Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau

Prioress from 2003-2013

Sister Kristine Ann Harpenau, a native of Tell City, Indiana, was the daughter of Helen and Jacob Harpenau. Her father was killed in a coal mining accident when she was one year old. Her mother then remarried Nicholas H. Hagedorn in 1952.

She graduated from the Academy and entered the Monastery at Ferdinand. Her educational background was a bachelor’s degree in music from Oakland City University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Saint Joseph College in Hartford, Connecticut. From 1972 to 1980, she was a teacher at St. Philip, Holy Rosary, Holy Redeemer and Christ the King schools in Evansville and at St. Matthew’s school in Mt. Vernon. From 1982 to 1986, she taught music at Marian Heights Academy. She then became the personal and spiritual development coordinator for Kordes Enrichment Center until becoming Prioress in 2003 and serving two terms. During her time as Prioress the Church completed renovation and the Hildegard Health Center was licensed. In 2008, the Monastery Bakery was established. Sister Kristine Anne was a very warm and loving person, and a capable administrator.

Afterwards she worked for the Monastery Mission Advancement before retiring due to health issues. During retirement she was able to do some traveling with friends, which gave her much joy. After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, she died in 2024.