Martina on August 12, 1958. Sister made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1963.

Sister received her MA from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA and her MS from University of Houston, TX. She ministered in Iowa at Remsen, Oyens, Bancroft, and Dubuque; in Illinois at St. John Brebeuf, Niles; in Texas at Houston; in New Jersey at East Orange, Newark, and Elizabeth; and in Pennsylvania at Wallingford, Fairfield, Secane, and Chester. 

Sister is survived by her sisters, Sister Sally Frommelt OSF and Linda Pickus; brothers, Fred and Joe (Debra) Frommelt; nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Les Pickus. 

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Sr. Bertha (Donna Mae) Kruse died on March 15, 2025 at the age of 86.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025.  Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Donna Mae, daughter of the late, Emil and Hyacinth (Bruggemann) Kruse was born January 8, 1939 in Petersburg, IA.  She was baptized and confirmed at Sts. Peter and Paul, Petersburg. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque on September 3, 1960 and was received with the name Sister Bertha on August 10, 1961. Sister made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1968.

Sister Bertha ministered in food service in Iowa at Briar Cliff College, Sioux City; St. Mary’s Convent, Remsen; Immaculate Conception Convent, Holy Family Hall Infirmary, and Mount St. Francis, all in Dubuque. 

Sister is survived by her brothers: Gene (Betty) Kruse, Fr. Phil Kruse, and Al (Wendy) Kruse;
sisters-in-law: Joanne Kruse and Angie Kruse; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Martin Kruse and Pat Kruse.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Sr. Mary Assumpta Glaser died on February 26, 2025 at the age of 96.    

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Mary Elizabeth, daughter of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Rosmaryn) Glaser, was born May 8, 1928 in Chicago, IL.  She was baptized at Blessed Agnes Church, Chicago and confirmed at St. Christopher, Midlothian, IL.  She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque on August 25, 1946 and was received with the name Sister Mary Assumpta on August 12, 1947. Sister made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1952.

Sister received her masters degree in Elementary Administration from Loras College, Dubuque, IA. She ministered in Iowa at North Washington; Sacred Heart, Dubuque; St. Michael, Leeds; Webster City; Larchwood; Monticello; Sacred Heart, and Sioux City. She also served in Illinois at Hazel Crest and St. Joseph, Addison, and in Crescent City, CA. 

Sister is survived by her sisters, Sister Teresine Glaser, OSF and Margaret (Daniel) Maciukenas, brother, Robert “Bob” (LuAnn) Glaser, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Helen Glaser, and brother, Joseph (Elaine) Glaser.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Sister Katherine E. Heffernan, BVM, 101, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Katherine ministered as a counselor and secondary teacher in St. Louis and San Francisco and as a social worker and secondary teacher in Tulsa, Okla. She served as the director of social and clinical services at Chicago hospitals and as a clinical social worker and special education care manager for the Chicago Board of Education.

She was born on April 14, 1923, in Omaha, Neb., to John and Julie (Anheuser) Heffernan. She entered the Sisters of the Good Shepherd on Sept. 8, 1958, and professed first vows on April 5, 1961.  She transferred her vows to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Jan. 20, 1973.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Julie McGoogan.  She is survived by two nieces, a nephew, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 52 years.

Behr’s Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa, 52001 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Mary Jeanne Stopper, BVM, (John Edward), 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Mary Jeanne was an elementary teacher in Chicago; Phoenix; and Burbank and North Hollywood, Calif., where she also served as principal.  She ministered as a high school English teacher, office staff, and parish and school volunteer in Glendale, Calif.

She was born on May 5, 1931, in Los Angeles, to George & Pearl (Bertin) Stopper. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1949, from Holy Family Parish, Glendale, Calif. She professed first vows on March 19, 1952, and final vows on July 16, 1957.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers John “Jack” (Tomalu) Stopper, Brother Edward “Ed” Stopper, FSC, and William “Bill” Stopper; and sisters Sister Suzanne Stopper, BVM, and Elizabeth “Betsy” (Chuck) Gower. She is survived by a sister-in-law Letty Stopper, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 75 years.

Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home, 100 N 6th St, Bellevue, Iowa is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Amelia (Ida) Thole, OSF, died Friday, January 10, 2025 at the age of 94.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Amelia, daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Millenkamp) Thole, was born November 10, 1930 in Petersburg, IA. She was baptized at St. Peter and Paul Church, Petersburg and confirmed at St. Mary Church, Manchester, IA. On August 25, 1948 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Mary Ida on August 12, 1949. Sister Amelia made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1954.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her bachelor’s degree in education from Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA. She ministered in Iowa at St. Mary, New Hampton, Keota, North Buena Vista, and Guadalupe Parish, Des Moines. She was also missioned in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Chilan, Chile, and Arica, Chile

Sister is survived by her sisters-in-law, Marge Thole and Rita Thole; brother-in-law Luke Donlon; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Julia (Arthur) Eike, Rita Thole, and Ann Mae Donlon; brothers, Clarence (Frances) Thole, Raymond (Mary Koch) Thole, Joseph (Verna) Thole, Larry Thole and Ernie Thole.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sr. Myra Weitl died on January 5, 2025 at the age of 87.    

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2025 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Myra Dorothy, daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Liewer) Weitl, was born October 1, 1937 in Templeton, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart, Templeton. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque on August 25, 1956 and was received with the name Sister Mary Valerian on August 12, 1957. Sister made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1962.

Sister received her BA in education from Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at St. Donatus, Holy Cross, Alton, Remsen, and Arcadia. She also served in Minneapolis, MN and Calhoun City, MS. 

Sister is survived by her brother, Norbert Weitl, sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Weitl, Almyra Weitl, and Pat Weitl; nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Arlene (Gaylord) Stangl and Nola (Vernon) Kohorst; brothers Richard Weitl, Marlo Weitl, and Charles Weitl.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Sister Rose Marie Lorentzen, BVM, (St. Carol), 89, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Rose Marie was an elementary teacher at St. Martin in Cascade, Iowa. She also was an elementary teacher in Chicago; a secondary teacher in Milwaukee and Memphis, Tenn.; and a religious education instructor in Chicago and Franklin Park, Ill. She served as parish minister, social justice advocate, bilingual community college instructor and tutor, and was founder and executive director of Hesed House, a homeless shelter in Aurora, Ill.

She was born June 3, 1935, in Walsh County, N.D. She entered the BVM congregation Aug. 2, 1959, from St. Francis Xavier Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1962, and final vows on July 16, 1967.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Duane and Leesa “Lee” Lorentzen.  She is survived by nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 65 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52003 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sr. Angeline Freking died on December 25, 2024 at the age of 92.    

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2024 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Angeline Agnes, daughter of the late Clem and Edna (Healy) Freking, was born September 25, 1932 in Hospers, IA.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Anthony, Hospers.  She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque on August 25, 1951 and was received with the name Sister Mary Alvina on August 12, 1952. Sister made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1957.

Sister received certification in Dietary Management. She ministered in food service at Odebolt, Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, and Holy Cross, all in Iowa. She also served in Dubuque at Immaculate Conception Academy, Mount St. Bernard, St. Francis Home, Mary of Angels, Sacred Heart, Holy Ghost, St. Dominic Villa, Marian Hall, and Villa Raphael.

Sister is survived by her sister, Louise Auchstetter, sister-in-law, Karen Freking, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Catharine (Bernard) Portz, Marie (Oscar) Klein, and Edwardine Freking, OSF; her brother, Leo Freking; and brother-in-law James “Jim” Auchstetter.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Sister Carl Loras Pilmaier, BVM, 97, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Carl Loras was an elementary teacher at St. Jude in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition, she taught in elementary schools in Davenport, Iowa; Chicago; Wilmington, Ill.; Memphis, Tenn.; Seattle and Milwaukee, where she also served as principal. She ministered as principal in Lincoln, McCook, Plattsmouth and Fairbury, Nebr.; school librarian in Urbandale, Iowa; and resident advocate at a retirement center in Johnston, Iowa.

