Sister Agnese Zerwas, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 91, died Wednesday, January 29, 2003, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse.

Sister Agnese was born to Phillip and Agnes (Brunnier) Zerwas on October 5, 1911, in Manning, Iowa. She entered St. Rose Convent on June 16, 1929, and made profession of vows on August 12, 1931. Entering the field of education, she served for 41 years as an elementary and secondary teacher in schools in Iowa and Wisconsin including 20 years at Aquinas High School. After leaving the classroom, Sister Agnese served the FSPA community as Northern Province Treasurer for five years and business manager at Villa St. Joseph for 12 years. She retired to St. Rose Convent in 1989, and to Villa St. Joseph in 1994.

Sister Agnese was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Eugene, Robert and LeRoy.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, when the body will be met at St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. Father Thomas O'Neill, chaplain at Viterbo University, will preside at the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 3, in Mary of the Angels Chapel.

Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market St., La Crosse, Wis. 54601-8800.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements