Sister Marcella Steffes, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 97, died on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, Wis . She was in the 75th year of her religious profession.

Sister Marcella was born on January 1, 1927, to John and Anna (Halbur) Steffes in Roselle, IA. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1947 and made profession of vows in 1950. Having earned a bachelor's degree in music education with applied cello from Viterbo College [University], La Crosse, a master's degree in music theory from Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York and a master of fine arts degree in cello from University of Iowa, Iowa City, Sister Marcella served as music teacher and gave private lessons in elementary schools in Wisconsin (La Crosse, Menomonie and Fountain City) for 16 years. From 1970 to 2010 she was on the Viterbo College [University] Music Department faculty. As part of the Preparatory School of the Arts, Sister Marcella was known as an outstanding Suzuki cello and violin teacher. For 34 years she played cello with the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, serving as principal cellist for several of those years.

Sister Marcella is survived by her Franciscan Community; two brothers, Roman (Arlene) Steffes of Carroll, Iowa and Robert (Racke) Steffes of Olathe, Kan.; and five sisters, Norma Gosch of Carroll, Lorraine Vogl of Atlantic, Iowa, Arlene (Melvin) Meier of Manning, Iowa, Marian Pickhinke of Fort Dodge, Iowa and Carol (Don) Mader of Arlington, Minn; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Elmer, Melvin and Luverne; and her sisters, Marcella Steffes and Doris Mader.

A vigil service will take place for Sister Marcella on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. at Mary of the Angels Chapel, St. Rose Convent. A virtual sharing will take place that evening at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, December 3, at 10 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse. Dickinson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782.

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