She was born on June 20, 1927, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Carl and Laura (Schmitt) Pilmaier. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1946, from St. Augustin, Des Moines, Iowa. She professed first vows on Sept 8, 1946, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1954.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Carl, John (Patricia) and Tom (Mary) Pilmaier; and sisters Mary Anne (Robert) Roby and Therese (Arnold “Arnie”) Janicek. She is survived by nieces, including Sister Linda Roby, BVM, Dubuque, Iowa; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 78 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Behr’s Funeral Home, 1491 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Ann M. Harrington, BVM, (St. Remi), 85, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque,
Iowa, died Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Visitation and the Rite of Committal for natural burial will be Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in the Mary Frances
Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Quiet visitation is at 9 a.m., followed by the Rite of Committal at
9:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Sharing of Memories and a Memorial Mass will be
Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m.
followed immediately by a Memorial Mass.

Sister Ann ministered as a French and history professor and director of the Liberal Studies master’s
program at Mundelein College, and as a history professor and director of the Asian Studies program at
Loyola University, both in Chicago. She served as a secondary teacher in Wichita, Kans., and St. Louis.
She authored several books including two about the history of the BVM congregation.

She was born July 15, 1939, in Milwaukee to Earl and Tonnita (Freiman) Harrington. She entered the
BVM congregation Aug. 2, 1957, from Christ the King Parish, Milwaukee. She professed first vows on
Feb. 3, 1960, and final vows on July16, 1965.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Helen Harrington, Mary (Eddie) Resch, and Kathleen
“Katie” Harrington; brothers Thomas (Nancy), Timothy, and Joseph Harrington. She is survived by a
brother Michael Harrington, Dousman, Wis.; sister-in-law Marian “PeeWee” Harrington, Pewaukee,
Wis., nieces, nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 67 years.

Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home, 100 N 6 th St, Bellevue, Iowa, 52031 is in charge of arrangements.

Sister Suzanne Effinger, BVM, (Frances Carol), 92, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Suzanne ministered as an elementary teacher and principal in Chicago; Round lake, Ill.; and Kansas City, Mo. She also served as assistant principal in Waukegan, Ill., and as an elementary teacher in St. Louis and Glendale, Calif. She was an adult literacy instructor and a hospice volunteer in Milwaukee.

She was born on June 24, 1932, in Milwaukee to Frank and Frances (Reichert) Effinger. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1950, from St. Sabastian Parish, Milwaukee. She professed first vows on March 19, 1953, and final vows on July 16, 1958.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers James (Randi), Thomas (Vi), David (Marion) and John (Mickey) Effinger; sisters Janet (Bob) Eiff and Mary Ann Effinger. She is survived by nieces and nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 74 years.

Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home, 100 N 6th St, Bellevue, Iowa, 52031 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sr. Alice Schaefer died on December 10, 2024 at the age of 97.    

The Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2024 at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. The livestream of the service can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans.

Mary Alice, daughter of the late Mathias and Isabelle (Blake) Schaefer, was born August 22, 1927 in Meyer, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Church, Meyer. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque on August 25, 1946 and was received with the name Sister Mary Sebastian on August 12, 1947. Sister made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1952.

Sister received her masters degree in elementary administration from Loras College, Dubuque, IA. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Granville, Monticello, Sacred Heart, Dubuque, St. Mary, Cascade, Worthington, and as a dietary assistant at Mount St. Francis Center, Dubuque. She also served in Melrose Park, IL, and Brooksville, MS.  

Sister is survived by her sisters-in-law Jeanette Schaefer, Florence Schaefer, and Marilyn Rogers, nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Robert (Colette) Schaefer, Ray Schaefer, Amos Schaefer, and Avery Schaefer.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Sister Mary Kenneth (Mildred) Hemann, OSF, died Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the age of 101.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mildred, daughter of the late Dorothy (Smith) and Joseph Hemann, was born July 8, 1923 in Meyer, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Church, Meyer. On August 25, 1940 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Mary Kenneth on August 12, 1941. Sister Mary Kenneth made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1946.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her certification as a Dietary Manager from State University of Iowa, Ames. She ministered at Corpus Christi, IL and Okolona, MS. Other missions in Iowa included Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, St. Mary, Waterloo, and Saint Francis Home, Stonehill Franciscan Services, Shalom Retreat Center, and Mount St. Francis Center in Dubuque. 

Sister is survived by her sister, Theresa Theis; her brother Kenneth (Ann) Hemann; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Angela (Herbert) Werner; brothers, Cletus (Kathleen) Hemann, Ray (Beatrice) Hemann, John (Joan) Hemann, Robert (Norraine) Hemann, and Arthur (Darlene) Hemann, and brother-in-law George Theis.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sister Marjorie M. Heidkamp, BVM, (Herberdette), 90, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 1-1:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Rite of Committal for natural burial is at 1:30 p.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Memorial services will be on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in the Mary Frances Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be 1:30-2:30 p.m., followed immediately by a Memorial Mass at 2:30 p.m.

Sister Marjorie was an elementary teacher in Sioux City, Iowa; Chicago; and Antioch, Ill. She ministered as director of religious education in Antioch and Schiller Park, Ill., and religious educator, hospital and hospice chaplain, and library staff member in Chicago. She served the congregation as admissions director and health coordinator.

She was born March 6, 1934, in Chicago to Herbert and Mary Cecilia (Toner) Heidkamp. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1952, from Queen of Angels Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on March 19, 1955, and final vows on July 16, 1960.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Herbert J. (Mary Ann), Robert (Barbara), Francis (Rosemary) and Philip (Jean) Heidkamp, and sisters Rosemary (Jack) Cramer and Mary Louise (Joseph) McCall. She is survived by brother Jerome (Donna) Heidkamp, Naperville, Ill., nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 72 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Hoffmann, Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52002 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Darleen (Elisa) Chmielewski, OSF, died Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the age of 82.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Darleen, daughter of the late Severin and Eleanor (Kopveiler) Chmielewski, was born June 18, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN. She was baptized at All Saints Church, Minneapolis and confirmed at St. Timothy’s Church, Minneapolis. On September 13, 1959 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Elisa on August 10, 1960. Sister Darleen made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1967.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her BA in Spanish from Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Holy Ghost, Dubuque, Cascade, and Gehlin High School, LeMars. She also served in Napa, CA and the countries of Chile, Mexico, and Guatemala. 

Sister is survived by her brother Severin (Kathy Burdick) Chmielewski Jr., brother-in-law Don Sivanich, niece, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Caryn Sivanich, and brother Larry Chmielewski.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sr. Ruth Elsbernd died on November 13, 2024 at the age of 97.    

The Remembering Service and Rite of Final Committal will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. A Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 25, 2024 at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center. The livestream of both services can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans.

Ruth Marie, daughter of the late John and Martha (Kuennen) Elsbernd, was born March 19, 1927 in Festina, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Seven Dolors, Festina. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque on August 25, 1945 and was received with the name Sister Mary Bernette on August 12, 1946. Sister made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1951.

Sister received her MS in Physical Science from Kansas State Teachers College, Kansas City, KS in 1971.  She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Remsen, Mapleton, Larchwood, Granville, Ossian, Eldridge, Clarinda, Calmar, Cresco, Sherrill, NITI, Peosta, and in Dubuque at Sacred Heart and Wahlert High School. She also served in Midlothian, IL, Cumberland, RI, Cuba City, WI, St. Cloud, MN and Xavier Hospital and Mount St. Francis Center, both in Dubuque. 

