Sr. Clare Louise Gehlhausen, OP

Sister Clare Louise Gehlhausen, OP, 90, of Sacred Heart Convent, died peacefully at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, October 30 at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Springfield. Sister Clare Louise (baptized Louise Marie) was born in Michael, IL on December 2, 1912 to Hcnnan and Katherine Zipprich Gehlhausen. After graduating from St. John High School, Carrollton in 1932, she entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters in 1934 and professed her vows in 1936. Sister Clare Louise served for 52 years in Catholic parish elementary schools and during the last 33 of these years, she taught in the Springfield Diocese: St. Francis, Jerseyville; St. Joseph and Sacred Heart, Granite City; St. John, Carrolton; Cathedral and St. Agnes, Springfield; Our Saviour, Jacksonville; and St. Kevin, East Alton. She taught also at St. Vincent DePaul, Peoria; Our Lady of Grace, Chicago; St. Peter, Aurora; and at Sacred Heart in Brawley, CA. In 1988 Sister Clare Louise returned to the motherhouse due to health problems. There she enjoyed puzzles, visiting with the sisters, especially her four cousins who were also in the Dominican Order, and spending many hours in prayer. Sister was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother, August (wife, Margaret) Gehlhausen of Michael, IL; five nephews, and her Dominican Sisters with whom she lived and ministered for 69 years. Friends may call at Sacred Heart Convent Motherhouse from 3:30-7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2003 with a Vigil Service at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2003 at Sacred Heart Convent with Reverend Thomas Pisors, CSV, celebrant. Final Commendation and Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday November 3, 2003. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family and Dominican Sisters of Sr. Clare Louise Gehlhausen, OP is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.