Sr. Helen E. Wachal, SSJ-TOSF

Sister Helen Wachal, a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis for 76 years, died Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at St. Joseph Motherhouse in Stevens Point, WI.

Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, February 13, at St. Joseph Motherhouse Chapel, 1300 Maria Drive. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dennis Lynch officiating. Burial will be in the convent cemetery.

Sister Helen was born June 16, 1924 in Antigo, WI, the fourth of eight children of the late Michael and Mary (Noskowiak) Wachal.

On August 10, 1940, Sister Helen was received into the novitiate of the Order, and pronounced perpetual vows on August 10, 1947. For 46 years she enjoyed preparing meals as a convent homemaker in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and in the Dietary Department of Divine Infant Hospital, Wakefield, MI. In Stevens Point she served at St. Stanislaus Convent and at the Motherhouse. Her hobbies in gardening and artistic creations, especially ceramics, prepared Sister Helen to manage the convent Arts and Craft Department and the Gift Shoppe for 17 years until 2004 when she retired from active ministry.

Survivors include four sisters, Agnes Kroll, Jane Ryan, Lorraine Goulet, Rita Bovee; one brother, Norman, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert, and sister Evelyn Duncan.

Memorials may be offered to the Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF. Pisarski Funeral Home in Stevens Point is assisting with arrangements.