St. Joseph’s School of Nursing Alumni holds century celebration

For the Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – Over 150 alumni and guests gathered at the Holiday Inn in Marshfield on June 18 to celebrate over a century in service.

Last year marked 100 years for the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing Alumni Association, but the COVID environment left the group unable to mark the anniversary, which they more than made up for this year.

Two graduates from the 1947 class – Marie Beyerl Waldhart from Eau Claire and Agnes KollerGrassl from Marshfield – celebrated 75 years as nurses at the event and were presented with a dozen roses.

Other class groups celebrating anniversaries were: four graduates from 1955-59 (65 plus years); 15 graduates from 1960-62 (60 plus years); 29 graduates from 1965-67 (55 plus years); 25 graduates from 1970-72 (50 plus years); 11 graduates from 1981-82 (40 plus years); and four graduates from 1987 (35 years). Each nurse was presented with a red rose.

The event was highlighted by the completion of two projects that will preserve the school’s history. The St Mary's convent was torn down in 1970, the chapel and Center Wing were razed in 1985, the School of Nursing Nurses Residence was razed in 2002, and the school's auditorium and South Wing were demolished last year.

A historical display was present at the noon luncheon and alumni were encouraged to visit the Heritage Museum to see the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and the St. Joseph’s Hospital sections.  They include a revolving carousel containing pictures of all graduates, a video of selected pictures of student nurse life, samples of textbooks, manikins wearing original uniforms, stained glass art made with some original pieces from the chapel windows, and assorted memorabilia.  The museum is housed in the lower level of the 2^nd street Marshfield Community Center connected to the Marshfield Public Library.

The book “Service Above Self,” authored by Kris Leonhardt and St. Joseph’s School of Nursing graduate Patricia Hoffman was also made available, chronicling the history of St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing.

Also on display was information about the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard, which provides a final tribute for any licensed/registered nurse, active or retired, for memorial or graveside service anywhere in the state of Wisconsin.

Saturday festivities ended with a performance by John Hardinski, Elvis Presley impersonator.  The final event was a Sunday morning breakfast buffet at the Holiday Inn.

St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing Association Committee members are:  Dr. Dorothy (Dottie) Theil Liesen, Alumni President, Marshfield; Dr. Catherine (Katy) Schmitt, Menasha; Diane SuttenFolz, Marshfield; Marilyn Stashek Brandt, Pittsville; Joyce Krumenauer Carpenter, Marshfield; Patricia (Patti) Blackwood Hoffman, Marshfield; Carol Nemec Rand, Marshfield; Kathy Kohlbeck  Walden, Marshfield; Kathleen Stashek Hasenohrl, Pittsville; Victoria (Vickie) Hoehn Burt, Marshfield; Patricia (Patti) Bille Feller, Waunakee; Mary Miller Schlefke,Marshfield; and Judy Merkel Weber, Marshfield.