Celebrating the memory of Sister Rose Kordick

Formerly Sister Rose Clare
August 29, 1932 – January 23, 2024

Sister Rose Kordick was born in Winterset, Iowa, the daughter of Leo and Anna (Schreiner) Kordick. She was the eighth of nine children. “We lived on a farm and enjoyed the hard work and the family, church, and outdoor fun.” She attended one-room rural schools through sixth grade when the family moved to Granger, where our Sisters taught her at Assumption Grade School and High School. “The joy and spirit of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi attracted me, even though many thought I’d join the Benedictines where my sister was a member.” She entered our congregation on September 8, 1950, and a year later received the name Sister Rose Clare as a novice. She returned to her baptismal name after Vatican II. As a postulant and second-year novice she attended Cardinal Stritch University and majored in Latin.
 
For several years after profession in 1953, she taught upper grades at schools in Wisconsin: St. Sebastian, Milwaukee; St. Joseph, Lyons; St. Bernard, Middleton; St. Michael, Dotyville; and St. James, Eau Claire. Sister Rose was principal, choir director, and teacher of upper four grades in Dotyville, where she experienced “some of the best years of my life.” In 1962, she completed a bachelor’s degree in Latin at Cardinal Stritch University and, in 1969, a master’s degree in classical languages at Catholic University in Washington, DC.
 
Sister Rose made the transition to high school teaching in 1969 at St. Anthony High School, Sterling, Colo.; and subsequently St. Mary’s Academy, Milwaukee; and Assumption, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. In 1972-1973, she tutored part-time at St. Veronica, Milwaukee, followed by several months in two part-time positions. She then became principal of Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Saint Francis, Wis., for three years, rising to the challenge of a large school and appreciating its closeness to the Motherhouse. Returning to secondary level as a teacher, she taught Latin and English at the seminary in Mount Calvary, Wis., from 1977-1985, where she found the culturally diverse student population a new experience and rooted for the basketball team.
 
Sister Rose moved to St. Coletta of Wisconsin to teach independent living skills to adult residents. Although she had desired to work with persons with special needs, she found that it wasn’t her gift. She then spent a “personal growth year” in Wayzata, Minn., learning computer software and teaching in a public school during the second semester. When she visited her Benedictine blood sister in Arizona, the milder climate motivated her to seek ministry there.
 
Between 1986-1992, Sister Rose became education director at the Tucson Boys and Girls Club, taught at Green Fields Country Day School, and lectured at the University of Arizona. She then served as a technical writer/editor at SAIC Technology Services Co., in Sierra Vista, Ariz., for four years. Despite health problems, she served as an office manager at Habitat for Humanity until retiring in January 2002. In retirement she volunteered for our OSF archives and Catholic Community Services, Tucson. A very meaningful experience for her was tutoring an Afghan family in learning English. She in turn learned a great deal about their lives, their Muslim faith, and their culture.
 
In May 2021, Sister Rose moved back to Wisconsin and lived at St. Francis Convent until her death in 2024. Health conditions plagued her from an early age, but she was always determined to stay as active as she could in spite of her physical limitations.
 
Sister Rose enjoyed cooking, listening to music, reading, singing, and playing cards. She found inspiration in nature, visits with family and friends, celebrating liturgical events, and sharing a meal. Yearly family reunions were a highlight for her. She had researched the genealogy of both of her parents, so meeting their descendants held special significance for her.
 
In preparation for her 70th Jubilee of religious profession in 2023, Sister Rose wrote this reflection:

After answering God’s call to this OSF congregation at age 18 in 1950, and as a postulant in the choir loft observing the Silver Jubilarians exiting St. Francis Chapel, I realized HOW OLD they were and knew I would not live that long. So, as a novice helping tend the graves in the Chapel of the Woods Cemetery, I selected my gravesite – it has been filled many, many years ago. Now at age 90 and celebrating my 70th year of religious profession, I cherish God’s sense of humor and am immensely grateful for all the blessings I have received.

Now at the age of 91, after a longer life than Sister Rose envisioned when she was a young Sister, on January 7 Bishop Richard Sklba anointed her in preparation for God’s call in the early morning hours of January 23, 2024, while she was sleeping. She had been in hospice care at St. Francis Convent, and the nurses had checked on her frequently during the night. May Sister Rose rest in peace having accomplished her mission on earth.

Born to Eternal Life Jan. 23, 2024, age 91. Survivors include the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, with whom she shared life for 73 years; sister Theresa O’Roake; nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi Memorial Fund, 3221 S Lake Dr, Saint Francis WI 53235-3702.

“O God, you have taught me from my youth; and till the present day I proclaim your wondrous deeds.”  Ps: 71,17