August 1, 1934-Oct. 9, 2019

Saint Benedict’s Monastery

Saint Joseph, Minn.

The Eucharist of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at the Sacred Heart Chapel, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, for Sister Roberta (Carol) Werner, who died on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Burial will be in the monastery cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Benson Funeral Homes. Friends may call at Saint Scholastica Convent on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. or for a Vigil Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Visitation continues Thursday at 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral.

Roberta was born Aug. 1, 1934, to Lloyd and Adeline (Manderfeld) Werner in New Ulm, Minn. She was the oldest in her family with one sister. She attended Holy Trinity Grade School and Holy Trinity High School in New Ulm. She entered Saint Benedict’s Monastery on Sept. 14, 1958, was received into the novitiate on June 16, 1959, made first profession on July 11, 1960, and perpetual monastic profession on July 11, 1963. Her Golden Jubilee was celebrated July 11, 2010.

S. Roberta received a B.A. degree in music with minors in sociology, English, philosophy and education at the College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph. She studied at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., and earned a master’s in music education degree, magna cum laude, at DePaul University in Chicago. At the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, she earned a Ph.D. in music.

S. Roberta served in music ministry, music education and as organist in Pierz, Minn., and St. Joseph Parish, St. Joseph, and taught music education at the College of St. Benedict for 14 years (1967-1981), except for eight months when she studied for her master’s. She was a volunteer for music ministry in the New Ulm area and served as caretaker of her parents in their declining years. She was employed in the development office of the New Ulm Area of Catholic Schools (1995-2005). She then moved to Saint Benedict’s Monastery where she served as assistant to the oblate director. Through long months of suffering from cancer, her zest for life and her wonderful sense of humor stayed with her.

S. Roberta is survived by the members of her Benedictine community; her sister, Kathleen Pearson; her nephew, Derek Schreyer; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Paul Pearson.

Please direct memorial gifts to the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict Retirement Fund.

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