Sister Laura Kropilnicki, 87, Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross, died April 3, 2013, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, WI, under the care of the staff at Bell Tower Residence and Interim Hospice.
Sister Laura was born January 28, 1926, in Belfield, North Dakota, daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Koladychuk) Kropilnicki and given the name Veronica. She entered the Holy Cross Convent in Merrill on November 29, 1940, and celebrated her First Profession on June 22, 1946. She was in her 66th year of ministry as a Holy Cross Sister.
Sister Laura, also known as Sister Felicitas, received her education at Belfield High School and Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School. She received degrees in education from Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI, and Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH.
Sister spent the majority of her ministry as an elementary teacher. Her assignments took her to Haymarsh, N.D.; Fenton, Missouri; Deer Park, OH; Vacherie, LA; Antigo, Rhinelander, Merrill, Medford and Mondovi, WI. She retired in 1996, making her home in the sisters housing on the Holy Cross Campus and recently at Bell Tower Residence.
Sister Laura is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and Associates; sister-in-law, Betty Kropilnicki, Waupaca, WI; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters: Mary, Ida, Amelia and Sarah; and three brothers: Henry, Frank and Victor.
Sister enjoyed reading and crafts and volunteered in the Activities Department at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, WI, where she was known for her intricate detail to projects. She was also known for her creative nativity scenes.
The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013, in Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, with Father Tom Zelinski officiating. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2013, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. in Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. Visitation will resume on Friday, April 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. Burial will take place in St. Francis Cemetery, Merrill. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting with funeral arrangements.
Memorials can be made to Bell Tower Residence and sent to: Holy Cross Sisters, 1400 O’Day St., Merrill, WI 54452.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com