MILWAUKEE — Sr. Mary Rose Menting, 96, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, died on April 5, 2025, at the Sacred Heart retirement and health care home.
She was known for her commitment to service, creativity and the joy she brought to all she did.
Sr. Mary Rose was born on May 1, 1928, in Phlox, Wis., in Langlade County, to Albert and Rose Menting. She was one of 14 children in the Menting family and grew up on a farm.
Her farm-life childhood later influenced her appreciation for turning empty outdoor spaces into thriving geranium or produce gardens.
From a young age, Sr. Mary Rose understood her call to religious life. She entered the St. Joseph Convent in Milwaukee after completing eighth grade, and she joined the School Sisters of St. Francis on June 13, 1945.
Two years later, on June 21, 1947, she professed her first vows. Shortly after, Sr. Mary Rose began her ministry in the Green Bay and La Crosse dioceses as well as the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
On June 21, 1953, Sr. Mary Rose professed her final vows with the School Sisters of St. Francis.
Sr. Mary Rose spent 38 years working for the Diocese of Green Bay at St. Thomas More Parish, Appleton. She served as the director of religious education from 1977-1992, RCIA director from 1992-2003 and pastoral bereavement minister from 2003-2015.
In addition to her directorial and ministerial roles, Sr. Mary Rose used her passion for enhancing the liturgy through her service on the Parish Worship Commission. She played an influential role in designing the parish’s new church building windows and created liturgical symbols for liturgy sheets and weekly bulletin covers.
Her artistic gifts were evident in the cards she designed. She especially loved creating cards with Queen Anne’s Lace, which she would gather from fields and roadsides during the summer months.
She also found joy in cooking her homemade chicken soup, which was enjoyed by many.
In 2015, Sr. Mary Rose retired at Sacred Heart and continued ministering through her prayers and presence at the retirement home until her death.
Reflecting on her ministry and service to Christ, Sr. Mary Rose said, “I pray that Jesus will welcome me with the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
The funeral Mass was held on April 14, 2025, at St. Joseph Chapel, Milwaukee. A burial service followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Milwaukee.