Mary Thomas Reichl

Sister Mary Thomas Reichl, a Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross, age 97 died, October 29, 2026, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, Wisconsin.

Elizabeth “Betty” was born November 29, 1928, in Athens, Wisconsin, to George and Susan (Rauen) Reichl. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, Wisconsin, October 24, 1946, and professed her vows on July 17, 1948 . Sister Mary Thomas was in her 78th year of ministry at the time of her death.

She attended Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School, in Merrill, Wisconsin, graduating in 1946. Sister Mary Thomas received a B.A. in History from Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee WI, a M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from Marquette University and a certificate from the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

She was a teacher and prefect at Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School in Merrill and was a teacher and counselor at Mater Dei High School in Breese, Illinois.

Sister Mary Thomas was Director of Pastoral Care and a Chaplain at Good Samaritan Health Center in Merrill.

Sister also served the Holy Cross Sisters as Provincial Superior and a counselor and held the position of Director of Development for the Holy Cross Sisters and was also the Director of Initial Formation.

Sister Mary Thomas was involved in volunteer programs such as Lincoln County chair for the Salvation Army, a board member of St. Vincent de Paul–Outreach, NCCAP and a board member of Comunidad Hispana.

Throughout her life she received many awards such as, The World Who’s Who of Women,’77 & ’79, American Catholic Who’s Who, ‘78-79 & ’80-81, and Outstanding Clergyman Award in Merrill, 1985.

Sister Mary Thomas loved to read and listen to music.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Susan, her sisters, Jen Behrendt, Leona Sloan, Ann Viergutz, Laura Koepp, Marion Fenhaus, Regina Wozniak, and brothers. Alvin and George Jr.

She is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and associates, as well nieces, and other relatives.

A Funeral Mass for Sister will be held at 10:00 on November 10 at Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence. Father Charles Hoffmann will officiate. Visitation will be held on November 10 beginning at 9:00 until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the St Francis Catholic Cemetery, Merrill, WI.

Special thanks to chaplains John Bourke and Jen Hoffman and the staff of Bell Tower Residence along with Interim Healthcare hospice nurse and staff for assisting in the spiritual and health care of Sister Mary Thomas. An extra thanks to Holy Cross Sister companions Jamely and Sherry.