Memorial Services for Sister JoAnn Sturzl

Sister JoAnn Sturzl, 90, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died June 6, 2023 at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am, Monday, June 12, 2023, at St Mary’s Parish, 2109 S. 5th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Visitation one hour prior to service. Scriptural Wake Service is at 6 pm, Sunday, June 11th, 2023 at George Boom Funeral Home 3408 E. 10th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103. Visitation one-hour prior at the funeral home. Services will be live-streamed and a link to a recorded funeral service will be available at www.georgeboom.com George Boom Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Interment at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Aberdeen, SD.

Josephine Ann was born January 20, 1933, Pipestone, MN to Helen (Hansen) and Frank Sturzl and graduated Pipestone High School, 1951. Prior to becoming a religious sister, Joey, as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, attended Presentation School of Nursing, McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls and became a registered nurse in 1954. She entered Presentation Convent August 10, 1955, professed vows August 10, 1957, and received her religious name of Sister Mary Joseph Ann.

A lifelong learner, Sister JoAnn held several degrees: AA (1957, Presentation College), BSN (1967, Marquette University), MSN Nursing Administration (1969, Boston University), MA, Religious Studies (1991, Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles) and was a licensed Personality & Human Relations (PRH) educator (1989).

Sister JoAnn ministered in nursing leadership at several hospitals, including St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen and McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls; parish ministry (Montebello, CA, Los Angeles Archdiocesan Diaconate, and St. Mary Parish, Sioux Falls); and senior housing service coordination (Bloomington, MN). Called to Presentation Sisters’ congregational leadership in 1970, she served four years as Vice President and eight years as President. During her tenure, the congregation and the Church received the gifts of her commitment to human and spiritual growth of the sisters, as she led them through renewal of religious life, as decreed by Vatican II. Over a span of 33 years, she also ministered as a Personality and Human Relations (PRH) educator—guiding persons to discover their authentic identity and empower them to live to their fullest potential.

Sister JoAnn answered God’s call to love with generosity and joy. Her beautiful smile, infectious laughter, peaceful presence, and deep wisdom will be missed. She delighted in adventure and was at home in nature. Fascinated by the uniqueness of each human being she desired to be remembered as “Being true to who I am.” Sister JoAnn believed and hoped that our world would be transformed if each person discovered and lived into who God created them to be.

She is survived by her family of Presentation Sisters and siblings: Barbara Redmond, Lisa (Gene) Pepp, Sherri Eggleston; sister-in-law: Brenda Sturzl, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings: (twin) Mary Mitchell, Maxine Koeniguer, and Frank Sturzl, Jr. and brothers-in-law: Wayne Mitchell, Charles Redmond, Tom Koeniguer; and Gabe Eggleston.

Memorials may be directed to the Presentation Sisters, SD to support Care of the Earth.