Carol E. Stich Wilber

Carol Elaine (Jogerst) Stich Wilber, 89, of Lena, IL, passed away on November 2, 2025, at SSM Health Monroe Hospital, surrounded by her family. Carol was born at home in Winslow on August 24, 1936, to Ralph and Rose (Hildebrandt) Jogerst.
She graduated from Lena High School in 1954 and then began working at the State Bank of Freeport. She married Donald W. Stich on April 6, 1957, and together they raised four children. After the children were older, she returned to work at Lena State Bank.
Carol's life centered around two things: her family and her loving service to God. She was a lifelong member of Nora Community Church, where she served in many capacities, including Sunday School teacher, youth league sponsor, and song leader. She was also very involved in the Lena Christian Women's Club and the Lena American Legion Auxiliary. She and Donald participated in the International Fellowship program for many years, opening their home at Thanksgiving to students from other countries who were studying in Chicago. In fact, the Stich home was always open to family, friends, and anyone who needed a good meal. There was always room for one more. Besides being a talented cook, Carol was also a gifted seamstress. Don and Carol enjoyed traveling, especially on several family trips to Florida and Texas. Donald passed away in 1996. Carol later married Ernest Wilber.
Carol is survived by sons Steven (Sonya) Stich, Scott (Lisa) Stich, and Timothy (Tammy) Stich; daughter Rose Marie (Todd) Bruegger; grandchildren Shawn (Amanda) Stich, Bradley (MarySue) Stich, Alicia (Joey Curtis) Stich, Caitlin (John) Isenberger, Emily (Connor Belanger) Stich, Stanley (Ashly) Bruegger, Neil (Bria) Bruegger, Michaela (Cory Chanthaluxay) Stich, and Brady (Jenna) Stich; and great-grandchildren Gunnar, Owen, Ava, Grace, Samuel, Charlotte, James, Drake, Ronan, Aleah, and Mason. Also surviving are Carol's brother Gene Jogerst of Scales Mound, sister-in-law Nyla Jogerst of Freeport, special family friends Laverne and Phyllis Blasing, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husbands Donald and Ernie; brothers R. Dale and Bruce Jogerst; sisters-in-law Donna Wolfram, Edith Jogerst, and Lorraine Jogerst; and brother-in-law Bill Wolfram.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Leamons Funeral Home in Lena, IL, with a visitation from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm.
Officiating will be Rev. Rick Bader. Burial will take place at Lena Burial Park.
A memorial has been established in Carol's name.
The family extends special thanks to Leamons Funeral Homes and Ambulance Service and the healthcare providers at Lena Living Center and SSM Health Monroe.
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