Sister Alice Henke, 94, died on Nov. 13, 2017, at Ladysmith Care and Rehab, where she had resided since 2011. She was born in rural Thorp, Wis., on Oct. 30, 1923, to Emil and Anna (Baldeschwiler) Henke, the oldest daughter of eight children, one boy and seven girls. She joined the Servite Sisters in Ladysmith in 1943. She earned a bachelor’s in history from the University of Saint Thomas and a master’s in history from Loyola University Chicago. She taught for 22 years in Catholic elementary schools staffed by Servite Sisters in Illinois, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. She taught history at Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, where she also served as assistant director of admissions and director of alumni. She was active in the Ladysmith community and especially in the Rusk County Historical Society, where she served as president, vice president, and member of the board. She chaired the committee that produced a 370-page history of Rusk County and co-edited the “Ladysmith 100 Years” souvenir book. She was also a member of the Rusk County Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary and Board. Sister Alice served as archivist for the Servite Sisters for many years and authored a book on the early history of the congregation called "A Branch Amid the Pines." In 1998 a 32-unit residence for the elderly in Tomahawk, Wis., was named “Alice Henke Villa” in recognition of her work in history and education and for assisting disadvantaged rural people from northern Wisconsin obtain a college education. She is survived by her sisters Ruth Rose of Onalaska, Wis., Dorothy Wozniak of Stanley, Wis., Sister Dolores Henke, OSM, of Onalaska, Wis., and Marian Pabich of Eau Claire, Wis., many nieces and nephews, and the Servite Sisters, with whom she shared life for 74 years.

Sister Mary Angelica Vogel, OSM (1920–2001), was born on August 11, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to German immigrant parents Carl and Anna Vogel. After her father's passing in 1928 and her mother's death two years later, she and her two younger sisters were raised at the Servants of Mary convent in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Marie entered the convent on September 2, 1935, became Sister Mary Angelica, and made her final profession of vows on August 14, 1943. A dedicated educator, she taught in Catholic elementary schools across several states, later teaching history at Mount Senario College. She earned a PhD in history from Walden University and spent time in India working with catechists. Sister Mary Angelica also ministered to Native Americans and Hispanic Catholics, managed a secondhand shop, and remained active in her community after retirement. She passed away from a heart attack in Ladysmith on March 6, 2001, at the age of 80. Her burial was held at the convent cemetery.

Sister Rosemary Fandel was a dedicated member of the Sisters of Mercy, known for her commitment to education and service. She spent many years teaching and working in various educational institutions, where she was respected for her leadership and compassion. Her contributions to the community were significant, and she was admired for her unwavering dedication to her faith and the mission of the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Rosemary Fandel participated in a peaceful protest and was pictured in Ladysmith. Sister Rosemary Fandel attended Sister Alice Henke's jubilee celebration.

Sister Mary Ambrose Vogel, OSM (1921–2006), born Cecilia Monika Vogel on December 25, 1921, in Becker, Minnesota, was one of three sisters raised by Mother Mary Alphonse Bradley at a convent after their parents passed away. Cecilia and her older sister Marie became Servite Sisters, while their younger sister Adeline married and had two sons. Cecilia entered the Servants of Mary on August 2, 1937, becoming Sister Mary Ambrose. She earned a bachelor’s in music education and a master’s in music history, teaching for decades in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. She later worked as secretary at Our Lady Gate of Heaven School in Chicago and served on the Servants of Mary Leadership Team. In retirement, she volunteered at the Northwoods Family Resource Center and enjoyed gardening, knitting, and music. Sister Mary Ambrose faced health challenges, including surgery for a tumor and amputation of her leg due to vascular disease. She passed away peacefully on April 29, 2006, at the age of 84, with her funeral held in the motherhouse chapel on May 4.

Mother Mary Alphonse Bradley was one of the six founding sisters of the Ladysmith Servite Sisters, originally from the Sisters of Saint Joseph of La Grange. She was born in Ireland on March 16, 1884, and passed away on June 4, 1950.

Sister Mary Alice Willems was born on October 4, 1941, in Paris, Arkansas, and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is the eldest of three children. She joined the Servants of Mary in 1960 and took her first vows in 1962. She graduated from Holy Angels Academy in Milwaukee and earned a bachelor’s degree in education and English from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith. She further obtained a master’s degree in pastoral theology from Saint Theresa College in Winona, Minnesota, and completed four units of clinical pastoral education at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee. She became a certified spiritual director through the Spiritual Guidance Training Program at Siena Center in Racine, Wisconsin. Her ministry includes teaching grade school in Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, serving as a parish pastoral associate in Superior, Wisconsin, and working as a chaplain in long-term healthcare facilities in Milwaukee. She was a member of the Servants of Mary Leadership Team from 1986 to 1992 and has served again since 2000. Besides her leadership roles, she enjoys working with computers, photography, reading, and quilting.