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Frederick Stegemann Obituary

Frederick H. Stegemann VIRGINIA BEACH - Pastor Frederick Henry Stegemann, 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior Oct. 24, 2009 in Virginia Beach. He was born in New York City, and was the retired pastor and founder of the Open Door Chapel in Virginia Beach and founder of the Virginia Beach Detox Center and was a member of the Elks Lodge and Rotary. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Frances M. Stegemann; daughter, Carol Jester; three sons, Frank Stegemann, August Stegemann and John Stegemann, all of Virginia Beach; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. in the Open Door Chapel by the Rev. Evelyn Puckett with burial in Princess Anne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, is handling arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to The Recovery Center (Virginia Beach Detox Center), 409 Birdneck Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Condolences may be made to the family at www.hollomon- brown.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Oct. 25 to Oct. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Stegemann

22 Entries

William SIGMUND

October 20, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

October 31, 2009

Dear Frank and Family,
I was sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. By reading this guest book, I see where he has touched many lives over the years. I lost my Dad this year too, and wanted you know my sympathies are with you and your family.
Suzanne Ore Phelps

William Sigmund

October 31, 2009

Dear Stegemann Family;

Pastor Fritz married Pam and I in 1979 and our son David Frederick is named for him. Fritz was a master at making the Word of God come alive for us in the "now"... May the Lord comfort you in your loss. He was a man among me and taught me that tears are not something to be held back.

Bill & Pam Sigmund

October 29, 2009

Dear Fran and Family;
We were stunned when we heard of Pastor Fritz's passing. Our condolences to you and your family. He helped us grow so much and the school was wonderful for our kids. The radio program, just everything that the Lord was able to do through Pastor was a marvel and a wonder to us. I will always remember his love of the "ole lighthouse" song and how it made tears come to his eyes. We will miss him but I know we will see him again in heaven. May our Lord Jesus bless and comfort you at this time of loss.
Karl & Karen Lindquist Chesapeke Va.

Sharon Adams

October 29, 2009

Fritz was a wonderful person to me. He was always there for me even when I didn't realize I needed him. Even when I gave up on myself he never gave up on me. He always found the words of encouragement and the power of prayer to get me through it. After so many years of my life being in an uproar I am so thankful I was able to share last Thanksgiving with him and let him see that I had finally gotten my life together. We shed some tears of joy, prayed. I will never forget how he never gave up on me even when I had given up on myself. Fran you and the family will be in my prayers.

Frank Scherman

October 29, 2009

Fran, Frank, Gus, John, and Carol...as you know, dad was an instrument to so many over so many years. After 32 years, he is still my pastor. There will always be a love in my heart for him. Many memories I will cherish forever. From his spiritual guidance as a teen to my employment at the church to my personal time with him at the alter and in his home. He was a instrument to me in my life which has made me a better person. Thank you Fritz! Thanks Fran and everyone else for sharing him with all of us! You will be loved forever. I know "lil" Sidney is rejoicing in the heavens.

October 28, 2009

Dear Fran & family,
There has been a lot of living since the mid '70s...when we were there with the 'family'of God'. We moved north in 1980. We have prayed for ya'll thru the years. I remember the old barn and the wonderful services praising the Lord, healings, going together on womens' retreats & the radio talk show. Pastor Fritz always spread the love of the Lord to everyone. Then, trusting the lord for the Theatre & with God's grace & our faith it happened! :-) Pastor Fritz was an inspiration to we newly born again people. John 16: 13-15. We have both kept a special place in our hearts for you all & still walk stong in the teaching of His Word taught at Open Door.
May God give you peace & many special memories thru this time of transition.
You are loved.
We will all meet again!
John 10:27-30

