Sister Joyce Stemper, OSF

Sister Joyce Stemper, 86, a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, Minnesota, a resident of Assisi Heights, died at the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Joyce Elaine Stemper was born on March 23, 1939, in Caledonia, MN, to John and Marie (Hurley) Stemper. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1957, received the name Sister John, and made perpetual vows in 1963.

Sister Joyce devoted more than sixty years to education, formation, and compassionate service. From 1960–1974, she served as an elementary teacher and librarian in parish schools throughout Minnesota, including Rochester, Adams, Austin, and Winona, while also engaging in parish ministry. From 1974–1978, she ministered at Assisi Heights in Rochester as Directress of Novices, providing leadership in formation, retreats, and spiritual direction. She completed graduate studies at Loyola University, Chicago (1978–1979). Between 1979–1988, Sister Joyce served in Chicago as an elementary teacher and assistant principal, with a strong commitment to social justice. From 1988–1991, she taught and served as a librarian in Minneapolis while participating in AIDS outreach. Her ministry expanded to healthcare and outreach in St. Paul (1991–2004), including home health care, Clare Housing, and service as a school librarian and media coordinator. From 2004–2013, she continued in public education as a tutor, substitute teacher, and GED teacher in Community Corrections until her retirement. When Sister Joyce moved to Assisi Heights, she shared in volunteer work and Assisi Heights ministries.

Survivors of Sister Joyce Stemper include her Franciscan Sisters, with whom she shared life for 68 years; one brother, Larry Stemper; three sisters, Jackie Pitel, JoAnn Ingvalson, and Mariette Vieth; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Gene Stemper and James Stemper.

Sister Joyce made the gift of an anatomical bequest to Mayo Clinic. A Memorial Mass will be held at Assisi Heights at 11 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Burial will take place at a later date. To view the funeral, go to www.rochesterfranciscan.org .

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

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .