Sister Miriam Therese Klein

October 11, 1934 - February 15, 2022

Sister Miriam Therese of the Mother of God, OCD, (Jeanette Mary Klein), 87, a member of the Carmelite Community, died February 15, 2022, at the Carmelite Monastery. Sister Miriam Therese was born October 11, 1934, in Stevens Point, WI, daughter of the late Frank and Johanna Klein. She is survived by her brother, John Klein, her sister, Margaret Drury, her sister-in-law, Janice Klein, several dear cousins and many devoted nieces and nephews. Sister Miriam Therese was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Johanna Klein, her brother, Al Klein, her sisters, Grace Borham, Zita Rogers and Marie Klein. Growing up in a close-knit and loving Polish family, “Ginger”, as Jeanette was affectionately called, was blessed with opportunities for a good Catholic education by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet. It was not surprising then that feeling called to Religious Life, she decided to join this Community. However, soon after receiving the Habit, the new novice, Sister Miriam, began to discern that her vocation was more truly to the contemplative life of Carmel. Thus, on May 27, 1954, with that ever-ready smile that spoke of her deep inner joy, Sister Miriam entered the newly founded Carmel in Iron Mountain, bringing not only youthful energy but many skills and talents so very much appreciated by the Community. With her natural ability for making and preserving friendships though, Sister would always remain grateful to the Sisters of St. Joseph for their help and guidance at this important time in her life and never forgot them in her prayers. Sister Miriam Therese made her first Profession of Vows on February 2, 1956 and her Solemn Vows three years later. A very generous worker, practical by nature and a good organizer, Sister served the Community in various ways such as sewing, cooking, sacristy, printing and gardening. How much we appreciated the many mechanical skills she learned from her brothers! Eventually, she would give herself unsparingly during several terms as Prioress, Councilor and Novice Mistress, sharing with new members her own love for the Lord and her desire to pray and offer sacrifices for the salvation of souls. This desire, which she had initially expressed when entering Carmel, could be witnessed in greater depth as our dear Sister aged and illness took away many of her former abilities. And precisely during this past year on hospice care, with its ups and downs and many humorous incidents, Sister's beautiful spirit of patient acceptance and simply waiting upon the Lord's Will, were an evident witness to the reality of her life of prayer. With aching but grateful hearts we entrust our dear Sister to the Lord Whom she loved and served so well, confident that in Him we remain united still. A Prayer Service will be conducted by our Chaplain, Rev. Eric Olson, on Friday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at the Monastery Chapel by Rev. Eric Olson and Concelebrants on Saturday, February 19th at 10:00 am. CT. Very Rev. Father Daniel Moll, Vicar for Religious, will give the homily. Due to the ongoing COVID circumstances, our Chapel is not yet re-opened to the public. Burial will be in the Carmelite Monastery Cemetery. Memorials or Masses may be offered to the Carmelite Monastery in lieu of flowers. The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.