Dominica Gerszewski

Sister Dominica Gerszewski, age 99, died peacefully January 14, 2026 at RiverView Hospital, Crookston, MN.

She was born on July 11, 1926, in Grand Forks County, Turtle River Township, the second of eight children of Dominic John Gerszewski and Suzanna (Paschke) Gerszewski. She was baptized on the same day by Mathilda Barto, a midwife, who was her godmother. Her parents named her Frances Louise.

 Louise, as she was called as a youngster, attended Turtle District No. 10 country school. After finishing eighth grade, she came to Mount Saint Benedict Academy for high school, where she was known as Frances. During these World War II years, Mount boarding students attended classes at Cathedral High School in Crookston. In her junior year, the sisters resumed classes at the Mount for the aspirants and postulants. In her senior year, she was admitted to the community as a postulant in January, 1944.

 On July 11, 1944, Frances received the habit and the name Sister Dominica. In 1945 she made first monastic profession and in 1948 her final profession of vows.

Six years after Sister Dominica entered the monastery, her sister, Sister Jolenta did also.

 Her first assignment was helping Sister Gertrude Knopke with piano lessons in Bemidji. Other places she served were Barnesville, Slayton, Saint Francis in Moorhead, Benson Osseo, Detroit Lakes, and then finally at MSB.

One of Sister Dominica's fondest memories was a trip in 1983 to Europe, where they toured about thirteen different countries. That year the Passion Play was performing. They also visited the Vatican, had an audience with the Holy Father, received his blessing, and saw the museum and several different churches.

Sister Dominica filled summers with college classes at the Mount and Viterbo College in LaCrosse, WI, where she received her bachelor's degree in music. In 1988 she received one unit in Clinical Pastoral Education from United Hospital, Grand Forks. That year she also received a Certificate in Ministry at MSB Center

In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, reading good novels and biographies, listening to movies, and keeping up with the news

Sister Dominica wrote, "Every day, I thank God for my vocation to this Benedictine community. There have been many changes in our community during my lifetime. I have received many blessings throughout the years."

She is preceded in death by her parents: Dominic John Gerszewski and Suzanna (Paschke) Gerszewski, siblings: Irene Czapiewski, Delphine, Sister Jolenta, Cyril Gerszewski, James Gerszewski and David Gerszewski. She is survived by sibling: Dennis Gerszewski and by many nieces and nephews and the Sisters of Saint Benedict of Crookston.

A prayer service celebrating Sister Dominica's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, 620 Summit Ave, Crookston MN, Celebrant: Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens. Interment will be held later this spring.

Funeral Arrangements by Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, MN.