Sister Miriam Kachelmeier
Born to earthly life: February 23, 1920
Religious profession: July 20, 1939
Entered eternal life: September 7, 2009
Loving, smiling, listening, laughing, compassionate, at home with her God, are familiar words often used to describe Sister Miriam.
Rita Kachelmeier was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, February 23, l920. She was the eighth of nine children born to Mary and Joseph Kachelmeier. Her parents must have been filled with heroic faith and trust since only three of their nine children survived after childbirth. In her autobiography, Sister Miriam shared that part of her happiness in heaven would be the joy of getting to know her sisters and brothers.
“My precious one. I hold you in the palm of my hand.” This scripture passage carried Sister Miriam throughout her life. She spent 48 years teaching in grade schools in Chicago and throughout Wisconsin.
1966 was Sister Miriam’s first year at St. Mary’s, Port Washington. It was during this year that God had a special blessing for Sister and her mother. Sister Jean Louise tells the story that Sister Miriam’s mother was transferred to a nursing home in Port Washington so that Sister Miriam
could be a bit closer to her.
One day, Sisters Jean Louise and Miriam went to visit Mrs. Kachelmeier—a dear woman. They had a very pleasant visit and returned to the convent. Later in the evening, as they talked about Mrs. Kachelmeier, Sister Jean Louise asked Sister Miriam if she would like to return for another short visit. The answer was “Yes.” So off they went to the nursing home for a quick, but delightful visit. That night Mrs. Kachelmeier died, apparently at peace with the love from her daughter and community.
In 1972 Sister entered into the Charismatic renewal which resulted in a radical change in her walk with Jesus. She became so much more aware of God’s intimate, personal goodness and love.
This past spring, I interviewed Miriam for a short article about herself for her Gold and Ruby Jubilee. She ended our time together by telling me, “I like to think of Jesus and me as Bridegroom and Bride, deeply in love for 70 years, growing old together, knowing one another better, and loving one another more intimately than before. He has always been waiting to be gracious to me as He continues to hold me in the palm of His hand.”
– Sister Dorothy Land, SSND
Sister Miriam professed her vows as a School Sister of Notre Dame in 1939. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, Wis. where she majored in English and minored in history, social science and religion. Further studies included a theology certificate from Mount Mary College in 1959 and an library certificate from Viterbo College, La Crosse, Wis. in 1973.
Sister Miriam worked in elementary education for 47 years as a teacher, principal and school librarian. During retirement, her ministries included community service, religious education, as well as her prayers and presence.
Her ministry locations included:
- St. Michael, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Margaret, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Ambrose, Chicago, Ill.
- St. Francis, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Peter, Beaver Dam, Wis.
- Holy Name, Sheboygan, Wis.
- St. Mary, Port Washington, Wis.
- Christ King, Wauwatosa, Wis.
- Sacred Heart, Appleton, Wis.
- Visitation, Elm Grove, Wis.
- Sacred Heart, Allenton, Wis.
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mt. Calvary, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Click here to send a memorial online.