Sister Adele Wehri
Verena Wehri was born March 7, 1925, in Hebron, North Dakota, to Albert and Eva (Seeberger) Wehri. “I was drawn to the Holy Cross community of Sisters in several ways. My family of 3 sisters and 4 brothers and I were privileged to have Holy Cross Sisters for teachers through the first 8 years of our education in Haymarsh, North Dakota,” Sister said. She then worked with the sisters at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson, ND, in the dietary and housekeeping departments.
She entered the convent on August 31, 1948, and celebrated her First Profession on August 24, 1950, as Sister Adele. “I always felt a sense of feeling at home, knowing that there is always someone there to support you in good times, as well as in times of difficulty, a true sense of support and security,” Sister Adele said.
Sister received a bachelor of science degree from Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, and did her dietetic internship at Milwaukee County Institutions, Milwaukee, WI. Her ministries included Director of Dietary Department both at Holy Cross Hospital (Good Samaritan Health Center), Merrill, and at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dickinson, North Dakota, and at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. From 1984-1990 Sister Adele was the convent administrator at Holy Cross Convent, Merrill.
Sister Adele points to the support of her family over the years as well as Sisters Engelmara and Agricola and provincial leaders for helping her along the way in her life. “Father Howard Rollenkotter, CP, retreat director, encouraged me to take the final step for entrance to the convent. There have always been individuals who challenged me to try new things and offered encouragement in any undertaking.”
Sister resides in the Holy Cross Sisters housing on the Holy Cross Campus in Merrill, WI. Although retired, Sister Adele finds time to work as a volunteer at Bell Tower Residence.
