Sister Agnes Muehlenfeld (Joan), Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ, died on January 7, 2021 at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana.
She was born in Quincy, Illinois on June 17, 1928 to Arthur and Caecilia (Broemmel) who preceded her in death along with her brothers James, Arthur and Joseph and her sisters Virginia Muehlenfeld, Rita Schulte and Milly Bruce. Sister was the sixth of seven children.
Sister Agnes entered the Poor Handmaids at the age of 18 in 1946. She professed her vows on June 25, 1949. Her ministry included time in Gary, IN and Milwaukee, WI. In both of these missions, she was a house Sister and cared for the needs of the Sisters who lived there. Sister’s longest ministry for 50 years was at the PHJC Motherhouse in Donaldson, IN. The Sisters lovingly recall that part of her ministry consisted in playing jokes on people. So considered this as her “hobby.” Sister lived her life of innocent fun, but Sister felt the favorite part of being a sister was the service she was able to offer to God for many years and the great graces she received in that service.
She officially retired on July 4, 2017 when she moved to the Catherine Kasper Home.
A private visitation will be held at the Ancilla Domini Chapel at the Center of Donaldson, IN on Friday, January 15, 2021 from 9:30 am to 11 am EST. The Mass of Resurrection will follow in the Chapel at 11:00 am EST and burial will follow the Liturgy in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Donaldson, IN. The services will be livestreamed beginning at 11:00 am EST: www.poorhandmaids.org/live.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ,
PO Box 1, Donaldson, Indiana 46513 or on www.poorhandmaids.org.
Andy says
Very sorry to hear of Sister’s passing. I had the honor of receiving one of her “sponge cakes” at my going away party from working with them. After the recent “Balloon Cake” (it was for the 50th anniversary of the chaplain and it was a frosted Balloon, when he cut it, it exploded and frosting went everywhere!) I decided to test it. It moved a little and I figured it was another one of those. So not to rob her of her enjoyment I started stabbing the cake like a maniac. Nothing happened. Then she was on the floor laughing saying “It’s a Sponge Cake!” (it sure was). They had a real one waiting as well.
Go to your well earned rest in Heaven. Prayers to those who mourn.
May Crider Gunn says
The apple dumplings Sr. Agnes made for the Bazaars and then later for sale by the Associates were not only wrapped in dough, they were wrapped in love. Her smiling face, warm heart and fun pranks like serving “sponge cake” were such a joy to all. There are many ways to express God’s love and she did it by making the world a more fun and loving place. My condolences especially to the Dietary Department staff members who were privileged to work with her and learn from her over the years. Heaven is having a wee bit more fun now…
margaret pixey says
Deepest sympathy and many hugs to all who Sr. Agnes touched in their heart. (including mine) She was an incredible woman. She always brought joy to everyone she greeted. Sr. Agnes was a wonderful listener too. Her real love and joy for people was unlimited as Gods love in her was shared. She is now with our Lord in full happiness.
Sympathy , love and prayers,
Margie Pixey
Barb Lowry says
Sr. Agnes certainly touched our hearts. We’ve made a lot of apple dumplings along side of Sr. Agnes and witnessed some of the pranks that she played. The most fun was watching how much joy it gave her. She made any situation more fun! Sr. Agnes was loving, caring, kind and had a heart as big as all outdoors. We love you and look forward to meeting you in heaven!
Barb & Bub Lowry
PHJC Associates
Sr. Karuna PHJC says
I really miss Sr. Agnes’s smile, prayers, blessings and kiss I used to get, when I took care of her in CKH. She could sense, if something bothers or upsets me and ask, “are you ok”? I felt so free to share with her, my little little worries and concerns. When she goes to bed she asks the blessing with Hoy water. Then I receive it from her too, and she prays, God make me as good as Sr. Karuna. However, I pray “God, give me at least some of Sr. Agnes’s loving nature, patience and holiness, because she is a person not demanding, grumbling or impatient, but ever grateful even for a small thing that is done for her. I am sure, she is an intercessor for me in Heaven because she is a Saint already in Heaven.
Sr. Karuna PHJC says
I really miss Sr. Agnes’s smile, prayers, blessings and kiss I used to get, when I took care of her in CKH. She could sense, if something bothers or upsets me and ask, “are you ok”? I felt so free to share with her, my little little worries and concerns. When she goes to bed she asks the blessing with Hoy water. Then I receive it from her too, and she prays, God make me as good as Sr. Karuna. However, I pray “God, give me at least some of Sr. Agnes’s loving nature, patience and holiness, because she is a person not demanding, grumbling or impatient, but ever grateful even for a small thing that is done for her. I am sure, she is an intercessor for me in Heaven because she is a Saint already in Heaven.
May her soul rest in peace.
Sr. Karuna, PHJC
Paula Wills says
Sr. Agnes was such a blessing to me whenever I visited the Motherhouse. She used to always ensure I received bread from Earthworks and cookies which were delicious. I will miss the hugs and smiles. Praying for PHJC Sisters.
Jan Wagoner says
Sister Agnes was a dear soul. I enjoyed working with her, many years ago. She loved her Sisters and worked so hard, always with a smile.
Tom Sibal says
Sister Agnes always had a smile on her face when you met her. She loved to bake and made wonderful apple dumplings and cookies for the the Blueberry Bike Cruise She also had a great sense of humor and I loved hearing about her pranks. Luckily I never got any of her special chocolate covered treats on April 1st. She was always a joy to talk with and I’ll really miss her.
Tom Padberg says
Sister Agnes is certainly smiling upon us, as she did each day of her beautiful life. My condolences to the PHJC Community and many close friends she leaves behind.
Karen Hill says
My heartfelt sympathy to all who knew Sr. Agnes. Sr. Agnes was so special. How many apple dumplings did she make? How many cookies did she bake? Not anywhere near the number of smiles that Sr. Agnes shared with everyone. Sr. Agnes keep sharing your love and smiles.
Vicki Miller says
Sister Agnes was an amazing woman. I will always remember her gracious smile. I know she will be missed greatly. God Bless her family and friends