Sister Michaela Galles, OSF

Sister Michaela (Mary Ann) Galles, OSF, died Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the age of 88.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2024. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial of cremains will follow at the Sisters of  St. Francis burial site.

Mary Ann, daughter of the late Iola (Johnson) and Roman Galles, was born April 14, 1935 in Kingsley, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael Church, Kingsley. On August 25, 1954 she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque and was received with the name Sister Michaela on August 12, 1955. Sister Michaela made her final profession of vows on August 12, 1960.

Sister received her master’s degree in theology from Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana. She ministered as an educator in Illinois at St. Mary of the Woods, Chicago and in Iowa at Heelan High School and Briar Cliff College, Sioux City; Larchwood; Wahlert High School, Dubuque, Pocahontas; St. Martin, Cascade; Anthon; Cherokee; and Boone. Sister Michaela was also missioned on the Franciscan Charism Team at Mount St. Francis Center, Dubuque.

Sister is survived by her sisters, Beth Ortner and Jenni (Joe) Malsam; her brothers Joe (Madeline) Galles and Jim (Connie) Galles; a sister-in-law Lois Galles; a brother-in-law Jim Hager; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margaret Hager; brothers, John Galles and Gerry Galles; and brother-in-law Richard Ortner.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis – 3390 Windsor Ave. – Dubuque, IA 52001