Sister M. Bonita Wagner, O.S.F.

Sister M. Bonita Wagner, 99, of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis died at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at St. Francis Convent. Sister M. Bonita the former Martha Wagner, was born November 21, 1903 in Landshut, Germany the daughter of Paul and Bertha Brause Wagner. She entered the Congregation January 21, 1925 and professed her religious vows October 25, 1927. Sister was a 1931 graduate of St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing. She served the community as a registered nurse at hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. She ministered among the Native Americans in Lukachukai and Chinle, Arizona from 1953 until 1991. She returned to the Motherhouse in 1991 due to failing health. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. She is survived by several nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; great great nieces and great great nephews; and her Franciscan Sisters with who she shared her life for 78 years. Visitation will be held at the Motherhouse from 4-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2003 with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Barnabas Diekemper, OFM 9:00 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2003 in St. Francis of Assisi Church at the Motherhouse. Burial will follow in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery. The family and Franciscan Sisters of Sr. M. Bonita Wagner, O.S.F. is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.