Mother of God Monastery
110  28th Ave. SE ~  Watertown,  SD  57201
Phone: 605-882-6600  Fax: 605-882-6658
monastery@dailypost.com

OBITUARY

Sister Ancilla Stroebele

Sister Ancilla Stroebele, 97, died on February 3, 2001 at MaryHouse in Pierre, SD.  Teresa was born October 15, 1903 to Paul and Magdalena Dangel Stroebele in Laubach, near Wuerttenberg, Germany. She and her four sisters and three brothers were raised on a farm. her oldest brother was killed in World War I, a few months after her mother's death.  Teresa was interested in becoming a missionary to America and at age 23 entered religious life at Marienheim in Einseideln, Switzerland. She had to wait two years before the German government would grant her a visa. In 1930, Teresa and her sister Josephine came to America, where they entered Sacred Heart Convent in Yankton. They were invested as Novices on August 12, 1931, and made simple vows the following year as Sister Ancilla and Sister Annunciata.
Sister Ancilla's first assignment was to St Mary's hospital in Pierre, as assistant to S. Basilia in the dietary department. She held this position from 1932 until August of 1961, when she was missioned to Zell for two years, to cook for the children in the boarding school. Sister Ancilla returned to Pierre, serving as housekeeping supervisor for the next 18 years. After retiring from this position at age 74, she ministered as patient visitor at the hospital for four years.
Sister Ancilla left St. Mary's Hospital after 51 years of service and returned to the monastery in 1985, to begin her retirement years. She was a woman of simplicity, integrity, and dedication. Of her many strengths, Sister Ancilla's love for the poor stands out.
During the construction of the new monastery, Sister returned to Pierre. As her health began to deteriorate, Sister Ancilla moved to Maryhouse Nursing Home.
Sister Ancilla is survived by nieces and nephews, and by her Sisters of Mother of God Monastery.