Lebanon, N.H. —
Wayne was born in East Chicago, Ind. to Florence and Charles Stiller, the first of three boys born to them. He was raised in and spent 20 plus years of his life in Whiting, Ind. before meeting Erna Helfen at a dance for young adults in Hammond, Ind. in the Fall of 1957. Erna felt he was the one from the start, but Wayne had to be coaxed which was okay.
Wayne arrived in New Hampshire for the first time over 60 years ago. He and his wife, Erna, raised their two daughters, Laura and Brigid, here. They grew to become beautiful young women, and now call N.H. their home also.
Wayne was employed by Mary Hitchcock Hospital of Hanover, N.H. for over 33 years. Wayne was hired by Justin Smith as a photographer in the Fall of 1960 and loved working for the fine institution. He spent about 10 years as a Unit Manager on Faulkner 4 & 5 where he was known as Wayne O by his friends. Wayne’s years at MHMH were wonderful and rewarding for the family. They enjoyed picnics, the fishing group at Winnipesaukee, and the bowling team – Wayne still has a paperweight trophy!
When he wasn’t working Wayne enjoyed fishing and cultured over 50 orchids, some of which he received awards for. In his younger days, Wayne liked to hunt and raised beagles. He also participated in several plays through the North Country Community Theater. He was an avid Cubs fan and a Notre Dame fan as well. One of Wayne’s mottos was “be kind to one another”.
Wayne was taught to fly fish by Skip George Stoddard. Wayne did learn to tie flies, which was a chore because he was a lefty.
Fishing, in general, was taught to Wayne by Julian Aja, known as Tony far and wide. To know Tony was a privilege and an honor, when they made him they threw away the mold. Tony called Erna ‘little mother’ even when she wasn’t pregnant. Erna though that he forgot her name, but felt it was still a good nickname to have.
Erna and Wayne have been communicants of Sacred Heart Church and have been for over 50 years. At least most of the parish know them as the Wayne Stiller Family attending church functions, etc.
Wayne was a Knight of Columbus for over 20 years and he was Grand Knight for two years (3rd degree).
Wayne is survived by his wife, Erna; daughters, Laura (Gary) Ward and Brigid Stiller; granddaughter, Hillary Ward; brother, Thomas P. Stiller, of Loveland, Colo.; sisters-in-law, Annedda and Monica; brother-in-law, Gary Miller of Albuquerque, N.M.; dear friends, Frank Harlow and John Buckley; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Stiller.
There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon. A private committal will be held at the convenience of the family. Wayne would wish for those attending to dress casually.
Wayne’s family wishes to thank the staff on 3 East of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for the wonderful care they gave to Wayne during his time there.
Memorial contributions in Wayne’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Knights of Columbus.
Condolences may be shared with Wayne’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.