Sister Julia Van Denack, age 91, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, died early Thursday morning, December 18, 2014 at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc.The former Rita Van Denack was born on September 26, 1923 in New Franken, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Julius and Ann (Dantinne) Van Denack/Smeester. She entered the Convent in 1937 and professed her vows in 1941. Sister Julia earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Holy Family College, Manitowoc, a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. Sister Julia served as a teacher at St. Sylvester, Woodsfield, Ohio; Sacred Heart, Ayrshire, Iowa; St. Paul, Wrightstown, Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha, Xavier High School, Appleton. She was a Professor of Biology for 38 years at Silver Lake College, Manitowoc. After retiring from teaching she performed various tasks at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc and San Damiano Convent, Slinger, Wisconsin. Since 2003 she has been a resident of St. Rita Health Center at the Motherhouse. She is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.Survivors include the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity; a brother and sister-in-law: Julius and Patricia Van Denack, St. Augustine, Florida; and a brother-in-law: Antone Kushava, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents: Julius and Anna (Dantinne) Van Denack/Smeester; her step-father: Alex Smeester; two sisters and a brother-in-law: Armaine Kushava, Rosemary and Walter Derenne; and a sister-in-law: Dolores Van Denack.Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2014 at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Finian Zaucha, O.F.M. with burial at Holy Family Convent Cemetery, Manitowoc.The family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2014 and Monday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at Holy Family Convent Chapel