Six Dubuque Franciscans observe double diamond jubilees

DUBUQUE — The Dubuque Franciscan Sisters recently honored their diamond and double diamond jubilarians at a celebration at Mount St. Francis Center. Thirteen sisters celebrated diamond jubilees (60 years) and six sisters celebrated ­double diamond jubilees (70 years) at a eucharistic liturgy on Sunday, June 25.

Diamond jubilarians honored were Sisters Margaret Coleman, Julitta Deppe, Ann Marie Dunn, Margaret Hansen, Janet Haverkamp, Mary Ann Helle, Carol Hoverman, Madonna Lang, Phyllis Manternach, Monica McMahon, Doris Recker, Rosemary Vaske and Myra Weitl. Double diamond jubilarians honored were Sisters Thecla Cain, Edna Ginder, Mary Assumpta Glaser, Jeanine McDermott, Alice Schaefer and Consilia Schoenherr.

Sr. Thecla Cain

Sister Thecla Cain was born on a farm near Remsen, Iowa. After graduation from St. Mary High School in Larchwood, Iowa, under her baptismal name Dorothy Cain, she entered the Dubuque Franciscans in the fall of 1946. Sister served as a teacher in Dubuque and in Portland, Oregon. She was principal at St. Mary’s, Manchester, Iowa; director of the Franciscan House of Affirmation in St. Cloud, Minnesota; and worked in the education offices of the Dioceses of Dubuque and Omaha, Nebraska.   For several years she served as superintendent of Catholic schools and as chancellor in the Diocese of Austin, Texas. Sister is retired at Mount St. Francis Center. “Frequently during my retirement days, I marvel that God led me to this wonderful religious community and assisted me in a life of ministry that I enjoyed from beginning to end,” said Sister Thecla.

Sr. Edna Ginder

Sister Edna Ginder is the second youngest child of seven of Peter and Rose Ginder, born on a farm near Meyer, Iowa. She entered Mount St. Francis on Aug. 25, 1946, and professed on Aug. 10, 1949. She taught primary grades at schools in Dubuque, Waterloo, Jesup, Stacyville, ­Petersburg and Cascade all in Iowa; Chicago; and Portland, Oregon. She received a bachelor’s degree from Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, Iowa, and a master’s degree as a reading specialist from Clarke University in Dubuque. After retiring from 41 years of teaching, she tutored at NICC downtown and worked as an office aide and secretary at Scenic Valley Area VIII Agency. She now volunteers at the Dubuque Food Pantry. She enjoys water aerobics, reading, doing embroidery and playing cards and has lots of time for prayer. “Jubilee is a time of rejoicing with gratitude for all God’s blessings,” she said.

Sr. Mary Assumpta Glaser

Sister Mary Assumpta Glaser, daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Rosmaryn Glaser, was born May 8, 1928, in Chicago. Several years later the family moved to Tinley Park, Illinois. She attended elementary school at St. Christopher’s in Midlothian, Illinois. Following graduation Sister attended Immaculate Conception Academy, Dubuque, while working at St. Francis Home. Entering the Franciscan congregation in August 1946, sister was received Aug. 12, 1947, and professed her final vows Aug. 10, 1949. She received her academic degrees from Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, Iowa, and Loras College, Dubuque. Sister ministered as an elementary teacher and principal in Iowa, California and Illinois. Returning to Dubuque in July 1994, she coordinated the sewing department at Mount St. Francis while delving into personal study of Franciscan history and spirituality. Presently Sister enjoys sharing the message of God’s great love with sisters, family and friends.

Sr. Jeanine McDermott

Sister Jeanine McDermott was the second youngest of 10 children born to Daniel and Elizabeth McDermott in 1927 in Epworth, Iowa. She graduated from Epworth Public School in May of 1945 and in August of 1946 entered Mount St. Francis and made final vows in 1952. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, Iowa, in 1970. Sister’s first mission in 1949 was Xavier Hospital in Dubuque where she spent 14 years in business admissions offices. In 1965, sister was sent to work in the business office of Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, where she spent 31 years as a bookkeeper. In 1993, she returned to Dubuque to serve the residents of Alverno Apartments as a housekeeper where she spent 14 years. In 2010, she retired to Mount St. Francis. Sister has said that every mission to which she was sent were very happy years. She thanks God for all of his blessings.

Sr. Alice Schaefer

Sister Alice Schaefer was born on Aug. 22, 1927, to Matt J. and Isabelle (Blake) on the family’s farm in Meyer, Iowa. She was baptized at Sacred Heart Church in Meyer on Aug. 23, 1967, receiving the name Mary Alice. She attended Sacred Heart School, Meyer, and Adams (Minnesota) Public High School. She entered the congregation on Aug. 25, 1946, and was received into the community on Aug. 12, 1947, and given the name Sister Mary Sebastian. She celebrated final vows on Aug. 10, 1952. She happily served as an elementary teacher in Iowa at Granville and Worthington; and Melrose Park, Illinois; and as principal in Iowa at Monticello, Dubuque and Cascade. She also ministered at the Dwelling Place Retreat Center, Brooksville, Mississippi, and at Mount St. Francis. “My 70 years of religious life have been filled with countless blessings and joyful thanksgiving,” said Sister Alice.

Sr. Consilia Schoenherr

Beatrice Schoenherr was born in Mapleton, Iowa, on July 24, 1920, to Mike and Elizabeth Zeimen Schoenherr. She went to grade school at St. Mary’s, Mapleton, and the Mapleton Consolidated High School. She attended Western Union College in LeMars, Iowa, receiving a teacher certificate in 1938. She taught for six years before entering the community in 1946. She was given the name Sister Consilia at her reception in 1947. She professed final vows in 1952. Sister taught at schools in Iowa in Hospers, Odebolt, Norway, Bode, Hazel Crest, Jesup, Sioux City; and in Midlothian, Illinois. Sister is retired and lives at Clare House at the Mount St. Francis Center.