Sister Benedicta Berger, SCSC, age 97, of Merrill, Wisconsin, died March 31, 2019, under the care of the staff at Bell Tower Residence and Ministry Hospice at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living. Sister Benedicta (Harriet Louise) was born December 24, 1921, to Frederick and Clara (Wolf) Berger in Columbus, Ohio. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, Wisconsin, on November 19, 1947, and celebrated her First Profession on July 2, 1949. She was in her 70th year of ministry at the time of her death. Sister received her early education in St. Martin and South Salem, Ohio; Fontbonne College; St. Louis University and Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. Her ministries included Catechetical Mission, Mercer, WI; teaching at Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School, Merrill, WI; parish work in Louisiana; dietary aide in Dickinson, North Dakota; Coordinator for the retired sisters in Merrill, WI; volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Breese, IL; Religious Education, Antigo, WI. During her later years Sister Benedicta volunteered at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, WI, and in the Foster Grandparents Program at Lincoln High School, Irma, WI. Prior to joining Holy Cross Convent, Sister Benedicta worked as a riveter in the Curtiss Airplane Factory in Columbus, Ohio.
Sister Benedicta is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and Associates; sister-in-law Carol Berger, Dublin, Ohio; nieces and nephews. Her parents and brothers: Robert, Lee, Francis, sisters: Helen, Lenora, Joann, Mary Rita all preceded her in death.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, April 5, at 10:30 AM in Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, WI. Father Jim Bartelme will officiate. Burial will take place in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Visitation from 9:30 AM to time of service on Friday in Holy Cross Chapel. Special thanks to the Holy Cross Sisters’ companions, staff at Bell Tower Residence and Ministry Hospice for the care given Sister Benedicta Berger. Memorials can be made to the Holy Cross Sisters, 1400 O’Day St., Merrill, WI 54452. Waid Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.