We will hold a Memorial Service here at the Basilica Monday December 30th at 12:10pm.

Sister Michaeleen Jantzer of Mother of God Monastery, Watertown, SD, died on December 21, 2024, at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, at the age of 95. She had received excellent care for several years at Estelline Care Center.

Michaeleen was born at home on March 23, 1929, in Glen Ullin, North Dakota to John and Anna (Tkach) Jantzer and given the name Beverly Ann. Two years later the family welcomed Giles Joseph Jantzer. S. Michaeleen and Giles were very close and closer still after the untimely illness and death of their father in 1935. The 9 years that followed John’s death were difficult for Anna and her children; they moved 9 times in as many years to find suitable housing and whatever domestic work was available.

Michaeleen had many fond memories of her time at Sacred Heart School in Glen Ullin where she first encountered Benedictine Sisters from Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton. In 5th Grade, S. Sophie put up a picture of the sisters in the Yankton Chapel and she thought, “It would be great to be in the chapel praying with those sisters.”

Sister entered the convent in Yankton at the age of 14 to complete her high school education. After graduation in 1947 she professed 1st vows and made final profession on June 24, 1950. She became a founding member of Mother of God Monastery on June 15, 1961. 

Michaeleen’s great desire was to be a teacher. As was the custom, she taught during the school year and attended summer school to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in 1967 from Mount Marty College and a Master’s Degree in 1977 from SDSU. Teaching took her to Catholic schools all over South Dakota, serving as principal at schools in Kranzburg and Aberdeen until God led her in another direction.

In 1979, after 30 years of teaching, Michaeleen headed to Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA to participate in the CREDO Program. This program prepared her to lead adult faith formation and serve at St. Paul’s Newman Center on the campus of NDSU in Fargo for 6 years.

In 1986, she transitioned into pastoral ministry and religious education at St. James Basilica, and campus ministry at Jamestown College. She held the position of campus minister for a total of 24 years and ministered to the people of the basilica parish for 28 years.

Michaeleen was full of life, wisdom, good humor and stories! She had a vibrant “writing ministry” keeping in touch with family, young people, couples and associates well into her sunset years.

Sister welcomed everyone and certainly never knew a stranger. She will be missed by many and remembered by all for her generosity, zest for life, and devotion to Gospel living as a Benedictine sister. 

Prayer Service will be held at Mother of God Monastery Friday, December 27, 2024 at 6:30pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at Mother of God Monastery Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:30am.

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