We celebrate our Jubilarians!
We honor these Sisters for their over 300 years of service to those in need. Daily, they continue living out their vocational call, working for justice, alleviating oppression and speaking out for those without a voice. We thank them for their dedication to making our world a better place for all to live.
Sister Jean Huntimer celebrates her 75th Jubilee
Sister Jean (Mary Josephine) Huntimer was raised in Madison and Winfred, SD. She obtained an Associate Teaching Degree from Notre Dame Junior College, Mitchell, SD, a Bachelor’s from Northern State Teachers College, Aberdeen, SD and a Master’s in Education Administration from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI.
Knowing she wanted to teach children about God, Sister Jean followed her heart and became a teacher. For 45 years, she shared her love of learning by enriching the lives of students, both as a teacher and principal in Catholic schools throughout SD, MN, MT and NM.
Her ministry transitioned and Sister Jean worked in parish ministry for 15 years in Huron, SD. She continued sharing her compassionate spirit with the parishioners as she taught bible studies, visited those in the hospital and by taking communion to the homebound. Feeling called to do more for those less fortunate, Sister Jean started a thrift store called the St. Francis Shop.
She continued her service to others by volunteering at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital’s Auxiliary Guest House and also worked in the Convent Library. Now fully retired, Sister Jean enjoys reading, doing puzzles and playing pinochle.
Sister Ruth Geraets celebrates her 60th Jubilee
Sister Ruth Ann Geraets was raised on a farm near Dell Rapids, SD. She attended Northern State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Mathematics. She went on to complete a Masters of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN.
For 21 years, Sister Ruth taught in Catholic Schools in Anoka and Mount, MN and Madison, Mitchell, and Aberdeen, SD. Her ministry then led her to McDowell County, WV, where she worked with Catholic Community Services and those made poor as coal companies were leaving the area. Her compassionate heart led her back to South Dakota where she directed shelters for women and children on the Cheyenne River Reservation and later did parish ministry. She was Formation Coordinator and Director of Novices from 1999-2011 and in January 2008, was appointed Congregational Treasurer, a position she still holds today.
Sister Ruth began collaborating with Seventh Generation Interfaith Coalition for Responsible Investment in 2008 serving on the Board for six years. Together, they engage corporations through dialogue and resolutions, promoting a more just and sustainable world. She also served nine years on the Presentation College Board of T