Sister Martina Brinkschroeder, O.S.B., 94 of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL, passed away Friday October 7, 2016 at the Monastery.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Chapel at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island. Burial is in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation is 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary Monastery, 2200 88th Avenue W., Rock Island, IL 61201.
Martina Brinkschroeder was born March 2, 1922 in Ft. Madison, Iowa, a daughter of George and Dorothea Pietz Brinkschroeder. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA, and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
Sister Martina entered the Benedictine community on September 8, 1940 and made her final profession as a Benedictine sister on August 22, 1945.
Her ministry included teaching at St. Boniface School and Holy Family School, Peoria, IL, Immaculate Conception School, Monmouth, IL, Sts. Peter & Paul School, Nauvoo, IL, St. Mary School, Wenona, IL, St. Columba School, Chicago, IL, St. Thomas More School, Munster IN, and Librarian at St. Mary Monastery.
She is survived by her Benedictine Sisters; and several nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Martin; and sister, Rose Rickleman.
Sister Martina was a wise and loving model of Benedictine life. We will miss her deeply.
monasterywisdomvocationblog.smmsisters.org 
Sister Martina was a dear friend of mine, especially when she taught 7th grade Math and Science. During her years in Munster (St. Thomas More School,) Sister was a living example of the Holy Rule of St. Benedict. We would often take a reading from the Holy Rule, read it then discuss it. Sister Martina taught me so very much. I just found out of her death last week when another Sister called me. Two friends of mine, and myself, would visit the Monastery to see various sister’s, and Sister Martina was ALWAYS one of them. We loved her very much. Sister Martina, I am so very sorry I did not learn of your death until way after it happened. Of the Sisters I planned to come to Rock Island for their funeral, Sister Martina YOU were one of them. Rest in Peace my dear friend, and please pray for me.
Chet Nordyke
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Dear Chet,
Sister Martina would be pleased to hear how much you appreciated her presence. We’re so sorry you didn’t hear of her death in time to come to the funeral.
Peace,
Sister Sheila
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