Obituary for Sister Rosalia Bauer, FSPA

Sister Rosalia Bauer, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 95, died on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was in the seventy-fourth year of her religious profession. Rosalia Ritalina was born on Feb. 20, 1929 to Joseph A. and Rosa (Danzinger) Bauer in Lima, Wisconsin. She and her eight brothers and two sisters grew up on the family farm. At Christmas, when Rosalia was in the third grade, she received a “Nurse Kit” from Santa Claus and began practicing on her brothers. From that moment on, she knew she wanted to be a nurse. She attended Sacred Heart School in Lima where she completed her grade and high school. She enjoyed gardening, being in nature and practicing baking with her brothers. Her summers were spent with her siblings working on the farm; wintertime brought ice skating, sledding and skiing.

In 1947 she followed her aunt, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Ritalina Danzinger, and entered St. Rose Convent. Rosalia was received into the novitiate in 1948 and given the name Sister Mary Ambrose. She later went back to her baptismal name and made her profession of first vows on Aug. 12, 1950. Always wanting to be a nurse, Sister Rosalia became an RN, graduating from St. Anthony School of Nursing in Carroll, Iowa; then going on to receive a BSN from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa; an MSN from the University of Washington, Seattle and eventually became a family nurse practitioner through Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

Sister Rosalia ministered as a nurse in nine states and Thailand, in large and small hospitals, nursing homes, home care, university clinics, county clinics, public health centers, a migrant camp and a refugee camp. She saw nursing as “a doorknob allowing entrance into people’s homes and hearts.” Her varied experiences, especially with the migrants in Virginia and refugees in Thailand, gave her a deep appreciation of cultural differences, the miracles of medicine and the resilience of people. In 1992, a new passion was born for Sister Rosalia when she was invited to become part of the pro-life movement through Pro-Life Wisconsin. She continued her pro-life commitment for the rest of her years, even into retirement.

Sister Rosalia is remembered for her determination and love of life. She was a great storyteller. Her eyes would light up when talking about her ministry in the migrant camp in Virginia or with the refugees in Thailand. She was a pro-life activist to the very core and was passionate about sharing conversations that supported all forms of life, particularly that of the unborn. She loved her FSPA community and her family, and participated in as many activities as she could.

A vigil service will take place for Sister Rosalia on Thursday, October 17, 2024 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 Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Burial will be with her parents at Holy Rosary Parish, Lima, Wis. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

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