May 22, 1912 – October 14, 1997
Sister Florentine (Eleanore Catherine) Schlangen, 85, died of causes due to age at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, Cottonwood, Idaho, on October 14, 1997. She was born in Richmond, Minnesota, on May 22, 1912, to Jacob and Catherine (Braegelmann) Schlangen, the first of ten children.
After high school, she was hired by various families to help with housekeeping, cooking, etc. until she entered St. Gertrude’s in September 1937. She made her Profession as a Benedictine Sister there in March 1939. She celebrated her 50th Jubilee in 1989 by visiting family and friends.
Most of her years in the community were spent in domestic services at Our Lady of Consolation Hospital, Cottonwood; St. Valentine’s Hospital, Wendell, Idaho; and the Monastery, Cottonwood. With inspiring faith, compassion, and concern for the needs of others, she spent most of her last ten years praying for the Sisters, the Church, and all the needs of the world.
Sister Florentine was always recognized by her quick smile, willingness to do the extras, and her love for the Sisters and for her family. Although she was usually quite serious, she delighted many people with her quick wit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters Sister Cyrilla and Mrs. Theresa Theis. She is survived by her brothers Paul, Benedict, and Raymond, all of Richmond, MN, and her sisters Lidwina Kemper and Cele Silvers of Richmond, Sister Lucille of St. Cloud, MN, and Sister Wilma of Cottonwood, ID, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
A Vigil Service for her was held in the Chapel at the Monastery of St. Gertrude on Friday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for her on Saturday, October 18 at 9:00 a.m. The presider was Rev. Norbert Lemke, S.J., Chaplain at the Monastery.