Sister Karolyne Rohlik, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 87, died of natural causes Sunday, May 17, 2020, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the sixty-sixth year of her religious profession.  Caroline Henrietta was born Dec. 31, 1932, in Seaforth, Minn., to Charles and Helen (Kolander) Rohlik. She grew up on the family farm with her four brothers and two sisters, all younger. She made profession of first vows as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Aug. 12, 1954.

Sister Karolyne began her ministry as a homemaker at various congregational homes and institutions, primarily in Wisconsin and Washington, before branching out into other areas. From 1964 to1967, she served as Marian Hall housekeeper at Viterbo College (University). She was head baker at Villa St. Joseph 1967-1976. She worked in the dietary department at St. Francis Hospital (MCHS-FH) 1977-1981. For four years (1981-1984) she worked as a baker in West Glacier, Mont., and then three years at a university in Lockport, Ill. In 1990, Sister Karolyne moved to Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center in Arbor Vitae, Wis., where she helped with hospitality and served as cabin manager. After a year in support services in El Paso, Texas, she was called to minister as baker at St. Rose Convent. The Tau Center in Winona, Minn., recruited her as their baker in 1997, a position she held for the next two years. Sister Karolyne then served at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa, as gardener and helped in the kitchen until 2005. For the next 11 years, she ministered as a volunteer and driver at Villa St. Joseph. In 2016, she moved to St. Rose Convent, where she became a regular volunteer at the Franciscan Hospitality House. Villa St. Joseph became her home again, retiring in 2018.
Sister Karolyne is survived by her brother, Paul; and her sisters-in-law, Paulanett Rohlik and Clara Rohlik, all of Vesta, Minn.; and her religious community. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, John, Peter, Timothy; and her sisters, Jeannette and Helen (Sister Theresa Rohlik, FSPA).

Sister Karolyne requested a natural burial. Due to the COVID environment, she will be buried as soon as possible at the natural burial site at Villa St. Joseph. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for her at a later date. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting with the arrangements.
Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market St., La Crosse, Wis., 54601-4782.