Sister Myra Schmieg

Sister Myra Schmieg, age 83, died peacefully July 22, 2025, at Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home, Crookston, MN.

Marlys Catherine Schmieg was born July 8, 1942, the first of eleven children of Leonard Schmieg and Myra Jean (Radermacher) Schmieg in Ortonville, MN.

After eight years of being taught by the Benedictine Sisters at Saint Joseph’s School in Rosen, Marlys attended high school at Mount Saint Benedict Academy in Crookston. During those years, she developed an interest in a religious vocation. As a senior, she took the first steps toward becoming a Benedictine sister. She received the habit along with thirteen other young women in 1960 and the name Sister Myra. She made first vows in 1961 and final profession in 1966.

During her first four years in the monastery, Sister Myra worked in the dietary department of Mount St. Benedict Academy. She then attended Saint Catherine’s College in Saint Paul to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition and a year of internship at Saint Paul Ramsey Hospital to become a registered dietitian. Sister Myra served as the dietitian at Riverview Hospital and Nursing Home in Crookston, Saint Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, and as a consultant for many area nursing homes.

After many years in the dietary field, Sister Myra took courses at Willmar Community College and earned an Associate of Arts degree in accounting. In 1989 she began serving as treasurer of Mount Saint Benedict Monastery.

Sister Myra shared her knowledge and thoughtful advice as an ex officio member of Mount Saint Benedict council and as a member of the finance committee of the Federation of Saint Gertrude. Over the years, she has also served on hospital boards in Browerville, Red Lake Falls, and the Villa/The Summit in Crookston and the Boards of Care and Share and the Catholic Community Foundation.

Sister Myra’s relaxation consisted of sewing, especially items for our gift shop, embroidery, crocheting, and hardanger (Norwegian embroidery) including two beautiful altar cloths for the Mount chapel. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins.

Sister Myra was serious about both the prayer and work aspects of Benedictine life. She valued the importance of the Eucharist, private prayer and the Liturgy of the Hours in her life. Her education and steady commitment served her and the monastery very well.

Sister Myra is preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Myra Jean Schmieg and her brother Charles. She is survived by siblings Elaine Schmieg, Jean (Marvin) Kirchberg, Gerald (Melba) Schmieg, Mary (Bill) Wersch, Theresa (Dale) Kluxdal, Thomas (Barb) Schmieg, Susan (Tim) Stengel, Leonard Jr. Schmieg, and Mike (Theresa) Schmieg, by many nieces and nephews and by the Sisters of Saint. Benedict of Crookston.

Funeral services for Sister Myra Schmieg will be held Monday, August 4, 2025, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Mount Saint Benedict, 620 Summit Avenue, Crookston, MN:

11:00 a.m. Prayer Service,

2:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial with Father David Super presiding.

Internment in Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery will follow immediately after Mass.

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