MANITOWOC, WI — Sr. Lucianna Derus, a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, died at 91 at Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc, on September 3, 2025.
The funeral Mass, celebrated by Fr. Placid Stroik, OFM, was held on September 5, 2025, at Holy Family Convent, with burial following at Holy Family Convent Cemetery.
Sr. Lucianna was born Lucille Derus on January 6, 1934, to parents Hubert E. and Mary L. (Lederhofer) Derus.
At the time of entering the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity at Holy Family Convent in 1949, her home parish was Sacred Heart Parish in Oshkosh. She made final vows in 1958.
Sr. Lucianna earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, and a master’s degree in teaching music from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Sr. Lucianna’s ministry took her to various places where she taught classroom music, gave private music lessons, led various choirs and served as an organist.
She served at St. Ambrose Parish, Ironwood, Michigan; St. Francis De Sales Parish, Manistique, Michigan; Catholic Central School, Menominee, Michigan; St. Agnes Parish, Mingo Junction, Ohio; St. Mary Parish, Delaware, Ohio; SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Wellston, Ohio; St. Willibrord Parish, Chicago; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Yuma, Arizona; Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha; St. Bernard Parish and St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Green Bay; St. Joseph Parish, Rice Lake; Sacred Heart Parish, Oshkosh; St. Thomas More Parish, Appleton; and Roncalli High School and Holy Family Conservatory, Manitowoc.
For several years, she lived in Oshkosh and served as a caregiver for her mother. While residing at St. Francis Convent and Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, Sr. Lucianna served as an organist, gave music lessons, and was a member of the community’s prayer apostolate. Since 2023, Sr. Lucianna had been a resident of St. Rita Health Center, Manitowoc.
Sr. Lucianna is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Edward Derus; and one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia (James) Youngworth.
Those surviving Sr. Lucianna include: Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, one sister, Irene Derus, one sister-in-law, Sharon Derus; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.