Sister Anita Hirt

Sister Anita Hirt from Reeseville, Wisconsin, a Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross, age 100, has died October 29, 2024, at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill, Wisconsin.

Anita Marie Hirt was born June 11, 1924, in Reeseville, Wisconsin, to John and Margaret(Landua) Hirt. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, Wisconsin, on August 31, 1948, and professed her vows on August 24, 1950. Sister Anita was in her 74th year of ministry at the time of her death.

She attended Medford High School, Medford, Wisconsin, graduating in 1942. She received her Registered Nursing certificate in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1955 and her certificate as a Registered Nurse Anesthetist in 1956. Sister Anita served 8 years at St Joseph’s Hospital, Dickinson, ND. She served in the Anesthesia and Post-Anesthesia Dept at Holy Cross Hospital and then Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill, WI for 25 years. During her time working as an anesthetist, she shared her knowledge on IV’s and blood draws with many nurses and doctors. She retired from anesthesia but continued to work part-time as an RN in the Post-Anesthesia Dept until 1992. When she retired from nursing, she continued her volunteer service to residents at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, WI until 2014 when she retired.

Preceding her in death are her parents John and Margaret, sisters, Marie Fisher. Margery Hirt, Marcie Hirt, Evelyn Kaiser, Frances Haidler, baby sister Helen Eleanor, brothers, Joe Hirt, Don Hirt and her brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and associates, as well as her sisters, Leah Sladek, “Tootie” Imelda Wozniak, brother, Ray Hirt, sisters-in-law, Lucy and Donna, and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass for Sister will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 8th at Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence. Father Charles Hoffmann will officiate. Visitation will be held at 9:30 on Friday, November 8th until time of the liturgy. Burial will follow in the St Francis Catholic Cemetery, Merrill, WI.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.