Virgene "Jean" Stiller

Virgene Alice Dedelow Stiller, 98 years and only 11 days from her 99th birthday, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away peacefully, ascending to the Heavens to meet Jesus, on Saturday morning September 5, 2026, at her home looking over the sparkling waters of Lake Manitou.

On September 16, 1927, Virgene commonly known as Jean, was born in Hammond. She was the cherished daughter of Emil and Bertha Watts Dedelow. She graduated from Hammond High School in 1946. On October 26, 1946, she married William Lloyd "Bill" Stiller. From their union came 2 beautiful daughters Sandy and Sparkle. The family tree continued to grow with the blessings of two more generations.

A woman of strong faith, Jean was a member of the New Life Church. As a devoted Christian she lived her life by the Bible. Jean's faith propelled her through life's journey and carried her into the waiting arms of Jesus as she entered her eternal home. She often said, "I will be saved and so will my family." With a servant's heart Jean gave generously to anyone in need. In her younger years she was a member of the ministry team helping those in mental hospitals and prison. The 23rd Psalm was her favorite and most quoted Bible verse.

In 1950, Jean and Bill moved to the Rochester community where they opened the Rochester Heating Company. Later, Bill, an innovative, ambitious and creative entrepreneur, launched a series of business adventures including the Norge Company. In 1963, Bill and Jean owned and operated the historical Colonial Hotel on the northwest shores of Lake Manitou.

In 1965, a new challenge beckoned Bill and Jean. With his passion for the game of golf and his desire to help the youth of the community, Bill created and developed the United States Junior Golf Academy, where play occurred on the Elks Club Golf Course. The U.S.J.G.A. was transferred in 1972 to the Swan Lake Golf Course in Plymouth.

For numerous years, Bill and Jean operated his family-run electrical wholesale business originally known as Fulton Engineering, now known as JKL Electric, located at 526 Main Street. With great pride, Bill renamed his company honoring his grandchildren, Jared, Kourtney and Lindsey.

As the matriarch of her family, Grandma Jean was proud to oversee 4 generations. She was a loving wife, proud mother, and a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Paramount in her life was her family. Among her greatest joys was when her family vacationed together. She thoroughly enjoyed visits from her great-grandchildren and looked forward to making memories at the holidays and during her family's special celebrations. Thru the years her family was her purpose and what she cared about the most.

Jean is lovingly remembered by her daughter Sparkle (Rick) Figlio of Rochester; 3 grandchildren: Jared (Mallorie) Figlio, Kourtney (Ryan) Goodman and Lindsey (Matthew) Unger; 5 great-grandchildren: Olivia Figlio, Kaiden Hoagland, Nolan Goodman, Lilly Unger and Grayson Unger. Her church family and many dear friends also survive.

Welcoming Jean to Heaven are husband Bill, daughter Sandy Stiller Helstern and angel grand baby Unger along with her parents Emil and Bertha Dedelow.

A celebration of life for Jean Stiller will be held at 11:30 AM EDT, Saturday September 19, 2026, at the New Life Church NW of US 31 & 50-N, Rochester, IN 46975. Her family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The Good Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the New Life Church.