Vicki K. Stiger

Vicki Kay Rogers Stiger passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was a reflection of deep faith, joyful creativity, and unwavering devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren, whom she considered her greatest blessings.

Born in Fremont, Ohio, to the late Doc W. and Helen M. (Streeter) Rogers, Vicki graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1967 and attended Davis Business College. She was the cherished sister of the late Bonnie (Rex) Rexroth and Clara (Lane) Beeker. Throughout her life, she nurtured strong family bonds, including a sisterly connection with Gary’s sister Jan (Tom) Gledhill, whom she embraced as her own.

In 2007, Vicki married Gary D. Stiger and made her home on the Stiger family farm, built by Gary’s grandfather in 1899. Their marriage was filled with shared adventures and quiet joys on the farm. She often described Gary and their love as a gift from God.

Vicki is survived by her children, Melissa Schaefer (Steve) of Sandy, UT, and Rob Loew (Staci) of Columbus, OH, and six beloved grandchildren: Michael, Rachel, and Olivia Schaefer, and Bailey, David, and Wyatt Loew. She also adored Gary’s children, Cary (Chris) Gardner, Abby Stiger, and David (Kay) Stiger, and lovingly embraced their children as her own: Sevaeh and Clyde Hardman, and Lily, Evie, Henry, and Rusty Gardner. Her great-granddaughter, Stella Loew, brought her deep joy in the last year.

Vicki’s love for her grandchildren was immeasurable. She celebrated their uniqueness, nurtured their imaginations, and found endless delight in their presence or their phone calls just to talk. In her final days, each grandchild returned that love by sharing their cherished memories that will stay with them forever. Bailey, Rachel and Olivia all mentioned that they will forever remember the special tea parties she held with the cousins. Bailey said that she always remembers the “strawberry soup.” Michael recalled his surprise visit last year, holding their dog Pippy in front of her. She thought someone had brought her a new puppy, only to eventually realize it was her grandson who was holding the dog and surprising her from Utah. Rachel cherished the rotating weekend sleepovers between herself and her brother as a young child, sometimes scheming to tag along on Michael’s only weekend while fiercely guarding her own that no one else attend.

David remembered, as a small boy, piling into the car with his cousins for ice cream, yelling “Right, right, right!” so they could circle the block for a second round of ice cream. Olivia, whose piano playing always touched Nana’s heart, played her a song she had recently written as Nana passed peacefully this last weekend. It was a final gift of love and comfort. And Wyatt will always treasure Halloween, his favorite holiday, because Nana always bought his costume. Costumes he would eagerly wear the moment they arrived.

She was deeply committed to her faith and a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her favorite calling was in the Primary Sunday School, where her love for children and her joyful, awe-filled spirit shone. She was known for dressing up as Mrs. Claus during the Christmas season, delighting children with small gifts and candies. In Primary, she often brought puppets to bring stories of Christ to life, captivating young hearts with her creativity and deep love for the Savior.

Vicki saw beauty in nature and found joy in simple treasures, like antique shops, flea markets, estate sales, especially when shared with Gary. Christmas was her favorite time of year. Even as she was removed from her earthly home, Christmas music began to play from her clock, a gentle sign to her daughter and granddaughters that she had made it safely home to heaven and would always be near

Vicki gave of herself to her community, volunteering for nine years with Big Brothers Big Sisters and many years with Habitat for Humanity. She had a lifelong love of animals and adopted many over the years, often giving them voices of their own. Her family will always remember her singing “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” in a high-pitched voice that brought smiles to every room.

She was also a loving aunt and adored her many nieces and a nephew, who continued to be a source of joy and support to her in her later years. She will be remembered for her joyful heart, funny personality, and the deep love she gave so freely. Her legacy of laughter, faith, and connection will continue to bless all who knew her.

Services & Celebration of Life

- Viewing: Friday, May 30th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Herman Karlovetz Funeral Home 900 North Street Fremont, OH

- Funeral Service: Saturday, May 31st 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Fremont Branch 831 Smith Road, Fremont

- Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, immediately following the service

- Light Luncheon: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Fremont Branch 831 Smith Road, following the burial