Sister is survived by her sister Colette Kuhn, nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Jerome (Luella) Elsbernd, Arnold (Helen) Elsbernd, Roger (Gladys) Elsbernd, and Joseph Elsbernd; and brother-in-law Anthony Kuhn.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Sister Thecla (Dorothy) Cain, OSF, died Friday, November 8, 2024 at the age of 96.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Dorothy, daughter of the late James and Maria (Murphy) Cain, was born November 8, 1928 in Remsen, IA. She was baptized at St. Mary’s Church, Remsen and confirmed at St. Louis Catholic Church, Royal, IA. On August 25, 1946 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Thecla on August 12, 1947. Sister Thecla made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1952.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her master’s degree in education from University of Portland, Portland, OR. She ministered in Iowa at Manchester and in Dubuque at St. Mary and Colette Center. Sister was also missioned in Portland, OR, St. Cloud, MN, Omaha, NE, and Austin, TX. 

Sister is survived by her sisters Gladys Daniels and Veronica Hotovec; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Stephen (Rita) Cain, Thomas (Mary Margaret) Cain, Sylvester (Patricia) Cain, Rev. James Cain, and Rev. John Cain; and brothers-in-law Anthony Daniels and Duane Hotovec.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sister Kathleen (Arlene) Orthaus, OSF, died Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the age of 87.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 7. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Arlene, daughter of the late John and Olivia (Huegel) Orthaus, was born February 6, 1937 in North Washington, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception, North Washington. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque on August 25, 1955. She was received with the name Sister Mary Kathleen on August 11, 1956 and made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1961.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her high school degree from St. Mary High School, North Washington, IA. She ministered in Iowa at Monticello, St. Mary, Remsen, and in Dubuque at Mount St. Francis Center, St. Mary, Stonehill Care Center, and Alverno Apartments. 

Sister is survived by her sisters Joanne (Richard) Gleason and Linda (Bill) Noehl; brothers Tom (Marilyn) Orthaus, and John (Eileen) Orthaus; sisters-in-law Wilma Orthaus, Theresa Orthaus, and Phyllis Orthaus;  brother-in-law Dave “Bob” Jones; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters. 

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Louise Jones and brothers Gerald Orthaus, Bill Orthaus, and Richard “Dick” Orthaus.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sister Helen (Francine) Nelson, OSF, died Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at the age of 80.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Helen, daughter of the late George and Marie (Kuker) Nelson, was born March 25, 1944 in Goldsboro, NC. She was baptized at St. Mary’s Church, Goldsboro and confirmed at St. Philip the Apostle, Pasadena, CA. On September 3, 1962 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Francine on August 10, 1963. Sister Helen made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1970.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Seattle University, Seattle, WA. She ministered in Hazel Crest, IL, Eugene, OR, and Waterloo, IA. 

Sister is survived by her sisters Ann (Michael) Erikson, Lisa (Harvey) Bolin; brothers George (Twyla) Nelson, Robert (Wendy) Nelson, Gene (Krisanne) Nelson; sister -in-law Susan Boitano; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother John Nelson.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sister Mary Ann Lenore Eifert, BVM, 99, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Mary Ann Lenore was missioned as an elementary teacher in Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Los Angeles, North Hollywood, and Glendale, Calif.; and Wichita, Kans.

She was born on Aug. 17, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Louis and Lenore (Williams) Eifert. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1944, from Holy Family Parish, Glendale, Calif. She professed first vows on March 19, 1947, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1952.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers William and James (Carmen) Eifert. She is survived by a niece and two nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 80 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Homes, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52002 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Linda Quinones, BVM, (Frances Joan), 83, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.

Visitation of cremated remains will be from 1-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Buffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 1:30 p.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Linda served as school secretary, school resource person, and parish minister in Seattle; school secretary and librarian in San Franisco; and bookkeeper/office manager in Fremont and Union City, Calif. She also worked as a housekeeper in Clinton, Iowa, and Los Gatos, Calif., and volunteered at a senior center, hospice and her parish in Kilauea, Hawaii.

She was born Feb. 28, 1941, on Kauai in Hawaii, to Frank and Haruko (Oshima) Quinones. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1960, from St. Catherine Parish, Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1963, and final vows on Feb. 2, 1968. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Frank (Flo), James, and Mitchell (Charlene) Quinones; sister Irene (Arnold) Ujimori; and brothers-in-law Peter Ng and Manuel Ang. She is survived by sisters Doris Ng and Beverly Ang, both of Honolulu, Hawaii; nieces, nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 64 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Behr’s Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa 52001 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Mary Francine Quillin, PBVM, 87, died on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

On Friday, October 25, friends may call from 4-7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be on Saturday, October 26, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Mary Francine, daughter of Edward and Anna “Grace” (Ronan), was born Maureen Louise Quillin on August 25, 1937, in Waukon, Iowa.  She entered the Sisters of the Presentation on September 8, 1955, and professed her perpetual vows on August 21, 1963.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Clarke College (now Clarke University) in Dubuque, Iowa, a Master of Arts from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a License in Canon Law from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy. Sister Francine served as a junior high teacher in Catholic schools in Osage, Iowa and Oregon, Illinois, where she also served as principal; as a theology instructor at Loras College and Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa; in religious formation and congregational administration for the Sisters of the Presentation; as director of the Tribunal for the Archdiocese of Dubuque; and as pastoral associate and volunteer pastoral minister at the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque. She served on the leadership team for the Sisters of the Presentation from 1977 – 1985.

Sister Francine celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2015 and retired to Mount Loretto in 2019. Reflecting on her varied service, Sister Francine said, “I think what was most valuable about my years in all those positions was the people with whom I worked and the people I met through the various ministries. They exemplified such examples of faith and endurance in their own hardships, and to be able to be present to people in those needs is really a gift.” Sister Francine enjoyed music, reading and being with her family and friends. She valued prayer and community service.

Surviving are her nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 69 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Connie (Gordon) Donlea, Mary Frances Quillin, and Dona (LeRoy) Pope, her brothers, Earl, Dennis (Charlotte) and Harold.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org.

Sister Sara McAlpin, BVM, (Philip Mary), 90, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs, Dubuque, Iowa. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.
Sister Sara was an English instructor, English department chair and archivist at Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa.  She also ministered as a secondary teacher in Des Moines, Iowa, and as an elementary teacher in Chicago.

She was born July 2, 1934, in Charles City, Iowa, to Philip and Mary Alice (Elsen) McAlpin. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept 8. 1956, from Corpus Christi Parish, Fort Dodge, Iowa. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1959, and final vows on July 16, 1964.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Rev. James McAlpin.  She is survived by cousins and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 68 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Homes, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52002 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Arlene Einwalter, who lived her religious vocation in education and a wide range of social services ministries, died at Our Lady of the Angels in Greenfield, Wisconsin, on September 9, 2024. Sister Arlene was 91 years old.  

Sister Arlene was born October 8, 1932, in Fort Atkinson, Iowa. She was received into the School Sisters of St. Francis on June 13, 1949, made her first profession of vows on June 21,1951; and final (perpetual) vows on June 21, 1957.  

Sister is survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins; many friends; and the School Sisters of St. Francis community with whom she shared life for 75 years.   

Beginning in 1951, Sister Arlene ministered in Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister was religious education coordinator for St. Aloysius Parish in Calmar from 1970-1977.

Sister Arlene retired in 2021 and ministered as a retired volunteer and through prayer and presence at Sacred Heart in Milwaukee and at Our Lady of the Angels until the time of her death.  

Sister Arlene donated her body to science. A memorial Mass was celebrated on September 25 in St. Joseph Hall in Milwaukee. 

