Sister Ella Groetken, OSF

Sister Ella (Mildred) Groetken, OSF, died Saturday, July 15 at the age of 88.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Livestream of the service can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans.

Mildred, daughter of the late Gerhard Jr. and Olive (Neubrand) Groetken, was born September 7, 1934 in LeMars, Iowa.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph, LeMars. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque from St. Joseph on August 25, 1952.  Mildred was received with the name Sister Mary Ella on August 12, 1953 and made her final profession of vows on August 10, 1958.

Sister received her BA in elementary education from Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, Iowa. As a teacher in Iowa she ministered at Manchester, Alton, Pocahontas, Guttenberg, and St. Mary, Dubuque and in Illinois at Melrose Park and Midlothian. Sister also ministered in Sioux City as a receptionist and senior companion.

Sister is survived by her sister, Joyce Fields; her brothers James (Phyllis) Groetken, Kenneth (Deborah) Groetken, Gerald Groetken, and Lawrence “Larry” (Carmen) Groetken; her sister-in-law Judy Groetken; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Richard (Mary) Groetken, Cletus (Carol) Groetken, and Ronald Groetken; and her sister-in-law JoAnn Groetken.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA.