Springfield Dominican Sister Mary Karla Fritz died June 7, 2018, at St. John’s Hospital. She was born near Herscher, Ill., in 1930, and baptized Veronica Florence by her parents, Carl G. and Mary Anne Heimburger Fritz. She made her profession of vows in 1954 at Sacred Heart Convent.
Sister M. Karla ministered nearly 30 years as a music educator in Illinois’ elementary schools throughout northern and central Illinois. In the 1970s she was principal, eighth grade teacher, and music teacher at Sacred Heart, Granite City. For five years she taught music at Marian Catholic High School, Chicago Heights. From the mid-1980s until her retirement in 2014 she served in a variety of community ministries including seven years as prioress and liturgist at Sacred Heart Convent, then later as director of dietary services. She was liturgist and hospitality coordinator at the Dominican Sisters’ ecology and spirituality ministry sites—Benincasa and Jubilee Farm— and remained active until her death.
Sister M. Karla was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Aloysius and Francis, and sisters Anna Rita Durand, Angela Beauchamp, and Mary Jane Inkster. She is survived by her sister Colette Cheffer, her brother Bernard Fritz, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Wake Service: 4:00 p.m. with visitation until 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 11, Aquinas Center, Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St. Morning prayer: 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 12, followed by Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. convent chapel, Father Peter Witchousky, OP, celebrant; Deacon Leon Fritz, assisting. Burial follows, Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL. 62704.
The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister M. Karla are being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
I was a freshman student in her music class (while at MCHS btw 1978-1980). She was an enthusiastic teacher.
One of my favorite teachers at Sacred Heart school in Granite City! Was always too kind to tell me I couldn’t sing. As long as you enjoyed singing she encouraged you to join in!
Sister Mary Karla was a wonderful teacher and strong woman role model. She was our school teacher but she taught me so much more. She taught love and strength and gratitude.