City of Milwaukee
 

Mayor Barrett Honors Sister Jeanne Gengler

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 4, 2005
Contact: Press Secretary Carlene Orig
(414) 286-8531

Mayor Barrett Honors Sister Jeanne Gengler 


Milwaukee, WI -- Mayor Tom Barrett signed an ordinance changing the name of a portion of North 50th Street to North Gengler Circle in honor of Sister Jeanne Gengler.  The ordinance changes the name of North 50th Street, from West Burleigh Street to the north line of the east-west alley in the blocks immediately north of West Burleigh Street, to North Gengler Circle.  This is the portion of North 50th Street that defines the western, northern and eastern boundaries of Gengler Park, a small community park located on the north side of the intersection of North 50th Street and West Burleigh Street.

"Renaming a portion of North 50th Street is a small tribute to a woman who left a huge imprint on this community," said Mayor Tom Barrett.  "Sister Jeanne Gengler was a strong force in the religious and medical communities serving as a nun, nurse and administrator of St. Joseph's Hospital." 

Gengler started as a student nurse at St. Joseph's in 1931. One year later, she entered the convent and began work in the community doing physical check-ups for children in orphanages.  In 1965, Gengler was appointed president and administrator of St. Joseph's.  During her tenure, she helped the hospital pay off its debt.  Sister Gengler also oversaw implementation of the intensive neonatal unit in 1973 for premature infants, the development of the cancer care center and a hospice.  After retiring in 1979, she set up a treatment program for alcoholics at the former St. Anthony Hospital at North 10th and West State streets.  Sister Gengler died in 2002 at the age of 90. 

North 50th Street from West Burleigh Street to the north line of the east-west alley in the bocks north of West Burleigh Street will be changed to North Gengler Circle on August 12th.

-###-

This site is powered by the Northwoods Titan Content Management System