Sister Joanne Goessl was born in the family home in Denmark, Wis., on April 10, 1939. Besides her parents, Edward and Clara (Duckart) Goessl, she was welcomed into the family by a sister Jeanette and brother Bob. She attended grade school in Denmark and high school at the Sisters’ pre-novitiate in Champion, Wis., now called the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.
In 1957, Sister Joanne took vows as a Sister of St. Francis of the Holy Cross and was initially given the name Sister Venard. As a young sister, she taught grade school students in Howard, Allouez and Marinette. She later was named director of the religion program for students in the public school system at Nativity in Ashwaubenon; St. Paul, Combined Locks; St. Jude, Green Bay; Holy Trinity, Pine Grove; and All Saints, Denmark. She then became a pastoral associate at Holy Cross in Mishicot and St. Mary in Appleton. Lastly, she has returned to the motherhouse to minister to her Sisters as community life coordinator.
Sister Joanne has always had an inquisitive mind, loved learning and has been creative in her ministry. She created a neighborhood preparation for First Eucharist children in homes, introduced a family religion program in the diocese before it became popular, and began a marriage preparation program led by married couples. For a greater number of years as pastoral associate, her creativity focused on developing community in the parish to include the RCIA folks, new families, engaged couples, the retired, and persons in nursing homes. It was in her last parish that she began 30 years of sponsoring refugee families with a team of dedicated parishioners.
Many enjoyments stir Sister Joanne’s contemplative spirit and deepen her awareness of God’s presence. Books are her constant companions. She delights in writing, playing cards, visiting with family and friends, and experiencing history from the perspective of people’s lives. Being out in nature and observing the working of creatures and plants is a day well spent. Seventy years of family, community and ministry have provided a full lifetime of gratitude. Making time to observe the harder times as well as the good in life over 70 years assures her that God’s grace has held her up throughout this journey.