MILWAUKEE — School Sister of St. Francis Ramona Krapf died May 23, 2008.
Sister Ramona was born in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Adam and Rosalia (Essman) Krapf. She was received into her religious community on June 13, 1935. She attributed her desire to enter the consecrated life to the holiness and love experienced among the nuns at St. Philomena School.
She ministered first as a teacher and musician, training choirs and playing the organ in her many assignments. Sister Ramona taught in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and most recently in New Mexico, where she worked as a catechist.
Her gentle, courageous, and genuine spirit was reflected in her final days and ongoing struggle with kidney dialysis treatment.
Memorials may be made to the School Sisters of St. Francis, 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215-1924 or through www.sssf.org
The following is a reflection by Sister Ritaclare Johnson on Sister Krapf’s life:
Gentle, Courageous and genuine — these words epitomize the spirit and presence of Sister Ramona Krapf who was welcomed into the arms of her loving God on May 23, 2008
Sister Ramona was born in Chicago, Ill., July 10, 1917 to Adam Krapf and Rosalia (Essman) Krapf. At birth she was given the name Bernice and was the only girl in the family of three brothers. Her courage began at a young age when her mother died and she was raised by her grandmother. Sister met the School Sisters of St. Francis at St. Philomena School where she attended grade school and later took a two year commercial course. “The love that I saw in Sister Camillus, my second grade teacher impelled me to enter the religious life.” Her reception was June 13, 1935 and given the name Sister Ramona.
Her first assignment and her first work was teaching and music. Sister trained choirs and played the organ. Sister taught in Wisconsin., Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and New Mexico. Part of her work in Albuquerque was as Catechist. Wherever Sister Ramona was she was well loved.
When reflecting on Sister Ramona’s days here, I see a person who was deeply holy and long suffering, especially during her journey with dialysis. The journey was very difficult for her but she made a ministry of it persevering three times a week. With her courage she ministered to the nurses, staff and Sisters here. At dialysis she connected with the staff and other dialysis patients with loving concern for them. She once mentioned if she would ever have to make the decision to stop how she would handle it. But the Lord in his love and mercy called Sister to her eternal home and now she is free and at peace.
Sister Ramona, we thank you for your great witness to us in your gentle, courageous, and genuine spirit.