Ann Stelter
March 6th, 1947 - August 13th, 2024
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Ann's Obituary
Ann Louise Stelter born Ann Louise Kietzerow, 77, went to her Lord August 13, 2024, peacefully at home while surrounded by her family in St. Joseph. Ann is survived by her loving and de¬voted husband of 52 years, LeeRoy Stelter; daughter, Rebecca (Richard) Wynegar of South Bend; son, Scott Stelter of Berrien Springs; sisters, Gloria Muth and Betty (Jim) Essig; brother, William “Bill” (Rebecca) Kietzerow. Ann also has grandsons, Dylan Elkins, Gavin, and Mason Wynegar, along with many nieces and nephews.
Ann was born in Saint Joseph, Michigan to Eric Adolf Kietzerow and Anna Elsie (Adler) Kietzerow on March 6, 1947, and grew up on Silver Beach as an original Sand Rabbit. She graduated from St. Joseph High School and worked at People’s State Bank while in school then continued for a short time thereafter. Ann then worked for ABCC which later became Whirlpool Financial when she met and married LeeRoy Stelter in 1972. While at Whirlpool she was selected as a queen to ride on the Whirlpool float in the 1969 Blossomtime Parade. She left Whirlpool to raise her two children and complete her associate’s degree in applied business at LMC where she was a member of the National Honor Society. In 1986 Ann rejoined the work force with Gast Mfg. where she worked as Customer Assistant Representative in International Sales until retirement in 2010.
Ann loved her family. She devoted her time to children and grandchildren and served as an assistant Girl Scout Leader for her daughter. She looked forward to attending annual family gatherings, especially the 4th of July celebrations at her brother’s home on the beach. More recently she enjoyed annual winter treks to Florida where she reveled in the warm weather and was cheerfully greeted by friends and neighbors in the Parkhill retirement community. While in Florida, Ann participated in many activities including Secretary of the Ladies Club, Potluck Chairperson and enjoyed games such as Bocce Ball. She loved her daily walks with LeeRoy which covered several miles through parks and along shorelines. Ann and LeeRoy traveled extensively and when vacation time came around, the car was packed, and they would hit the road. Ann visited all 50 states, many National Parks, and prominent destinations like Graceland, Mount Vernon, and The Natchez Trace. Ann also traveled internationally to Canada, Tijuana, Mexico, and a whirlwind trip to Europe taking in key destinations like London, Paris and Rome.
Ann was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was commissioned to serve as a Stephen Ministry Minister and as a member of the Sharing and Caring Team. Her dedication to her husband and family was the cornerstone of her life. She will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing her. Family and friends were always greeted with a big hug. She knew God had a reason for all that came her way, and she lived according to His will.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert “Bob” Kietzerow; and nephew, Eric Kietzerow.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, in St. Joseph. Christian Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Court St. Street, in St. Joseph, with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. A private burial will be held with family at a later date at Riverview Cemetery, Saint Joseph. Memorial donations may be made in Ann’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church. Those wishing to send a condolence message online may do so in the guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com
Ann was born in Saint Joseph, Michigan to Eric Adolf Kietzerow and Anna Elsie (Adler) Kietzerow on March 6, 1947, and grew up on Silver Beach as an original Sand Rabbit. She graduated from St. Joseph High School and worked at People’s State Bank while in school then continued for a short time thereafter. Ann then worked for ABCC which later became Whirlpool Financial when she met and married LeeRoy Stelter in 1972. While at Whirlpool she was selected as a queen to ride on the Whirlpool float in the 1969 Blossomtime Parade. She left Whirlpool to raise her two children and complete her associate’s degree in applied business at LMC where she was a member of the National Honor Society. In 1986 Ann rejoined the work force with Gast Mfg. where she worked as Customer Assistant Representative in International Sales until retirement in 2010.
Ann loved her family. She devoted her time to children and grandchildren and served as an assistant Girl Scout Leader for her daughter. She looked forward to attending annual family gatherings, especially the 4th of July celebrations at her brother’s home on the beach. More recently she enjoyed annual winter treks to Florida where she reveled in the warm weather and was cheerfully greeted by friends and neighbors in the Parkhill retirement community. While in Florida, Ann participated in many activities including Secretary of the Ladies Club, Potluck Chairperson and enjoyed games such as Bocce Ball. She loved her daily walks with LeeRoy which covered several miles through parks and along shorelines. Ann and LeeRoy traveled extensively and when vacation time came around, the car was packed, and they would hit the road. Ann visited all 50 states, many National Parks, and prominent destinations like Graceland, Mount Vernon, and The Natchez Trace. Ann also traveled internationally to Canada, Tijuana, Mexico, and a whirlwind trip to Europe taking in key destinations like London, Paris and Rome.
Ann was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was commissioned to serve as a Stephen Ministry Minister and as a member of the Sharing and Caring Team. Her dedication to her husband and family was the cornerstone of her life. She will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing her. Family and friends were always greeted with a big hug. She knew God had a reason for all that came her way, and she lived according to His will.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert “Bob” Kietzerow; and nephew, Eric Kietzerow.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, in St. Joseph. Christian Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 17th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Court St. Street, in St. Joseph, with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. A private burial will be held with family at a later date at Riverview Cemetery, Saint Joseph. Memorial donations may be made in Ann’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church. Those wishing to send a condolence message online may do so in the guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com
Memorial Contributions
Trinity Lutheran Church
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