Sister Joyce Rohlik, BVM, (Joyce Mary), 85, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Joyce was an elementary teacher in Muscatine, Iowa; Berwyn, Ill.; Oak Park, Ill.; Orlando, Fla.; and Chicago, where she also taught secondary physical education.  She ministered as an activity coordinator for health care facilities and as pastoral minister and ministry coordinator for Catholic parishes in Altamonte Springs and Goldenrod, Fla.  She also served as a parish minister in DeBary, Fla.; a diocesan annulment advocate in Lakeland, Fla.; and a hospital chaplain and parish pastoral care minister in St. Pete Beach, Fla.

She was born March 10, 1939, in DeKalb, Ill., to Edward and Helen (Miskin) Rohlik. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1961, from St. Mary Parish, DeKalb, Ill. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1964, and final vows on June 1, 1969.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother William (Mary) Sullivan; sisters Joan (Pasqual) Petitti, Elaine (Paul) Polishuk, and Helen Rohlik; and brother-in-law Robin Lillibridge. She is survived by a sister Mary Jean Lillibridge, Shreveport, La., nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 63 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Miller Funeral Home, 1185 Hwy 35 N, East Dubuque, Ill. 61025 is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Jeanine (Marion) McDermott, OSF, died Monday, September 2, 2024 at the age of 96.
 
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
 
Marion, daughter of the late Elizabeth (Nevins) and Daniel McDermott, was born October 21, 1927 in Epworth, IA. She was baptized at St. John’s Church, Placid, IA and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Church, Epworth. On August 25, 1946 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Jeanine on August 12, 1947. Sister Jeanine made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1952.
 
Brief Personal Information: Sister received her bachelor’s degree in business from Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA. She ministered in Iowa at Xavier Hospital and Alverno Apartments in Dubuque, Le Mars, and Briar Cliff College.
 
Sister is survived by her nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mabel (LaVern) Roths, Eleanor McDermott, Honora Schmitt, Vivian (Ernie) Zalaznik, Luella (Donald) Krapfl, and Kathryn McDermott; brothers, Daniel (Elizabeth) McDermott and Ray (Lillian) McDermott, .
 
Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sister Rosemunda Besch, BVM, 92, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Rosemunda was an elementary teacher and librarian in Sioux City, Iowa. She also taught in Boone, Iowa; Meire Grove, Minn.; Kansas City, Mo.; Omaha, Nebr.; Chicago and Los Angeles.

She was born on May 13, 1932, in Sioux City, Iowa, to John and Rose (Treiweiler) Besch. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1950, from St. Michael Parish, Sioux City, Iowa. She professed first vows on March 19, 1953, and final vows on July 16, 1958.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Anna Besch, Elizabeth (William) Rossmar, Marcella (Merwyn) Hamm, and Veronica (William) Little; brothers Matthew, Nicklaus, Lawrence (Hildegard), Leonard, Herman (Lois), Benedict (LaVerne) and Clarence (Alice) Besch. She is survived by nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 73 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Behr’s Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa is in charge of arrangements. 

Sister Patricia L. Fitzgerald, BVM, (Chrysostom), 90, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Visitation and the Rite of Committal for Natural Burial were celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Burial was in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.  Sharing of Memories will be Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs, followed immediately by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Sister Patricia ministered as an elementary teacher in Chicago; Kansas City, Mo.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Tujunga, Calif.  She was an artist and art teacher in Chicago, Maywood, and Oak Park, Ill., where she worked as an office manager and a massage therapist.

She was born Dec. 29, 1933, in South Bend, Ind., to Lawrence and Lorine (Rivard) Fitzgerald. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept 8, 1952, from St. Francis Xavier Parish, Phoenix. She professed first vows on March 19, 1955, and final vows on July 16, 1960.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Jeanne Marie Price, and a brother Kenneth Fitzgerald.  She is survived by a sister-in-law Margaret Fitzgerald, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 71 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

https://www.millerfhed.com/obituary/sister-marcelia-maglinte-bvm

Sister Suzanne Stopper, BVM, (Carmelita), 97, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Visitation of the cremated remains will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Suzanne ministered as a secondary teacher in Glendale, Santa Barbara, and Burbank, California, as an elementary teacher in Chicago; Kansas City, Mo.; and Phoenix; and as a school office volunteer in Glendale, Calif.

She was born on Feb. 13, 1927, in Detroit to George and Pearl (Bertin) Stopper. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1946, from Holy Family Parish, Glendale, Calif. She professed first vows on March 19, 1949, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1954.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers John “Jack” (Tomalu) Stopper, Brother Edward “Ed” Stopper, FSC, and William “Bill” Stopper; and sister Elizabeth “Betsy” Gower. She is survived by her sister, Sister Mary Jeanne Stopper, BVM, sister-in-law Letty Stopper, and brother-in-law Chuck Gower, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 77 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at
https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Homes, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52002 is in charge of arrangements.
 

Sister Mary Jeanette McCarthy, PBVM, formerly Sister Mary Donald, 85, died on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

On Monday, April 15, 2024, friends may call from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Mary Jeanette, daughter of Donald and Marion (Haan), was born Jeanette Ann McCarthy on August 9, 1938, in Titonka, Iowa.  She entered the Sisters of the Presentation on September 8, 1957, and professed her perpetual vows on August 22, 1965.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Clarke College (now Clarke University) in Dubuque, Iowa, a Master of Arts from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C, and an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Loras College in Dubuque for her 10 years of dedication and work with Hispanic immigrants at St. Patrick Parish.

Sister Jeanette’s ministries took her to Dubuque, Charles City, Farley, Mason City, Storm Lake, and Sioux City, all in Iowa, where she taught 6^th grade, high school accounting and business and was a junior class advisor and yearbook moderator. She served as pastoral minister and parish music coordinator in Port Arthur and Cameron, Texas, and as the director of Hispanic ministry for the Office of Hispanic Ministry at St. Patrick Church in Dubuque. She retired to Mount Loretto in 2011 and celebrated her 60^th Jubilee in 2017. Sister Jeanette was known for her energy and enthusiasm. She said, “I hold gratitude in my heart over the years in religious life. I am grateful for my family spirit, which I learned as a small child, for my years in teaching and, most especially, for the privilege to live in my Presentation community.” Sister Jeanette enjoyed photography, playing the guitar, sewing, traveling, Hispanic ministry and Spanish conversation, artwork, and genealogy. She valued prayer and community service.

Surviving are her sisters, Eileen Hovelson and Denise McCarthy, brothers, David and Al, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 66 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Cathy Heinen and Paula McCarthy, and her brothers, Leo, Eugene, Father John, William, Luke, Jerome, Father Patrick, Phillip, and Tim.

The Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org.
 

Sister Viviana Harman, BVM, 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Viviana was an elementary and/or music teacher in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Glendale, Calif.; San Francisco, and Los Angeles. She served as a researcher and consultant for the National Keyboard Arts Association.

She was born on Nov. 8, 1930, in Beverly Hills, Calif., to Gerald, Sr., and Vivian (Williams) Harman. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1954, from Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly Hills, Calif. She professed first vows on March 19, 1957, and final vows on July 16, 1962.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Charles Harman and Gerald Harman, Jr. She is survived by cousins, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 69 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Sister Eleanor Craggs, BVM, 101, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, March 31, 2024

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Eleanor ministered in California for 50 years. She was an elementary teacher in Pasadena and San José and a secondary teacher in Glendale and Santa Barbara. She served as vice-principal and school development director in Glendale and principal in San Fransisco. She also served the congregation as a postulant mistress in Los Gatos, Calif.

