Sister Adeline Kroll was born on May 16, 1939, in Royalton, Minn. She was the tenth of 13 children born to Frank and Margaret (Cekalla) Kroll. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on July 31, 1957. She made first profession on August 12, 1959, and final vows on August 12, 1962. She was a Franciscan Sister for 68 years.
Sister Ade died October 1, 2025, at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, Minn. Her life as a Franciscan included ministries as a teacher, artist and spiritual director. For the past 25 years, Ade lived and shared her ministry through working with Faithful Fools Street Ministry in California.
As we remember Sister Ade, we hear her say (as she often did while here on earth), "We are stardust and unto stardust we will all return." Her journey on earth began on a farm among 13 brothers and sisters, whom she dearly loved. Then her journey took her to many wondrous places from Papua New Guinea to the Tenderloin District of San Francisco and back to Little Falls. In all she did, and in each person she met, she marveled at the exquisite wonders of an unfolding Universe that revealed to her that God really is alive and revealing sacred presence everywhere and in everyone.
When Ade began her ministry with Faithful Fools, she found herself challenged and moved by the mantra that guides the Fools as they reflect on their experiences with the people and streets of the Tenderloin in San Francisco, Calif.:
“What holds me separate?
What keeps me separated?
As I walk the streets, what still connects me?”
These words resonated with her in so many ways: from her life as a Franciscan through her wonder at the vastness of the Universe Story to her own journey finding her place in community and the world around her. Ade engaged in the ministry of the Fools as a guide in a long running Bible Study and Cosmic Conversations, as a mentor to young artists and as a spiritual companion. She was the embodiment of a Faithful Fool, discovering on the streets her common humanity, and welcoming everyone who came seeking community. All creatures and amoebas, too, were welcome in Ade’s life, from the apples that fell from the tree just outside her door to the birds taking wing over water nearby, even the bacteria that nurture decay. Yes, all were welcome in Ade’s life.
In particular, Ade nurtured the wellbeing of young lives. She offered care to the very young, committing herself to precious beings from infancy to adulthood. Her care included nourishing the body with homemade food, challenging their spirits to be loving and strong, and loving them when things were most difficult. There are many who will remember Ade’s wisdom, guidance and comfort as the future unfolds. They will remember to embrace the struggle as an essential part of life. Her love will see them through.
As creation and creativity flowed through Sister Ade's hands, she stitched brilliantly colored quilts, turned paper mâché into lively puppets, and stewed random vegetables into soul-soothing soups. Every moment of creativity and community was, for Sister Ade, a celebration of life. There was and is nothing more precious than the life force that unites us and all creation throughout the universe—so Sister Ade reminds us.
Sister Ade was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Pauline Kluetsch, Stephen, Cordelia Fiero, Clement, Celestine, and Mary. Survivors include Sister Lillian, OSF, Little Falls; Jean Litke, Pierz; Reverend Anthony, Sauk Rapids; James (Patricia), Wahkon; Thomas (Virginia), Sauk Rapids; and Janet (Elmer) Litke, Grand Rapids; nieces and nephews; The Balfour-Cove Family, especially Siobhan, and her Faithful Fools and Franciscan Community.
A wake and burial were held for Sister Ade on October 3, 2025. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m., October 23, 2025, at St. Francis Convent.
Click to view Sister Ade's memorial video
