Sister Joan’ Kupfert, O.S.B., 1921-2012

Sister Joan’ (Bonita) Kupfert, OSB, 90 of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at the Monastery.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. on Wednesday in the chapel of St. Mary Monastery.

Burial is at the Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.  Visitation is 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7 p.m.  Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan, is assisting with arrangements.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary Monastery.

Bonita Kupfert was born on May 28, 1921, in Peoria, a daughter of Frank and Kathryn Roth Kupfert.  She attended St. Boniface School, Peoria, Academy of Our Lady, Peoria, and received a bachelor’s degree in education from Quincy College, Quincy, Ill.  She received a master’s degree in secondary administration from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., and guidance and counseling certification from Xavier College, Chicago.

Sister Joan’ entered the Benedictine community on Dec. 8, 1941.  She made her first profession as a Benedictine Sister on Aug. 21, 1944.  Her ministry included teaching elementary grades 4 – 8; high school religion, P.E. and business education, as well as dorm prefect at St. Mary’s Academy, Nauvoo.  She served as secretary to the prioress and as secretary and registrar at St. Mary’s Academy, where she also was principal from 1962-1969.  She taught business education and was a guidance counselor both at Bergan High School, Peoria, and Alleman High School, Rock Island.  Sister Joan’ also had served as subprioress at St. Mary Monastery, Nauvoo.

She is survived by her Benedictine Sisters, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother; and her sister.