Sister Joyann Repp, CSA
Sister Joyann Repp, CSA, died October 13, 2026, at St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Sister Joyann was born on April 26, 1943, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She was named Mary Ann by her parents, Simon and Theresa Schmerda Repp. At the age of nine, she suffered the loss of her mother and, at age 12, the loss was doubled by the sudden death of her father. In their grief, young Mary Ann and her nine-year-old brother, Jim Repp, bonded in a way that lasted a lifetime.
Despite their deep sorrow, the two children found solace in the generosity of Uncle Frank and Aunt Elizabeth Schmerda who, unwilling to see them separated, welcomed them into their home. The support of this family remained an inspiration and source of deep gratitude for both Mary Ann and Jim.
Living with her new family, Mary Ann completed grade and high school in Milwaukee and graduated from St. Agnes School of Nursing, Fond du Lac. After one year of employment as a nurse, she entered the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA) in 1965. She made her first profession of vows on August 15, 1968, as Sister Joyann.
Sister Joyann earned a BS degree in nursing from Marian College and an MA in nursing administration from Indiana University. With this background, she ministered primarily in ICU and pediatric departments in hospitals of Wisconsin, Kansas, and New Mexico. Her creative eye led her to initiate several programs within these hospital settings. Her own childhood may have inspired her to work with local schools to help children relieve their fear of hospitals by inviting them to visit the ward with new babies, to see an X-ray machine, to meet nurses and doctors. Sister worked with a new hospice program in Kansas; she started the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Home Care for people who could not otherwise afford it; she ventured into Indian Health Services to help alleviate the chronic health conditions that prevail in the population; she worked as Bereavement Coordinator who advocated for and helped found the Grief Relief Program that addresses the loss and sadness of children that was similar to her own.
Sister Joyann also used her nursing and administrative gifts in positions within CSA. She served as Regional Coordinator for sisters in the Southwest. A person who loved to be part of new ventures, an innovator who prided herself in the ability to plan projects, she was one of the first Local Coordinators who helped open Nazareth Court and Center; she was the first Local Coordinator who assisted with the planning and furnishing of St. Agnes Convent in Fond du Lac and she successfully oriented the sisters into their new living environment.
The spirit of Sister Joyann is expressed well in the name she chose and kept. Known for her joyful, positive, and adventurous attitude, Sister Joyann loved a party. She habitually reached out to others, easily made friends, and graciously cared especially for those in need.
Due to failing health, Sister Joyann became a resident of Nazareth Center in July 2024 and of St. Francis Home on September 15, 2026.
Sister Joyann will be missed by her brother, Jim, by their extended family, and by the Sisters of St. Agnes with whom she lived, prayed, and ministered.
Services for Sister Joyann Repp will be held Friday, October 23, 2026.
Visitation: 9:00 -11:00 a.m., and 12:00-1:30 p.m., Nazareth Court and Center, 375 Gillett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Prayer Service: 11:00 a.m., in Nazareth Center Chapel (address above).
Liturgy of Christian Burial: 2:00 p.m., St. Francis Home Chapel, 33 Everett Street, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with Father Tom Zelinski, OFM Cap., presiding.
Burial following Mass—St. Joseph Springs Cemetery.
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 Repp family are grateful to the nurses and staff of Nazareth Court and Center and St. Francis Home for their devoted care of Sister Joyann.
Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes.