Sister Joan Winkler, O.S.F.

Sister Joan Winkler, O.S.F. (86) of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis died on Sunday, February 14, 2021, at 11:59 a.m. at St. Francis Convent, Springfield, Illinois.

Sister Joan Winkler was born in Breese, IL, on September 25, 1934, the daughter of Raymond and Anna Margaret Cope Winkler. She entered the Congregation on February 2, 1951, and professed her religious vows on October 4, 1953.

Sister Joan received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from Fontbonne College, St. Louis, MO, in 1957, a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, in 1976, and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, Chicago, IL, in 1988.

Sister Joan began her career as a dietitian at HSHS hospitals in Illinois. She served as Assistant Novice Directress at St. Francis Convent, Springfield, IL. She was the Director of the Dietary Department, Assistant Administrator and Administrator at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire, WI, from 1966 – 1976. Sister served as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Catholic Hospital Association, Madison, WI, from 1976-1986. While she was a student at Loyola University, she ministered at Alverna Home Nursing Center in Chicago, IL. In 1989, Sister returned to Springfield, IL and served as the Program Director of the Franciscan Apostolic Center until 1992. From 1993 – 1995 Sister served as the Manager of the Manressa House, Florissant, MO. In 1995, Sister was elected as a Provincial Councilor and was elected as the Provincial Superior in 1999; she served in this role until 2007. Sister Joan was a volunteer at HSHS St. John’s Hospital from 2008 – 2014.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John and David Winkler; and two sisters, Mary M. Shepard and Sister Fran Winkler, O.S.F.

She is survived by a sister, Ruth Schmitt, Sherman, IL; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Winkler, Great Britain; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; as well as her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared her life for 70 years.

Private services will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2021. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.

Staab Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.