Ed & Alberta Dearborn, Douglas, MA

Kalani Wheeler

October 28, 2009

Sis. Fran and the rest of the family,

My heartfelt sympathies on your loss of one of my spiritual father's and mentors.
10 years in ministry with him seemed like an eternity and seems like an eternity ago.
I'll never forget the time he asked me to minister at ODC one Sunday, and I stayed for the next 10 years ... or the time he pulled me aside and asked me to lead worship for one Sunday that turned into 3 services every Sunday for 6 years ... or the time I offered to direct the choir while the choir director took a month sabbatical which turned into a 2 year deal. :-)
What an awesome experience and a pure joy and blessing! I do miss those days ...
How would I describe Pastor Fritz in one word ... Dad!
You will be forever loved and dearly missed Pastor Fritz, but I also look forward to the day when I can play my horn with Micheal, and lead worship with you up in Heaven! :-)

Andie Plumley

October 27, 2009

For the past 5 years Fritz has been looking out for me, always seeming to know when I needed a hand. I now have a guardian angel. You will be missed! Much peace and love! Andie

Otha & Nancy Green

October 27, 2009

Dear Fran,
Otha and I just received news of Fritz death. Our prayers and sympathies are with you and your family. I can only imagine what a shout there must have been in Heaven when he arrived. He played a very important part in our life and truly helped us set our feet firmly back into the Family of God. Both of you will always have a special place in our heart and memories. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you with His Grace and Peace and we will see you and Fritz again in our God's glory.
Otha & Nancy Green

Teri Duncan

October 27, 2009

We were certainly touched by Fritz and offer our prayers to Fran and the rest of the family. The memories that have come flooding back since we got word of Fritz's "graduation" have been filled with laughter and tears and we smile with joy that we will see him again one day.

Jim Teri and Robert Duncan

LuAnn Clayton (Midgett) Burford

October 26, 2009

Fran and family: I wish that I could find the perfect words to use to convey my condolences. Pastor ("Papa") Fritz will always live in our hearts and I know that he's touching the face of God and loving every minute of it. I miss the chances I had to (at his encouragement)sing "Whatever It Takes" and if I could be there with you all, I'd probably ask to sing it one last time. Love to you all and may the Comforter be there for you in a very special way.

Barbara Ross

October 26, 2009

I am SO grateful for my experience with Fritz Stegemann; what a human and sincerely dedicated man! He saved my life. Hardly a day goes by that I dont thank God for putting him into my life. My sympathy goes to his family.

Clyde Vandivort

October 26, 2009

Fritz will always stand out in mind as a wonderfully caring and sensitive man. I worked for the City of Virginia Beach, with the Detox Program, for many years. The program would not have begun and likely would not exist today, if not for the support of Pastor Fritz. His compassion and understanding helped save the lives of many fragile souls. I send my heart felt sympathies to his family and friends.

Jim Scarpine

October 26, 2009

Fritz was a fine friend and a great help from our first meeting thirty-eight years ago. We'll miss him.
Jim and Patti Scarpine.

Mary Gorman

October 25, 2009

Thank you, Fritz for all the love and support you gave my family over the past 33 years. You will be so missed by so many... but your spirit will live long in our hearts.

Missi (Creef) Madsen

October 25, 2009

I am forever grateful for having the privilege of knowing Fritz . He was such an important part of my life and he will be missed by my entire family. He was a great leader and wonderful support. My thoughts,prayers and love are with the Stegemann family.

October 25, 2009

Pastor Fritz - thank you for all you've done for the Lord - you were a true blessing to our community -

C & P G

Karen Scarpine

October 25, 2009

Wow, where should I begin. Open Door Chapel has always been my home. The memories I have of growing up from the Elks Lodge to The Barn, and then to our current location are precious to me. I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of the reunion on that Sunday night. Seeing him as I remember, with his witty nature was great. I want the family to know that you are all in my prayers.

Dave H.

October 25, 2009

Fritz was a fine ole fellow, I loved his cheery personality and wit. Always trying to help others, he will be missed.

mary t.

October 25, 2009

What a blessing your father was to so many people in so many different ways. I am very thankful for having known him and know that his prayers for us now that he is in heaven will be unceasing. My condolences to you in this very difficult time.

Doc Meyer

October 25, 2009

Fritz I'm sorry that I didn't visit you on some of my return trips to the U.S.A. You gave me sound words of wisdom and set me on a new path when I didn't know which way to turn. You'll be missed.
Fran my prayers go out to you and your children. I wish I could make the service. I hope to see you again when I return next summe.

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