She was born on April 22, 1922, in Chicago to William and Eleanor (Bittner) Craggs. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1943, from St. Jerome Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on March 19, 1946, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1951.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 80 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Sister Mary Jeanine Kuhn, PBVM, 86, died on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

On Monday, March 25, friends may call from 3:30 – 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at Sacred Heart Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Mary Jeanine, daughter of Sylvester and Elizabeth (Sullivan), was born Margaret Lee Kuhn on July 1, 1937, in Osage, Iowa. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation from Osage, Iowa, on September 8, 1956, and professed her perpetual vows on August 22, 1964.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Clarke College (now Clarke University) in Dubuque, Iowa, and a Master of Arts from both Loras College in Dubuque and Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Sister Jeanine served as an elementary teacher and principal in Catholic schools in Dubuque (St. Columbkille) and Farley, both in Iowa, and in St. Paul, Minnesota; in congregational leadership as president and councilor; in congregational formation ministry; as a pastoral minister in Charles City, Iowa; as administrator, spiritual and retreat director at American Martyrs Retreat House, Cedar Falls, Iowa; and at St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, guiding students on their spiritual journey. She celebrated her 60 th Jubilee in 2016 and
retired to Mount Loretto in 2017. Sister Jeanine enjoyed playing the piano, singing, playing cards and Scrabble, softball, basketball, horseback riding, hiking, driving, working with flowers, and providing environment in church. She valued prayer and community service. Sister Jeanine reflected, “I am so grateful to all who supported me along the way with their love, joy and friendship. God gifted me with a call to follow in faith and has given me many blessings to serve in a variety of ministries.”

Surviving are her sisters, Kathryn Peterman and Betty (Ronald) Lovejoy, sisters-in-law, Kathye Kuhn and Cathy (Jim) Berry, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 67 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Phyllis and husband Lincoln Drake, Joan and husband Frank Guest and her brothers, Rev. Richard Kuhn, Robert (Kathye) and James (Cathy).

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made
to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at:
www.dbqpbvms.org .

Sister Michaela (Mary Ann) Galles, OSF, died Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the age of 88.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2024. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial of cremains will follow at the Sisters of St. Francis burial site.

Mary Ann, daughter of the late Iola (Johnson) and Roman Galles, was born April 14, 1935 in Kingsley, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael Church, Kingsley. On August 25, 1954 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Michaela on August 12, 1955. Sister Michaela made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1960.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her master’s degree in theology from Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, IN. She ministered as an educator in Illinois at St. Mary of the Woods, Chicago and in Iowa at Heelan High School and Briar Cliff College, Sioux City; Larchwood; Wahlert High School, Dubuque, Pocahontas; St. Martin, Cascade; Anthon; Cherokee; and Boone. Sister Michaela was also missioned on the Franciscan Charism Team at Mount St. Francis Center, Dubuque.

Sister is survived by her sisters, Beth Ortner and Jenni (Joe) Malsam; her brothers Joe (Madeline) Galles and Jim (Connie) Galles; a sister-in-law Lois Galles; a brother-in-law Jim Hager; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margaret Hager; brothers, John Galles and Gerry Galles; and brother-in-law Richard Ortner.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sister Norma Evans, BVM, (Adelaide), 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Norma was an elementary teacher at St. John the Baptist in Peosta, Iowa, and St. Mary in Waucoma, Iowa. She also taught in Kansas City, Mo.; Los Angeles; and Wichita, Kans., where she also ministered as learning center director, school librarian, and tutor. She served as a school secretary and bookkeeper in San Francisco.

She was born on Jan. 20, 1931, in Penalosa, Kans., to John and Lillian (Jones) Evans. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1948, from St. Patrick Parish, Kingman, Kans. She professed first vows on March 19, 1951, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1956.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Sister Mary Ann Evans, BVM, John (Jeannie) Evans, and Donna (Lewis) Noblit. She is survived by nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 75 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at
https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Homes, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002 is in charge of arrangements.

Sr. Clara Streng died on January 4, 2024 at the age of 90.

The Rite of Final Committal was held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. A Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 12 at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center. Livestream of both services can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans.

Sister Mary Karen Jasper, PBVM, 87, died on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at theSisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

On Thursday, November 30, friends may call from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

The Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org. Read more: www.dbqpbvms.org/news-events/obituaries/

Visitation of cremated remains will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Jeanne Mary ministered as an elementary teacher and education center volunteer in Iowa City, Iowa. She was an elementary teacher in Chicago; Berwyn, Ill.; Kauai, Hawaii; and Tujunga, Calif., where she also served as director of parish ministries.

Sister Mary Lois Lehmann, PBVM, 97, died on October 26, 2023, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

On Monday, October 30, friends may call from 3:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 7:00 p.m. The Celebration of Eternal Life will be held on October 31 at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

The Egelhof, Siegert &Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org.

Sister Mary McElmeel, BVM (Eugenne), 99, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

Rite of Committal for Natural Burial will be Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. preceded by quiet visitation from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Natural burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Sharing of Memories will be Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs, followed immediately by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Sister Mary Deborah Paige, PBVM, 93, died on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, friends may call from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

The Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org.

Sister Jane (Victor) Hosch, OSF, died Monday, September 4, 2023 at the age of 89.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 8, 2023. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Sister Kathleen Spurlin, BVM (Bernardone), 98, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chape at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Madonna (Edward Mary) Lang, OSF died Friday, August 25, 2023 at the age of 85. The Rite of Final Committal will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. A Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 7 at Mount St. Francis Center. Livestream of both services can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans .

Sr. Ella (Mildred) Groetken, OSF, died Saturday, July 15 at the age of 88.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Livestream of the
service can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans.

Natural Burial, Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA

Mildred, daughter of the late Gerhard Jr. and Olive (Neubrand) Groetken, was born September 7, 1934 in
LeMars, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph, LeMars. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in
Dubuque from St. Joseph on August 25, 1952. Mildred was received with the name Sister Mary Ella on
August 12, 1953 and made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1958.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her BA in elementary education from Briar Cliff College, Sioux
City, IA. As a teacher in Iowa she ministered at Manchester, Alton, Pocahontas, Guttenberg, and St. Mary,
Dubuque and in Illinois at Melrose Park and Midlothian. Sister also ministered in Sioux City, IA as a
receptionist and senior companion.

Sister is survived by her sister, Joyce Fields; her brothers James (Phyllis) Groetken, Kenneth (Deborah)
Groetken, Gerald Groetken, and Lawrence “Larry” (Carmen) Groetken; her sister-in-law Judy Groetken;
nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Richard (Mary) Groetken, Cletus (Carol)
Groetken, and Ronald Groetken; and her sister-in-law JoAnn Groetken.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA.

Sister Mary Bernadine Curoe, SVM, 92, died on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, Iowa

Friends may call at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, on Wednesday, July 26, from 2– 8 p.m. and on Thursday, July 27, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., with the funeral service following at 10:30 a.m.

Sister Mary Bernadine, daughter of Harold and Naomi (Dahlem), was born on November 20, 1930, in Cascade, Iowa. She entered the Sisters of the Visitation on August 15, 1948, and professed her perpetual vows on June 15, 1953.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Clarke University and a Master of Arts from Loras College. Sister Bernadine was a teacher at Nativity Elementary School, Academy of the Visitation Elementary School, Wahlert High School and Loras College. She served as director of the counseling center at Loras College and moderator of the Academy of the Visitation Alumnae Association. Sister Bernadine was a past president of the Visitation community. Sister Bernadine had a special gift for greeting people and making them feel welcome. She valued prayer and community service.

Surviving are her sister, Edna Green, her brother Bill (Sheila), her sister-in-law, Monica Curoe, many nieces and nephews and the Sisters of the Visitation, Sisters Patricia Clark, SVM, and Sister Paula Maloy, SVM, with whom she shared her life for 75 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Tom and Jim, and her brother-in-law, Mike Green.

The Behr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Sisters of the Visitation Retirement Fund and to the Sister Bernadine Curoe Scholarship Fund at Loras College.

