Sister Barbara Ellen Apaceller died June 26, 2021 at her home in Salina, KS.  She was 75 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 56 years.  She was born in Wittmannsdorf, Austria on June 5, 1946, to Sebastian and Barbara Assmann Apaceller, the second of three children, and was baptized Martha Elizabeth Stefanie.  She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, KS on September 8, 1964.  In August 15, 1965, Martha received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister Barbara Ellen.  She pronounced first vows on August 15, 1966 and final vows on August 15, 1971.

In 1970 Sister Barbara Ellen received her B.A. Degree in Theology from Marymount College, Salina, KS.  She taught in Fairbury, NE.  From 1976-1984 she was part of a pastoral ministry team in western Kansas.  S. Barbara Ellen became the Director of Youth Ministry for the Salina Diocese in 1984 and remained in that position until her death.

Sister Barbara Ellen Apaceller was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by two sisters, Anna Flaim of New Buffalo, MI and Linda Fregeau of Aurora, IL.

A Bible Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 118 N. 9 ^th Street, Salina on June 30. The Sisters of St.  Joseph and the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A social will follow the wake service in the parish hall.  All are invited to attend.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be a private service for Sisters and family only at the Motherhouse with Father Don Zimmerman presiding and Fr. Bill Surmeier and Fr. Barry Brinkman concelebrating.  Sister Vera Meis is the eulogist. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery.  Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6 ^th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials for Sister Barbara Ellen may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O. Box 279, Concordia, KS  66901.  For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.