Sister Joelle Mauer

Sister Joelle Mauer, a Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross, 94, died July 10, 2026, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, Wisconsin.

Helen (Sister Joelle) was born November 11, 1931, in Poniatowski, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Helen (Braun) Mauer. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, Wisconsin, on October 15, 1949, and professed her vows on June 19, 1951. Sister Joelle was in her 75 of ministry at the time of her death.

She attended Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School, Merrill Wisconsin, graduating in 1948. She earned her Master of Arts in Church Music and Liturgy degree in 1978.

In 1951, Sister Joelle along with Sister Maria Theodosia Laufer began Our Lady of Peace Apostolate in Vacherie, Louisiana which ministered in seven rural parishes along the Mississippi River as a religion teacher, liturgist, organist and choir director. In 1968, she was invited by Bishop Robert Tracy to open an Office of Liturgy in the Baton Rouge Diocese. She ministered as the Executive Director from 1968-1975. Sister Joelle then returned to Vacherie, Louisiana and ministered at three different parishes.

From 1980-1984 she was Director of Vocations for the Holy Cross Sisters. She then became Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, Iowa from 1984- 1995. Sister Joelle was the Director of Mercy Court Apartments in Des Moines, Iowa for several years before returning to Merrill to be the Coordinator for the retired Holy Cross Sisters living at Bell Tower Residence. In 2001-2004 she moved to Bellaire, Michigan to be the organist and choir director at St. Luke Catholic Church.

In 2010-2015, she moved to Kentucky to minister to the poor by working in soup kitchens, the homeless shelter and the HELP office interviewer. She then returned to Merrill and volunteered as the pianist for liturgies at Bell Tower Residence.

She retired to Bell Tower Residence in 2020. With decreasing sight and hearing she needed to give up her great love of accompanying at liturgies.

Sister Joelle has also served the Holy Cross Sisters as a Provincial Councilor several times. Sister Joelle’s love for and gift of music was always a part of her ministry. She was an avid reader and loved to play cards.

Preceding her in death are her parents Joseph and Helen, her sisters, Evelyn, Marcella O’Malley, Bernice Slattery and brothers, Gilbert, Matthew and Gregory.

She is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and associates, as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A Funeral Mass for Sister will be held on July 28, at 10:00 am in Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence. Father Charles Hoffmann will officiate. 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 Joelle. An extra thanks to Holy Cross Sister companions Jamely and Sherry.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.