Loretta S. Stigge

Loretta Niemann Stigge, 96, passed away on February 5, 2020. She was born on March 12, 1923, near Hanover, Kansas, the fifth of thirteen children, to Fred and Mary (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 of her pastor to encourage those serving in World War II, she wrote to local servicemen, including her future husband, John Stigge, Sr.

Loretta and John were united in marriage 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, 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 caring for the spiritual lives of hundreds of children who attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She served there as a dedicated Sunday School teacher for approximately 43 years.

Loretta was 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 of Washington, Kansas, and Steven Stigge of Linn, Kansas; sisters, Norma Haley of Topeka, Kansas, Florence McGrath of Greenleaf, Kansas, and Verla Harrison of Hanover, Kansas; nephew, Delmer Koeneke of Lincoln, Nebraska, 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., Friday, February 14, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Greenleaf, Kansas. 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.