In Memoriam: Sister Karlene Sensmeier

October 12, 2025

Sister Karlene Sensmeier of Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN, died at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Jasper, IN.

Sister Karlene Sensmeier was born Caren Agnes Sensmeier on March 13, 1944, in Princeton, IN, the oldest of four children of Edward G. Sensmeier and Mildred E. (Schaefer) Sensmeier.  She entered the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand in 1962 from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and made her monastic vows in 1964.

She was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her sister Marina L. (Sensmeier) Will and brother-in-law Larry J. Will; her brother Bennet “Ben” O. Sensmeier and sister-in-law Dollie (Campbell) Sensmeier; her sister Lucy (Sensmeier) Unfried and brother-in-law Terry Unfried; her nieces and nephews; and her religious family.

Sister Karlene earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Saint Benedict College in Ferdinand, IN, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, and studied at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, IL.  She taught at Saint Matthew School in Mount Vernon, IN; Saint Mary School, Apple Valley, CA; and Saint Benedict School in Evansville, IN, where she was also the Principal for 34 years altogether.

She was an Administrator at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, IL; a Co-Facilitator for Long-Range Planning at Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, SD; and on May 29, 2017, received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross – the highest Papal award for a woman.  At Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, IN, Sister Karlene served as a Council Member, as Associate Director of Development, Chairperson of the Long-Range Planning Committee, Director of the Kordes Enrichment Center, Director of Outreach and Engagement, in Supportive Services, and most recently as Companion for Major Gift Officers.

Sister Karlene was also a part of the group of musical sisters in Ferdinand who would perform for the general public as the Convent Combo, and as Stillpoint when performing sacred concerts.

Public visitation will be held in Marian Parlor at Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana, on Thursday, October 16 from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. EST, and on Friday, October 17 from 2:00 to 4:15 p.m. EST in the monastery church.  A Vigil Service will be held in the monastery church on Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. EST.  Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 17 at 4:30 p.m. EST with burial in the monastery cemetery, then a supper following in the dining room.  If you are unable to be present for the Vigil Service or Funeral Mass, you can view online at funeral.thedome.org.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand.