Sister Wanda Marie Mettes OSF

Sister Wanda Mettes, 79, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, Minnesota, died at Assisi Heights on Monday, December 29, 2025.

Wanda Marie Mettes was born on January 4, 1946, in Shelbina, Missouri, to Herman and Carolina (Shoaf) Mettes. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1988, and made perpetual vows in 1994.

Sister Wanda Mettes devoted her life to compassionate ministry and dedicated service. From 1989 to 1991, she served in the Novitiate Volunteer Ministry, including work with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis AIDS Ministry. She continued her pastoral commitment at Immaculate Conception Parish in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, from 1991 to 1998, where she was engaged in pastoral ministry and justice outreach. From 1998 to 2002, Sister Wanda ministered at Assisi Heights in Rochester, Minnesota, serving on the Congregational Incorporation Team and as Central Minister for the Rochester Franciscan Life Teams. Following a 2003–2004 sabbatical, she provided administrative support as a receptionist at Experience Works and later at Rochester Community and Technical College. In 2018, she returned to Assisi Heights as Secretary to the Director of Residential Life. Sister Wanda officially retired in 2022, continuing to serve as a volunteer.

Survivors of Sister Wanda Mettes include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 37 years; sisters Charlene Waddell, Sue Hoschek, and Wilma Yarrington; and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Resurrection Liturgy will be held at Assisi Heights at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. To view the funeral via live stream, go to www.rochesterfrancisan.org.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis, Office of Donor Relations, Assisi Heights, 1001 14 th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901