Sister Mary Alma Sullivan, BVM (Robert Emmett), 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, June 25, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center. Rite of Committal for Natural Burial was Tuesday, June 27, 2023, with burial in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Sharing of Memories will be Friday, July 7, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs, followed immediately by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sister Mary Alma was a cinema studies and communications instructor at Mundelein College and Loyola University in Chicago.  She was a secondary teacher in Iowa City, Iowa; Chicago; Saint Paul, Minn.; and Tujunga, Calif.; and an elementary teacher in Rock Island, Ill.; Chicago and Seattle. Read Sister Mary Alma's full obituary at: https://www.leonardfuneralhome.com/obituary/SisterMaryAlma-SullivanBVM or https://www.bvmsisters.org/whats-new/obituaries/ 

Sister Beverly (Owen) Eichler, OSF, died Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at the age of 90.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2023. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial of cremains will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Beverly, daughter of the late Emmett and Mary (Bollard) Eichler, was born July 7, 1932 in Pocahontas, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Columbkille, Varina, IA. On August 25, 1951 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Mary Owen on August 12, 1952. Sister Bev made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1957.

Brief Personal Information: Sister received her masters degree from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA. She ministered as a teacher in Iowa at Alton, St. Mary and St. Edward, Waterloo, and Oyens. Other missions included Eugene, OR, St. Mary of the Woods, Chicago, IL, and St. Patrick and St. Gabriel in Charlotte, NC. Sister Bev also ministered at Mount St. Francis Center in Dubuque as a sacristan before retiring in 2007. Sister is survived by her nephews and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Lucy Lunsford.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sister Mildred (Eloise) Nachtman, OSF, died Monday, June 5, 2023 at the age of 89.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans To read her full obituary, visit: https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-mildred-nachtman-osf/

Sister Therese Maher, OP, died May 27, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Manor, Footville, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Michaelita. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, June 2, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery. Sister Therese made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1953, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1956. She served students, often simultaneously, as teacher for 29 years and counselor for 26 years.  In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Therese served in mail and transportation at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, 1984-1985. To read her entire obituary, visit: https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2023.html

Sister Alda (Florence) Thilges, OSF, died Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the age of 103.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at:
www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Florence, daughter of the late Henry and Anna (Reding) Thilges, was born May 15, 1920 in St. Joseph, IA.
She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph. She entered the Sisters of St.
Francis in Dubuque on September 8, 1939 and was received with the name Sister Mary Alda on August
12, 1940. Sister made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1945.

Brief Personal Information: Sister attended Loras College, Dubuque, IA. As a homemaker in Iowa she
ministered at Bancroft, Ionia, and Dubuque. Missions in Illinois included Mary of the Woods, Chicago and
St. Christopher, Midlothian.

Sister is survived by her nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Alida (Walter) Bradley; and brothers Harold
(Katie) Thilges, Henry (Doris) Thilges, and Alvin Thilges.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis - 3390 Windsor Ave. - Dubuque, IA 52001

Sister Mary Catherine Perkins, OP, died April 16, 2023, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Mary Cronan. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, April 28, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Mary Catherine taught at Wahlert High School, Dubuque, 1959-1966. To read her full obituary, visit: https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2023.html

Sister Joanna Rettenmeier, BVM, 89, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Visitation of cremated remains will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. To read Sister Joanna's full obituary, visit: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-joanna-rettenmeier-bvm/

Sister Marian (Joanna) Klostermann, OSF died on Sunday, April 3, 2023 at the age of 90. The Rite of Final Committal was held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. A Memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 17 at Mount St. Francis Center. Livestream of both services can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Her full obituary is available here: https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-marian-klostermann-osf/

Sister Shirley (Luetta) Kamentz, OSF, died Sunday, March 5, 2023 at the age of 86. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2023.  To view the livestream of the Mass, visit: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Sister Shirley's full obituary is available here: https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-shirley-kamentz-osf/

Sister James Marie Gross, PBVM, 97, died on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.
On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, friends may call from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Visitors are asked to wear a mask if they have any symptoms or to refrain from coming. To read Sister James Marie's full obituary, visit: https://dbqpbvms.org/news-events/obituaries/

Sister Joan M. (John Annette) Opatts, BVM, 87, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2022.
Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. To read Sister Joan's full obituary, visit: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-joan-john-annette-opatts-bvm/

Sister Dolores Becker, BVM, 83, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.
Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. To read Sr. Dolores full obituary, visit: 
https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-dolores-becker-bvm/

Sister Marie Therese (Mary Margaret) Kalb, OSF, died Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the age of 88.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Francis House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Read Sister Marie Therese's full obituary: https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-marie-therese-kalb-osf/
 

Sister Constance “Connie” Lennartz, OP, died Oct. 3, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Manor, Footville, Wis. Natural burial took place in the Motherhouse Cemetery. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Oct. 14. Read Sister Constance's full obituary at: https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2022.html

Sister Genevieve M. Freund, BVM, (Leonine), 88, of Mount Carmel Bluffs – Gables, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
Visitation was from 9-9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Read Sister Genevieve's full obituary, visit:  https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-genevieve-m-leonine-freund-bvm/
 

 Sister Virginia Beattie, formerly known as Sister John Louise Beattie, died on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 90 years of age and in the 71st year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. 

Due to COVID-19 mitigation protocols, the Dominican Life Center is closed to all guests or visitors until further notice. All are welcome to participate in Sister’s services via live stream.  The Vigil Prayer was held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2022, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 29, 2022. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. Read Sister Virginia's full obituary at: https://adriandominicans.org/Meet-Dominicans/In-Memoriam 

Sister Aimee Marie (Amy Margaret) Spahn, OSF, died Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the age of 102.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Sister Aimee's obituary can be read in full here: https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Rebecca (Adele) Rosemeyer, OSF died on September 6, 2022 at the age 100. The Rite of Final Committal will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2022 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. A Memorial Mass will be held at the Clare House Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022. Visitors will be required to wear masks. Livestream of the services can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Read Sister Rebecca's full obituary: 
https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-rebecca-rosemeyer-osf/
 

Sister Mary Benjamin Duschner, PBVM, 81, died Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

Friends may call from 3:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 7:00 p.m. The Celebration of Eternal Life will be held on August 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. To read Sister Mary's obituary, visit https://dbqpbvms.org/news-events/obituaries/

Sister Jean Margaret Black, BVM, 98 of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, July 27, 2022.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the Sharing of Memories at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. All services may be viewed through live videostream beginning at 9:15 a.m. at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Jean's obituary, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-jean-margaret-black-bvm/

Sister Mary Josita Zieser, PBVM, 87, died on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.
On Tuesday, July 19, 2022, friends may call from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination or wear a mask. For more on Sister Mary Josita, visit https://dbqpbvms.org/in-memory-of-sister-josita-zieser/

Sister Verna (Clarence) Gaul, OSF, died Monday, July 4, 2022 at the age of 98. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/user/dubuquefranciscans  Read Sister Verna's full obituary: https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Margaret “Peggy” Devereux, BVM (Williamette), 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 7, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. (Mask are required.) Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the Sharing of Memories at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. All services may be viewed through live videostream beginning at 9:15 a.m. at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Peggy's obituary, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-margaret-peggy-williamette-devereux-bvm/

Sister Geraldine Moorman, BVM (St. Geraldine), 99, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, June 24, 2022.
Funeral services will be Friday, July 1, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. (Mask are required.) Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the Sharing of Memories at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. All services may be viewed through live videostream beginning at 9:15 a.m. at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/ Read more about Sister Geraldine here: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-geraldine-st-geraldine-moorman-bvm/ 

