Sister Joanne Goessl was born in her family home in Denmark, Wis. She is the daughter of Ed and Clara (Duckart) Goessl. She has a sister, Jeanette Schultz, and brother, Bob.
Joanne's religious training began at home. She attended eight years of catechism classes taught each Saturday by Father Chester Dionne. She looked forward to seeing the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross who taught religion each summer. She came to admire the Sisters, especially Sister Theophane. By eighth grade, Joanne knew she wanted to be a Sister. This was the same year the Sisters opened St. Francis Preparatory Novitiate at the Chapel in Robinsonville (now the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help). The time was right. Joanne left home in September 1953 and was received as a novice in 1955.
Sister Joanne holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from St. Norbert College in De Pere, a master's in religious education from St. Louis University in Missouri, and post-graduate work in Christian spirituality at Creighton University in Nebraska.
For 58 years Sister has committed herself to God in active ministry. She was a classroom teacher in Howard, Green Bay and Marinette. She directed religious education programs in Green Bay, Combined Locks, Pine Grove and Denmark. In 1981, she became a pastoral associate in Mishicot and now serves at St. Mary, Appleton.
What refreshes Sister's spirit? A good discussion, shared faith, or an engaging book. She enjoys cooking and having people delight in a prepared meal. Above all, she says, "Forever I will sing the goodness of God revealed to me in the Community, my family, and all the persons over these 60 years who have inspired me to live for God alone."
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