SPRINGFIELD – Dominican Sister M. Dominic Joerger, OP, 96, died Oct. 9, 2020 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield.

Private Mass of Resurrection was held at Sacred Heart Convent on Oct. 12. A private burial was held at Calvary Cemetery on Oct. 13. A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Convent at a later date.

Sister M. Dominic was born Sept. 22, 1924 in Mendota to Lawrence and Julia (Jones) Joerger and baptized Mary Ann at Holy Cross Parish, Mendota. She joined the Dominicans in 1943 and professed her vows in 1945 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield.

Survivors include two brothers, Raymond (Kathy) and Bill (Gloria) Joerger, and one sister, Sister M. Concepta Joerger, who resides at Sacred Heart Convent. Among the dozens of nieces and nephews who survive are three siblings who are also religious: Sisters M. Paulette and Marian Joseph Joerger are Springfield Dominican Sisters. Their sister, Sister Ann Marie Joerger, is a contemplative Cistercian nun.

Sister M. Dominic was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Fr. Leo, Robert, Paul and Frank Joerger; and one sister, Dorothy Fane.

Sister M. Dominic was the consummate primary school teacher, preferring to prepare little ones to read and learn their faith. For 43 years she taught mostly first and second grades in Springfield, Chicago, Mendota, Sauk Village, and Jacksonville, and in Duluth, Minn. The exception was teaching – to her delight – her relatives in the middle grades in Mendota. She was principal of Christ the King School, Springfield, 1964-1968.

In 1993, after completing her educational ministry at St. Patrick School in Springfield, her “retirement” project was to establish St. Martin De Porres Center, a food and clothing distribution center, in a vacant fast food restaurant near the parish. She continued her volunteer service at St. Martin’s as long as she was able.

In lieu of flowers or visits, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.