Sister Vivian C. Wilson, BVM (Lauren), 94, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
A Memorial Gathering will be Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. (Mask are required.) The Sharing of Memories is at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sister Vivian donated her body to science. Burial will be at a later date. The services may be viewed through live videostream beginning at 9:15 a.m. at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Vivian's full obituary, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-vivian-c-lauren-wilson-bvm/ 

Sister Catherine (Michael Ann) Dominick, BVM, 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, June 11, 2022, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. Funeral services were Thursday, June 16, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Visitation was at 9 a.m., followed by the Sharing of Memories at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial began at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. To read more about the life of Sister Catherine Dominick, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-catherine-michael-ann-dominick-bvm/

Sister Veronica (Herman) Schafers, OSF, died Monday, May 30, 2022 at the age of 100. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 2, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. To read Sister Veronica's full obituary, visit: https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Otilie Sana, BVM, 86, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the Sharing of Memories at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. All services may be viewed through live videostream beginning at 9:15 a.m. at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Otilie's full obituary, visit: https://www.bvmsisters.org/20228-2/

Sister Virginia “Ginny” Crilly, BVM, 82, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Private funeral services will be Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Visitation will be 9 – 9:45 a.m. followed by the Sharing of Memories at 9:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Virginia's full obituary, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-virgina-crilly-bvm/

Sister Monica (Chabanel) McMahon, OSF, died Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the age of 84. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Read Sister Monica's full obituary at https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-monica-mcmahon-osf/
 

Sister Kathleen Franklin, BVM, (Joselle), 89, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Thursday, March 17, 2022. Private funeral services will be Thursday, March 24, 2022. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by a virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. Services may be viewed at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Kathleen's full obituary, visit: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-kathleen-joselle-franklin-bvm/ 

Sister Donalda (Rosemary) Kehoe died February 5, 2022 at the age of 95. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2022. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, guests may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial of cremains will take place at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Read Sister Donalda's obituary: https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2022. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, guests may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Read Sister Rachel's full obituary: https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Jean Marie Brady, BVM, 88, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1170 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. Private funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation of cremated remains. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. All services may be viewed through livestream at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/ Read Sister Jean Marie's obituary at: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-jean-marie-brady-bvm/

Sr. Jolene (Louise) Wingert died Monday, January 31, 2022 at the age of 96. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, guests may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Read Sister Jolene's full obituary: https://www.osfdbq.org/jolene-wingert-osf/

Sister Joan Redden, BVM (James Irene), 92, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022.
Private funeral services will be Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Joan's obituary, visit: https://www.bvmsisters.org/joan-james-irene-redden/

Sister Jacquelyn Rice, BVM (Vianney), 88, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. Private funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation of cremated remains. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Jacquelyn's full obituary, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-jacquelyn-vianney-rice-bvm/

Sister Bona Joan (Johanna) Hebig, OSF, died Friday, December 17 at the age of 96. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 2021. For more information about Sister Bona Joan (Johanna) Hebig, visit: https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Marilyn Skluzacek, OP, died Dec. 10, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Valerio. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Dec. 18, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Marilyn taught at St. Joseph the Worker, Dubuque, 1972-1975. For more information on Sister Marilyn's life and ministry, visit: https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2021.html 

Sister Corinne (Lorraine) Kutsch died on December 8, 2021 at the age 98. The Rite of Final Committal was held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021. A Memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 20, 2021 at Mount St. Francis Center. Natural Burial occured at the Sisters of St. Francis Motherhouse, 3390 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA. For more on Sister Corinne's life and ministry, visit: https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-corrine-kutsch-osf/

Sister Regina Callahan, OP, died Dec. 5, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Dec. 14, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Regina taught at St. Joseph the Worker, Dubuque, 1969-1970. For more information on Sister Regina, visit https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2021.html

Sister Colane (Martinella) Recker, OSF, died Friday, November 19, 2021 at the age of 81.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 pm Monday, December 6, 2021. Livestream of the service can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial of cremains will be at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Sister Colane, daughter of the late Edward and Gertrude (Hansen) Recker, was born May 19, 1940 in Alton, IA.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary, Alton.  She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque from St. Mary on September 3, 1958.  She was received with the name Sister Mary Martinella on August 10, 1959 and made her final profession of vows August 12, 1966. For more on her life and ministry, visit: https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-colane-recker-osf/

Sister Concetta Naba, BVM, 100, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021.
Private funeral services will be Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To view her entire obituary, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-concetta-naba-bvm/

Sister Catherina Walsh, BVM, 90, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1170 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at MercyOne Medical Center. Private funeral services will be Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Catherina's full obituary, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-catherina-walsh-bvm/

Sister Patricia “Pat” Cherry, OP, died Sept. 28, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Edwina. Natural burial took place Sept. 30 in the Motherhouse Cemetery, Sinsinawa. The funeral Mass was held at the motherhouse Oct. 9. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Pat ministered at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, as a nurse aide, 1976-1981 and 1982-1984, and as a registered nurse, 1989. To read Sister Pat's full obituary, visit https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2021.html

Sister Ellen Mary Garrett, PBVM, (formerly Sister Mary Luke), 77, died on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Sisters of the Presentation Motherhouse (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road. On Wednesday, September 29, friends may call from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Masks are required. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. For more information on Sister Ellen Mary or to view her full obituary, visit: https://dbqpbvms.org/in-memory-of-sister-ellen-mary-garrett/

Sister Elizabeth (Martin) Brady, OSF, died Sunday, September 12, 2021 at the age of 98. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 pm Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Masks will be required. Livestream of the service can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans For more on Sister Elizabeth, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Kathleen McGrath, BVM, (Johnine), 84, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021.
Private funeral services will be Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. For more information on Sister Kathleen, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-kathleen-johnine-mcgrath-bvm/

Sister Agnes Marie Lynch, PBVM, 88, died on August 24, 2021, at Sisters of the Presentation Motherhouse (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, Iowa. There will be a welcome and vigil service on Friday, August 27, at 9:30 a.m., in Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, and a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. For more information on Sister Agnes Marie, visit https://dbqpbvms.org/in-memory-of-sister-agnesmarie-lynch/

Sister Monica M. Lowry, BVM (St. Reginald), 99, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, August 20, 2021. Private funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through livestream at 
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/

Sister Mary Joan Lickteig, PBVM, 92, died on August 18, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque, Iowa. On Saturday, August 28, friends may call from 12:30 – 1 p.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, where there will be a sharing of memories at 1 p.m. and funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. The Hoffman-Schneider & Kitchen Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements and will be livestreaming the funeral Mass on their Facebook page. For more on Sister Mary Joan Lickteig, visit https://dbqpbvms.org/in-memory-of-sister-joan-lickteig/

Sister Maureen (Barbara Ann) Smith, OSF, died Sunday, August 15, 2021 at the age of 85. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Francis House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Masks will be required. Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA. For more on Sister Maureen's ministry, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Margaret M. Kasper, BVM (Martha Ann), 91, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. For more information on Sr. Margaret's ministry, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-margaret-m-kasper-bvm/
Private funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through livestream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.      . For more information on Sr. Margaret's ministry, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-margaret-m-kasper-bvm/

Sister Dolores (Eugene) McAllister, OSF, died Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the age of 96. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Francis House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2021. For more on the life of Sister Dolores, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/. Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA

Sister Nicholas “Nic” Catrambone, BVM, 85, died Monday, July 12, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.

Private funeral services will be Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by virtual visitation. The Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

In-person attendance is not permitted due to COVID-19 restrictions, but services will be livestreamed at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. For more in formation on Sister Nicholas, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-nicholas-catrambone-bvm/

Sister Mary Angela Buser, BVM, 94, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1170 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 6, 2021
Private funeral services will be Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sister Mary Angela donated her body to science, so burial will be at a later date. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.
 

