Sister Elizabeth Ann Thiel, CSA

Sister Elizabeth Ann Thiel, CSA, baptized Margaret, died peacefully at St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on June 19, 2021.

Margaret was born in Hilbert, Wisconsin, on March 27, 1926, the daughter of Michael Thiel and Elizabeth Bauer.  She grew up on the family farm near St. John, Wisconsin, with her three sisters and three brothers. Margaret entered St. Agnes Convent in 1948 receiving the religious name, Sister Elizabeth Ann. She professed her vows in the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes on August 15, 1952, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Sister Elizabeth Ann received her B.S. in Education from Marian College of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1962, having taught in several Catholic elementary schools while earning her degree. In 1974, Sister received her M.S. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She also earned a certificate in theology and religious education from St. Norbert’s College, De Pere, Wisconsin.

Throughout her life in active ministry, Sister Elizabeth Ann served as a teacher, principal, and director of religious education programs for children and adults. She taught at St. Peter Claver School, Sheboygan, Wisconsin; St. Joseph Orphanage, Baraga, Michigan; Our Lady Queen of Angels, East Harlem, New York; St. Mary’s School, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She was both a teacher and principal at St. Joe’s School near Johnsburg, Wisconsin, and at St. Joseph’s School in Berlin, Wisconsin.  From 1980 – 1997, Sister was the Religious Education Coordinator for St. Peter’s Parish in Springerville, Arizona.  In 1997, she moved to the Clifton Apartments in Sherwood, Wisconsin, where she volunteered her services as a caretaker for other elderly residents. During this time, she also volunteered at St. John’s Parish in Hilbert, Wisconsin, and Sacred Heart Parish in Sherwood, Wisconsin.

In January 2015, Sister Elizabeth Ann moved to Fond du Lac and joined the sister residents living at Nazareth Court and Center until frail health necessitated her move to St. Francis Home.

Sister Elizabeth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Elizabeth Bauer Thiel; her sisters, Dorothy (Leander) Schmidt and Laurina (Roland) Breit; her brothers, Norbert (Evelyn) Thiel and Clarence (Clara) Thiel.

She is survived by her sister, Mardella (Larry) Wienseckel, her brother, Art (Jane) Thiel, several nieces and nephews, many dear friends, and by the Sisters of St. Agnes, with whom she lived, prayed, and ministered.

Visitation will be held at Nazareth Court and Center, 375 Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and from 12:00-1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 28, 2021.  Please check-in for the Visitation at the 375 Gillett Street entrance only.

In view of health precautions currently in place, a Prayer Service and Mass will be held privately June 28 with limited attendance. Father Ken Smits, Capuchin, will preside at the Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Francis Home, 33 Everett Street. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Springs Cemetery, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Memorials may be directed to the CSA Mission Advancement Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.

The Sisters of St. Agnes are grateful to the nurses and staff of Nazareth Court and Center and St. Francis Home who cared for Sister Elizabeth Ann in her final years.

Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes.