Virginia Riedel

Virginia Riedel, of Westchester, in her 98th year.  Loving Mom to Paulette Gang (Richard, deceased) and Christine (deceased) (James) Stiegemeyer. Granny to Matthew Stiegemeyer (Luanne Martineau), Christopher Stiegemeyer (Aimee), Darcy Scharpf (Chris), Nicholas Gang (Dana Omar) and Brynna Gang (Jesse Mitchell). Great grandmother of Elise, Max, Fiona, and Sydney.

Virginia was the only child of Marion and Rudolph Drotziger. As the sole focus of her parent’s resources, she was acutely aware that she was able to have experiences that many women of her time did not. She never forgot the name of the teacher she had in high school that spoke with her father to suggest that Virginia pursue a college education. After graduating from Valparaiso, she married and had Polly and Christine. After a divorce, she went to enroll her daughters in elementary school and when the principal learned Virginia had a teaching degree, he hired her on the spot. That began a teaching career which continued until 1994 when she retired from Willowbrook High School as the head of the English department.  She continued to receive holiday cards from students and colleagues for the rest of her life.

Virginia was the heart of her family. For decades, she hosted family dinners every Sunday. During summer, her grandkids spent Monday-Friday with her and these experiences fostered a closeness that her grandchildren have all treasured. When her grandkids moved away as young adults, and then several decided to move back to the area, she welcomed one grandchild after another back into her home, letting them live with her until they found their footing.

She was always there when she was needed. She volunteered at her long-time church, Grace Lutheran in La Grange, cared for elderly family members, and was there for her daughters when there was serious illness in their families. The loss of her daughter, Christine, was keenly felt for the rest of Virginia’s life. In her 90th year, her daughter, Polly, became her caretaker and honored Virginia’s wishes to stay at home throughout her final years. This was a monumental effort and a true act of love by Polly.

Her family thanks Polly for being there for Virginia in ways the rest of us could not. We have no words to express our appreciation for what you did for her, and us.

We also thank Virginia’s aide, Diane Pope, who supported Virginia and Polly the last few years.

In her final few years, Virginia struggled with dementia. On good days, when Virginia surfaced, her family treasured the time with her and rejoiced in seeing her again. On bad days when she was lost, her family was deeply comforted that even when she forgot our names, she never forgot that she loved us.

Virginia was a voracious reader and continued reading until her last weeks. Her family asks that any memorial contributions be directed to programs promoting literacy, or to your local public library.

While her family is comforted that she is no longer in struggle, we miss her. And we love her, always.

Visitation Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 9:00 A.M to time of Service at 11:00 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd. 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.

Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park, Forest Park

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please click on the link above and you can leave the family a message. If you wish to send a sympathy card, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513 c/o Virginia Riedel Family.  We will gladly forward it on to the family.