Sister JoAnn (Vernon) Lohrman, OSF, died Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the age of 90. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 9, 2021. For more on Sister JoAnn, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Cora Keegan, BVM, 85, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.

Private funeral services will be Friday, July 2, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.

Sister Norma Jean (Nathan) Holthaus, OSF, died Thursday, June 24, 2021 at the age of 87. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Francis House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2021. For more information on Sister Norma Jean, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/news/obituaries/

Sister Priscilla (Patricia) Stork, OSF, died Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at the age of 94. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 25, 2021. For more information on Sister Priscilla, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-priscilla-stork-osf/ 

Sister Therese Mackin, BVM (Jeremy), 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Private funeral services will be Monday, June 21, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. The Mass of Christian Buril begins at 10:30 a.m. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Services are private, but may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. For more information on Sister Therese, visit: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-therese-jeremy-mackin-bvm/
 

Sister Germaine Scholl, OP, died June 15, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, June 21, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.  In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Germaine served at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, helping make Mass breads, 1963-1964, and in the culinary arts, 1970-1972. For more about Sister Germaine visit https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2021.html

SINSINAWA, Wis.—Sister Guadalupe Soria, OP, died June 14, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, June 19, with the burial June 21 in the Motherhouse Cemetery. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Guadalupe served at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, as nurse aide 1956-1961 and 1971-1973, and as support staff, 1990-1991. For more on Sister Guadalupe, visit https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2021.html

Sister Loretta McIlvenna, OP, died June 4, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Marie Simeon. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, June 9, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Loretta taught at St. Joseph the Worker, Dubuque, 1953-1956. For more information on Sister Loretta visit https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2021.html

Sister Mary Lou Anglin, BVM, 61, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, May 29, 2021.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 3, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. (Mask are required.) Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the Sharing of Memories at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial of cremated remains will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. All services may be viewed through live videostream beginning at 9:15 a.m. at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/. To read Sister Mary Lou's full obituary, visit: https://www.bvmsisters.org/mary-lou-anglin-bvm/

Sister Angela Donovan, OP, died May 23, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Natural burial took place May 25 in the Motherhouse Cemetery. The funeral Mass will be held at the motherhouse, Sinsinawa, June 2. Sister Angela made her first religious profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1950, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1953. She taught for 29 years and served as principal for six years and tutor for one year. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Angela taught at St. Joseph the Worker, Dubuque, 1967-1968. Sister Angela ministered as chaplain for eight years, in mission effectiveness for 11 years and as convent prioress for six years. She served in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana and Arizona. Sister Angela's wake and funeral Mass will be livestreamed: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/sinsinawa/ 

Sister Marie C. (Jane Frances) Fitzpatrick, BVM died Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 95.

Virtual funeral services will be Monday, May 10, 2021. All events may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.

Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by visitation.  Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. To view Sister Marie's entire obituary, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-marie-c-jane-frances-fitzpatrick-bvm/

Sister Joanne (Lisbeth) Simonini, BVM died Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.

Virtual funeral services were on Monday, May 3, 2021. Sharing of Memories began at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m.

Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

All events may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/

More information about Sister Joanne is at: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-joanne-lisbeth-simonini-bvm/

Sister Helen Marie Macatee, BVM died Monday, April 19, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 93.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m.

All events may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.

Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Sister Helen's obituary is available on her congregation's website: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-helen-marie-macatee-bvm/

Sister Mary Margretta (Dolores) Trumm, OSF, died Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the age of 104.
A private Celebration of Life and Rite of Final Commendation was held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2021. For more information, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-mary-margretta-trumm/

Sister Mary Michelle Gallagher, PBVM, 90, died on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at Sisters of the Presentation Motherhouse (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road. Private visitation and funeral services will be held on February 13, 2021, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.
For more information, visit https://dbqpbvms.org/in-memory-of-sister-michelle-gallagher/

Sister Elizabeth “Liz” Barribeau, OP, died Feb. 3, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Valerian. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Feb. 9, followed by burial of the cremains in the Motherhouse Cemetery. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Elizabeth taught at St. Joseph the Worker, Dubuque, 1960-1962. For more information, visit https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2020.html

Sister Francesca “Fran” Koller, OP, died Jan. 19, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Jan. 28, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Sister Fran served as assistant prioress at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque, 1981-1985. For more information, visit https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2020.html

Sister Mary Judine Bruch, BVM  died Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, at Caritas Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by Virtual Visitation at 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:45 a.m.All events may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/

Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. For more information, visit: https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-mary-judine-bruch-bvm/

Sister Josephine (Philip) Schmitz, OSF, died Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the age of 98.
A private Celebration of Life and Rite of Final Commendation will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2021. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. For more information, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-josephine-schmitz-osf/

Sister Mary Rosanne Rottinghaus, PBVM, 87, died on Friday, January 15, 2021, at Sisters of the Presentation Motherhouse (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.
Private visitation and funeral services will be held on January 19, 2021, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. For more information, visit https://dbqpbvms.org/in-memory-of-sister-rosanne-rottinghaus/

Sister Marcelline (Alfrieda) Arndorfer, OSF, died Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at the age of 102. A private Celebration of Life and Rite of Final Commendation will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2021. For more information, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-marcelline-arndorfer-osf/

Sister Catherine Jean Hayen, BVM, 78, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at Caritas Center.
Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:45 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. For more information, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-catherine-jean-hayen-bvm/

Sister Catriona M. K. MacLeod, OP, died Dec. 19, 2020, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Teresa Avila. Natural burial took place Dec. 22 in the Motherhouse Cemetery. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Jan. 6, 2021. For more information, visit https://www.sinsinawa.org/news-events/obituaries2020.html

Sister Mary Donahey, BVM, (Thomas Daniel), 82, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, at Marian Hall.
Natural burial Rite of Committal was Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020. Burial was in the Mount Carmel cemetery. Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, from 9:30-10:15 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:45 a.m. Fore more information, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-mary-thomas-daniel-donahey-bvm/
 

Sister Paulina Sullivan, BVM, 95, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, at Marian Hall.
Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020.  A virtual visitation will be held from 10:30 – 10:40 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:45 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. For more information, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-paulina-sullivan-bvm/

Sister Virginia McCaffrey, BVM (Justinian), 95, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa. Natural burial Rite of Committal was Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.  Burial was in the Mount Carmel cemetery.  Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, from 9:30-10:15 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:45 a.m. For more information, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-virginia-justinian-mccaffrey-bvm/

Sister Anita Montavon, BVM, (Felicity), 82, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. A virtual visitation will be held from 10:30 – 10:45 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. For more information, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-anita-felicity-montavon-bvm/

Sister Edith (Marvin) Halbach, OSF, died Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the age of 90. A private Celebration of Life and Rite of Final Commendation will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2020. For more information, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-edith-halbach-osf/

Sister Noreen (Celestine) Pearce, OSF, died Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the age of 97. The Rite of Final Commendation and Celebration of Life will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. For more information, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-noreen-pearce-osf/

Sister Veronica (Cheryl) Bagenstos, OSF, died Monday, November 23, 2020 at the age of 72.

A private Rite of Final Commendation was held at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at the OSF Natural Burial Site. A private Celebration of Life will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020.

Natural Burial, Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA. For more information, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-veronica-bagenstos-osf/

Sister Theresa McNerney, BVM, (Grace Michele), 88, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at Caritas Center.
Sharing of Memories via Zoom was from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020.  A virtual visitation was held from 10:30 – 10:45 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. For more information, visit https://www.bvmsisters.org/sister-theresa-grace-michele-mcnerney-bvm/

Sister Martha Ann Luedtke, OSF, died Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the age of 79.
The Celebration of Life and Rite of Final Commendation was held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020. For more information, visit https://www.osfdbq.org/sister-martha-luedtke-osf/