Sr. Katherine Keogel, OSB, 1920-2010

Sister Katherine (Antonia) Keogel, O.S.B., 89, of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, died Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, at the monastery.

A Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. on Thursday at the St. Mary Monastery Chapel, Rock Island. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. today at the monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Mary Monastery. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan, is assisting with arrangements.

Katherine Keogel was born on Nov. 23, 1920, in Peoria, Ill., a daughter of Robert and Mary Dutter Keogel. She attended St. John's School, Peoria, and graduated from Peoria Manual High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in education from St. Ambrose College, Davenport. Sister Katherine received a Master of Arts in speech from Marquette, Milwaukee, Wis., and a Master's in Education from Illinois State University, Normal.

Katherine entered the Benedictine community on Sept. 2, 1941. She made her first profession as a Benedictine Sister on July 29, 1943. Her ministry included serving as an elementary teacher and/or principal at Sts. Peter and Paul, Nauvoo, Ill.; St. Joseph's, Ivesdale, Ill.; St. Thomas More, Munster, Ind., and St. Boniface, Peoria. Sister Antonia taught high school courses at St. Mary's Academy, Nauvoo, and Bergan High School and Academy/Spalding, Peoria. She also served as a social worker in Peoria; in South Side Ministry in Peoria; and as Pastoral Associate at St. Mary's, Moline.

Sister Katherine is survived by her Benedictine Sisters; nieces; and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and a sister.

Online condolences may be left at www.wheelanpressly.com.