Elizabeth, ninth of a family of fourteen, was born to Joseph and Elizabeth Gerken on February 11, 1890. As one of a family of seven girls and six boys, growing up on a farm near West Point, Nebraska, she learned at an early age "to hold her own," though later she became somewhat timid. Her First Holy Communion at the age of twelve was a highlight in her life. She loved, during those years, to go off by herself and read spiritual books. The annual celebration of Forty Hours Devotion was a delight for her.

After finishing the grades, Elizabeth wanted very much to attend high school. But this was alien to the mind of a very practical German community, who felt a girl had best remain at home and learn the domestic arts to fit her for future married life. But Elizabeth's pleading prevailed, and at 19 she became a student at our St. Joseph's Academy at Clyde. After graduation she taught in neighboring district schools for five years.

When still quite young, Elizabeth sensed a call to the religious life, though she tried to put it from her mind. But the call persisted, and on October 22, 1916 she entered our Clyde convent as a postulant. After that she never wavered, though things were somewhat difficult at times. To rise at 3:30 or 4 in the morning, and walk to the barn in all kinds of weather to milk cows; to do the same in the evening, and during the day to work in the hay field, was a challenge to her generosity and her strength. But she persevered in her resolution.

On February 9, 1918 she made profession of her first vows as Sister M. Hyacinth. With a generous spirit she expressed her willingness to do any kind of work asked of her, but secretly hoped it would not be teaching in outlying district schools. But that was exactly where the will of God called her. Later she also taught at our own St. Joseph's Academy for girls. In all trials and difficulties, Sister's sense of humor proved a great asset. 

After the Academy was closed in 1934, Sister was assigned to the editorial department, where she read proofs and did some translating from the German for "Tabernacle & Purgatory." For over twenty-five years Sister had charge of the register of Mass Intentions, a task which required close attention and great accuracy. Meticulously, with a beautiful penmanship (Palmer method) which she preserved till the end of her life, she kept the records and made out the lists for disbursement of the intentions to Conception Abbey and many others, some in foreign lands.

When almost 80, Sister began to develop a latent artistic talent. A niece had sent her a paint-by-number gift, which she enjoyed so much that she asked to have lessons in oil painting. Sister M. Trinitas Nordhus found her an apt pupil. In all she did perhaps twelve paintings, including a large portrait of herself as a child of six, copied from a photo. Some of her paintings were sold; others were given as gifts to benefactors, etc. Other hobbies which gave her pleasure were crocheting and working crossword puzzles.

As long as she was able, Sister was ever a devoted adorer, both day and night, and loved the Divine Office. She was conscientious in fulfilling St. Benedict's admonition "Ora et Labora," was kind and considerate of others, and charitable in her words and actions. She was outspoken in upholding her principles and gave a good example of fidelity to the religious life.

With the exception of San Diego, Sister lived for a time in each of our monasteries, though her longest sojourn was at Clyde. In November, 1975, when the central infirmary was moved from Clyde to St. Louis, Sister was one of the patients transferred to St. Benedict's Health Care Center.

In the early summer of 1982, Sister's health was noticeably declining. She passed peacefully from death to life in the early morning of Saturday, July 10, 1982. After the celebration of a joyful Liturgy the morning of the 12th, her body was taken to Clyde, where burial took place the following morning, again after the celebration of a joyful liturgy reminiscent of the Resurrection.

Ripe in good works and in years, we might well sense the invitation of the Lord of the Harvest: "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord."