Thief River Falls – Cecelia A. Stoltman, 88, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at her residence.
Cecilia Ann Stoltman was born November 9, 1935, in the village of Oslo, the daughter of Walter Peter and Theodosia “Tessie” Catherine (Narlock) Stoltman. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Oslo. She attended school in Oslo, graduating with the class of 1953. Cecilia then attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where she earned her teaching degree, also studied music, and put herself through school by giving private music lessons.
Following college, Cecilia entered Mount Saint Benedict, Crookston, as postulant on August 15, 1955. She received the habit of a Benedictine novice on July 2, 1956, Triennial vows on July 11, 1957, Perpetual vows July 11, 1960, and was dispensed from vows May 29, 1964. While a member of Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, Cecilia was assigned to the monastery music department for one year. She attended the College of St. Benedict and the College of St. Theresa. She taught in parochial schools including St. Joseph School in Moorhead and St. Elizabeth School in Lefor, ND.
Cecilia taught for many years in Middle River and Thief River Falls. She was a very passionate, detail-oriented teacher who truly made a difference in the lives of many of her former students, and kept in touch with over 200 of those students.
Cecilia was a very charitable woman who found great comfort in her life by giving to many different organizations including paying for an African orphan throughout his education who became a doctor, nuns and students from India, St. Bernard’s students, various United States military organizations, St. Gianna’s Maternity Home in Warsaw, ND, and fun money and distribution of her money to many monastery organizations. She was an avid reader.
Cecilia was a dedicated member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls.
Survivors include brother, Hilary (Eleanor Heggie) Stoltman of Thief River Falls; sister-in-law, Jeanette Stoltman of Thief River Falls; nieces and nephews, Steven (Valerie) Stoltman, Diane Stoltman, Michelle Stoltman, Patty Pluth, Roger Stoltman, Bonnie (Larry) Kraft; great-nieces and great-nephews, Jessica, Riley, Elizabeth, Griffin, Rebecca, Kylie, and Brody; and many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Theodore “Ted” Stoltman; sister-in-law, Doris Stoltman; and nephew, James Stoltman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Craig Vasek presiding.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Burial will be at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery in Crookston.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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