Thelma Prantner, CSJ
April 29, 1917 ~ October 25, 2008
Josephine Eva, the daughter of Frances Novacek and Rudolph Prantner, was born on April 29, 1917, in Cromwell, Minnesota. On the feast of the Nativity of Mary, September 8, 1936, Josephine entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province.
Having fulfilled the requirements of the postulancy period, Josephine received the religious habit on the feast of St. Joseph on March 19, 1937, and was given her religious name, Sister Thelma. As was customary in those years, she made her first vows in March 1939 and her final vows on the feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1942.
With her first mission to the Provincial House in 1939, Thelma began her ministry of community service, a commitment that continued throughout her lifetime. With characteristic generosity, Thelma assisted in areas of food service at the Boys Home in Minneapolis; St. Joseph Convent in Stillwater, Minnesota; St. Edward, in Minneota, Minnesota; Holy Angels in Minneapolis; the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul; and St. Theresa in Hastings, Minnesota. Everywhere Thelma was known for her faith-filled service, and understanding, gentle spirit.
Following a period of illness, Thelma was missioned to Bethany in 1961. Once again she excelled in a variety of community services that included refectory responsibilities and laundry duties. Characteristic of Thelma’s generosity was that during a period of 17 years she also assisted Mrs. Kennelly, Bethany’s only all-night nurse (and Sister Karen’s mother) as they faithfully readied the sister patients for the early morning Mass—a task that began daily at 4 a.m. That gift alone surely would have merited Thelma a crown of glory!
In the 1970s, Thelma also reached out to care for elderly people in their homes and, occasionally, to babysit children in the neighborhood. These were added opportunities to serve “the dear neighbor” and favorite ways to reach out to persons in need. Transportation was never a problem, for Thelma simply tucked in her habit, mounted her bike, and rode off with joy and determination.
For nearly 40 years, Thelma had loved and served her religious community at Bethany. On one occasion, when she was hospitalized on her birthday, she wrote this very special message:
Dear Sisters,
In answer to your question—“Did I have a good day on my Birthday?”— even if I wanted to have a “bad day,” it would not have been possible. The many, many cards, prayers, and gifts simply would not allow that. These gifts simply pick you up (like a tornado!) and carry you to the area of gratefulness and thanksgiving to be with people like you.
May God bless and reward you all!
Sister Thelma
Thelma died peacefully at Bethany on Saturday October 25. Among the mourners at Bethany was Suzy, Thelma’s beautiful white angora cat. Everyone knows that Thelma had a special way with animals, especially cats. Suzy, the seventh cat in Thelma’s animal family, was greatly cherished. For this reason, the nursing staff allowed Suzy the very unusual privilege of being with Thelma during her last days.
Thelma is survived by many nieces and nephews, the caregivers at Bethany, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.
