S. Nora (Julitta) Luetmer (1921-1974) High School Science Teacher/Principal
Sister Nora (Julitta) Luetmer was born on June 12, 1921, to Joseph and Marie (Nietfeld) in Meire Grove, MN. She received her B.A. at the Villa Madonna College, Covington, KY, in 1943 and was a chemical research assistant at the Institution Dive Thomae, Cincinnati, OH, for 2 years. Shortly after she entered St. Benedict's Monastery in 1945, she taught science and mathematics at St. Benedict's High School (1947) and Cathedral High School (1948-53). She began graduate study at the University of Minnesota in 1953, and served as principal of Cathedral High School 1954-62. She received her M.A. in 1956 at the University of Minnesota, became an instructor in the education department of the College of St. Benedict (1962-64). She became a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota in 1964, served as principal at St. Boniface High School, Cold Spring, MN, (1966-68) became Associate Superintendent of Education for the Diocese of St. Cloud (1968-73), and earned her Ph.D. in 1970. Her dissertation title, “The History of Catholic Education in the Present Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota, 1855-1965." S. Nora had credits both undergraduate and graduate at many colleges. She took classes at the College of St. Benedict, College of St. Thomas, and St. Xavier in Chicago, Gonzaga, Catholic University of America, and St. Cloud State University.
Her stint as Director of Research and Planning at St. Benedict's Monastery (1973-74) was cut short by her death at the age of 53, dying of cancer.
Sister Nora was a born leader and served in leadership positions in the community and in the diocese. She was chair of the Board of Trustees of the College of Saint Benedict. In recognition of her contributions to education, she was given the Pacesetter Award of the Central Minnesota Educational Research and Development Council as well as the Minnesota Catholic Education Association presidential award. Acquaintances characterized her as being both competent and enthusiastic. Others described her as dedicated. She manifested her life by loving service. Her scholarly insight, leadership, efficient organization, thoroughness, and pleasant approach to people, singing praise of others, and unassuming in proclaiming her own were marks of her legacy.
