Carol Geels

Download Sister's obituary as a PDF.  
Descarga la obituario en español

Give a donation in honor of Sister Carol Geels

Download the prayer service booklet as a PDF.
Download the booklet for the Mass of Christian Burial as a PDF.

Sister Carol Geels, baptized Celesta Theresa, died peacefully June 19, 2024, at Nazareth Court, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Celesta was born October 2, 1928, in Decatur, Indiana, the daughter of Agnes Rumschlag Geels and Joseph Geels.  She grew up in a loving, farm family of one son and four daughters where love of creation, music, and dancing were part of everyday, happy living.  

Celesta was educated by the Sisters of St. Agnes at St. Joseph Elementary School, Decatur, Indiana, and Decatur Catholic High School.  Influenced by the joyful spirit of the Sisters at school and by her aunt, Sister Ernestine Geels, she entered St. Agnes Convent in 1946. She made her first profession of vows in the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes as Sister Carol on August 15, 1949, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. 

Sister Carol earned a B.S. in Elementary and Music Education from Marian College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and a Master of Education with emphasis in Guidance and Counseling from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She continued her education at St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, in Liturgical Music, at Fordham University, Bronx, New York, in Scripture and Religious Studies, and at St. Mary’s University, Winona, Minnesota, in Administration.

For forty-two years, Sister Carol ministered in education as an elementary teacher, principal, and music teacher in parish schools in Wisconsin, New York, and Pennsylvania. During her final years of teaching, she was the K-8 music teacher at St. John the Baptist School in Jefferson, Wisconsin. She then spent six years as a volunteer at the Monroe Clinic in Monroe, Wisconsin (2004-2010). Interspersed with her teaching ministry, Sister served in leadership roles for the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, as an Apostolic Councilor for Elementary Education (1971-1979) and as Local Coordinator and Administrator at the Motherhouse (1994-1999.) Following her years of active ministry, Sister resided at the CSA Motherhouse (2010-2016) volunteering in the CSA Sponsorship Ministry Office and assisting with the liturgical worship of the local community.

She became a resident of Nazareth Court and Center in January 2016.  She shared her love for music and her beautiful voice, enhancing the worship services for the sisters living with her in the retirement center. 

Sister Carol was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Agnes (Rumschlag) Geels, her brother Carl (Betty, Norma) Geels and her sisters Dolores (Raymond) Ehinger, Naomi (Dale) Alles, and Vera (Gene) Johnson.  

She is survived by her nieces and nephews and their families and the Sisters of St. Agnes with whom she lived, prayed, and ministered.

Cremation has taken place.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at Nazareth Court and Center, 375 Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

A Prayer Service in honor of Sister Carol will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Nazareth Center Chapel, 375 Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at St. Francis Home Chapel, 33 Everett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with Father Thomas Zelinski, OFM, Cap., presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Springs Cemetery, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Memorials may be directed to the CSA Mission Advancement Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.

The Sisters of St. Agnes and the Geels family are grateful to the nurses and staff of Nazareth Court and Center and Hospice Hope for their devoted care of Sister Carol.