Loretta S. Stigge

Loretta Niemann Stigge, 96, passed away on February 5, 2020. She was born on March 12, 1923 near Hanover, KS, the fifth of thirteen children, to Fred and Mary (nee Wendt) Niemann. She fondly remembered her childhood saying, “We were wealthy in the love present in our house.” She attended school at Trinity Lutheran Church and public schools in the Hanover area. Loretta, who grew up speaking German, Low German and English, was the first in her family to attend high school. Following her graduation from Hanover High School, she served as a country schoolteacher near Hanover. Following the recommendation from her pastor to encourage those serving in World War II, she wrote to local servicemen, including her future husband, John Stigge, Sr. They married on June 30, 1946 and began farming near Washington. Loretta was a gifted painter, sewer, and quilter. She made each member of her family at least one personalized quilt. Loretta was also an avid gardener.   Throughout her life, Loretta provided a selfless devotion to her family. Her grandchildren and some of her great grandchildren and others were blessed to have her serve as their babysitter after school or during the summer. Loretta fervently commented, “One of my greatest joys was taking care of my grandkids and children.” Her love of children extended to care for the spiritual life of hundreds of children that attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She served there as a dedicated Sunday School teacher for approximately 43 years. Loretta welcomes being reunited in death with her husband John and two of her children, Carolyn (Gene) Helms and Orville Stigge. In addition to them, she was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Martha Koeneke, Marie Lyle Mishey, Selma Kolle and Mildred Stigge; and brothers, Henry, Wilfred, Walter, Wilmer and Frederick Niemann. Survivors include her children, John Stigge, Washington KS, and Steven Stigge, Linn, KS; sisters, Norma Haley, Topeka, KS, Florence McGrath, Greenleaf, KS, Verla Harrison, Hanover, KS; nephew, Delmer Koeneke, Lincoln, NE, who was raised like a brother; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. The family will receive friends Thursday, February 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., February 14, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Greenleaf, KS. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Loretta S. Stigge, please visit our flower store.