Sister Laverne Wilichowski

Sister Laverne Wilichowski, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 92, died on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse. She was in the 72nd year of her religious profession.

Loyola Veronica was born on May 17, 1933, to Francis and Lucy (Koppa) Wilichowski in the township of Cassel. She was received into the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration on August 12, 1951, and given the name Sister Laverne. She made profession of vows on August 12,1953.

The field of education became her lifelong ministry. Sister Laverne began teaching primary grade students, then middle and upper grade students in La Crosse (Holy Trinity School, Blessed Sacrament School), Ashland, Lyndon Station, Edgar, Stratford and Prescott in Wisconsin, as well as Spokane (St. Ann School) in Washington. Sister Laverne received a bachelor of science in education from Viterbo College (University) in La Crosse and Master of Arts in teaching from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich. Later she obtained administrative credits from the University of Dayton in Ohio. Sister Laverne served as teacher and principal at St. Joseph School in Prescott from 1987 until her retirement in 2003 and continued volunteering her service as the librarian for the school. From 2012 to 2017, she also volunteered in scripture ministry in the parish. In 2017, she moved to St. Rose Convent in La Crosse where she began a ministry of prayer and hospitality.

Sister Laverne is survived by her Franciscan Community, her brother, Ruffin Wilichowski of Marathon; her sister, Virgie Mroczenski from Wausau, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: Alois, David, Gerry, Alfred (Kathleen), Edwin (Mary Ann), Tony (Margie), Clarence (Vangie) and Art (Marge), and her sisters: Betty (Ray) Karlen, Darlene (John) Blaskowski and Christina (Jerome) Martin.

A vigil service took place for Sister Laverne on Monday, Aug. 11,2025, at 3:30 p.m. at Mary of the Angels Chapel, St. Rose Convent. A virtual sharing took place that evening at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse. Great River Cremation is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782. paid obituary 173034