In Memory of Sister Marita Kollasch

December 2, 1928 – June 9, 2012

Sister Mary Marita Kollasch, PBVM, 84, daughter of John and Agatha (Laubenthal), was born Anna Mae Kollasch on December 2, 1928 in Whittemore, IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation in August of 1950 and professed her perpetual vows on June 8, 1956.

She earned her teaching certificate after studying at Clarke College (now University), Loras College and Briar Cliff College. Her Presentation career, spanning 59 years, took her to Farley, Waukon, Lawler, Bankston, Algona, St. Columbkille’s, Dubuque (1976-1986) and Key West, all in Iowa. Her ministries included elementary teacher and librarian.

Sister retired in 1989 and volunteered her seamstress skills at Mount Loretto for many years while she continued with prayer and community service. She enjoyed calligraphy, rosary making, sewing, music, art projects, knitting, crocheting and spending time with her cousins, Sisters Pierre Kollasch, Anne Marie Kollasch, and René Laubenthal, all members of the Presentation community. Sister Marita daily lived her statement, “I have gratitude to God for my vocation as a Presentation Sister.”

Surviving are her sisters, Marjorie Rohlf and Norrine Coleman, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 62 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Marvin Kollasch, and her sisters, Ruth Kohlhaas and Eleanor Berte.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at www.dubuquepresentations.org.