Wilma J. Stamberger, 95, of Rochester passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at her residence, with her loving family at her side.

On March 20, 1931, in Marshall County, near Tippecanoe, Wilma Jean Horn was born to Alden J. and Gertrude Leora Brock Horn. Wilma graduated with the Class of 1949 from Mendota High School of Mendota, IL.

Wilma and Melvin Edwin Stamberger were married on August 18, 1957, at the Clarion Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Moille, IL. They shared 62 years of life’s adventures. Sadly, he passed away on January 12, 2020. From their union came a daughter, Kathy and two sons, Steven and Chuck. Two more generations have been added to the family tree with the blessings of 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Many will remember Wilma’s bright smile while assisting them at Krogers, where she worked for ten years. As a homemaker, she cherished the time with her family. Babysitting the grands and great grands and making memories with them were the best of times. With her knitting machine, Wilma made beautiful sweaters for the kids. She also liked to watch the birds and work word search puzzles.

Being an avid gardener, Wilma enjoyed taking care of the flowers and the vegetables. After harvest, “Corn Day” was a family “Big Day”, to do the shucking, blanching and cutting the corn off the cobb, freezing over 400 pints for the winter’s use and the family to share. Wilma also wore the hat of ticket master and conductor on their Steam Powered Locomotive Trains. The Stamberger’s spent summer weekends, taking the 7-inch train track and engineering their locomotive steam engine, that Melvin built, allowing friends the thrill of a historic ride. Friends and train enthuiast's could take a ride in Hesston, All-aboard!!!!!

Left to cherish Wilma's memory are a daughter Kathy (Gary) Stuart; a son Chuck (Melva) Stamberger all of Rochester; daughter-in-law, Jayne Stamberger of Mishawaka; 11 grandchildren: Christine (Adam) Smith, Cory (Hannah) Mauck, Erin (Dustin Zellers) Nelson, Daniel (Kelly) Snipes, Melinda (Jason) Owens, Michael (Tana) Stamberger, Timothy (Brooke Rudicel) Stamberger, Jordan Stamberger, Cynthia (Scott) Stamberger-Collins, Aaron Stuart, Brian (Shannon Whitley) Stuart; 24 great-grandchildren: Austin, Kaitlyn, Allison, Lane, Harley, Alexis, Connor, Audrey, Brooke, Addison, Kensie, Jacob, Kimber, Claire, Emily, Sarah, Kennedy, Veronica, Case, George, Noel, Ember, Riley, Madison and another blessing on the way.

Preceding Wilma in death are her parents; husband; son Steven Stamberger on August 2, 2012; three siblings: Maxine, infant baby Horn and Arnold Horn; and sister-in-law Kay Horn.

A celebration of the life of Wilma Jean Stamberger will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 1314 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN. Pastor Eric Ahlemeyer will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester, and one hour prior to the service in the church. Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Calvary Lutheran Church, 1314, N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563.