Sr. Joseph Dukart

Sister Joseph Dukart, a member of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, entered eternal life on May 18, at St. Vincent’s Care Center where she has been a resident since July 2024. 

Visitation at the monastery will be Thursday, May 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery. The Mass of Christian Burial is Friday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Sister Joseph (baptized Wilhelmina) was born May 10, 1932, in Dickinson, ND, the seventh of nine children of Joseph and Barbara (Keller) Dukart. Her experience of growing up with her father’s diminished eyesight sensitized her in gentle care for others with special needs. As a student at St. Joseph’s School in Dickinson, “Minnie” loved the sisters and joined the Benedictine Sisters in 1950 and celebrated her 72nd anniversary of monastic profession in 2024.

Prepared as a licensed practical nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD, Sister Joseph’s love of caring for others led her to serve with an infectiously joyful spirit.

She graciously and gratefully served at St. Alexius and Garrison Memorial Hospitals, and as coordinator and nurse in the Priory/Monastery health center. Sister Joseph generously did whatever was asked of her, whether it was assisting in health care, at switchboard, housekeeping, errands, or driving. Summer leisure time drew her to outdoor activities including taking care of the trees on monastery property and at the lake in Garrison. She happily invited other sisters to share vacation time at her sister, Bridget’s, lake cabin in Montana. Sister Joseph brightened others’ days with her nursing stories and mischievous sense of humor. It was her delight to fool the unsuspecting on April Fools’ Day. Her care and concern for others was ever present, even when she was the one needing care herself. Her deep faith and prayerful example were an inspiration. God was a steady refuge for Sister Joseph as she explained and exclaimed, “He’s there all the time, whenever you need Him!”

Sister Joseph is survived by nieces and nephews and the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Rose Wiley, Ann Daubert, Clara Karniss, Bridget Obernolte, and Mary Mussehl, and brothers John, Ralph, and Henry. 

Memorials may be made to Annunciation Monastery.