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September 22, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the Family from 4-8pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road Wayne, NJ 07470. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Redeemer Cemetery, 90 Chapel Road, Mahwah NJ 07430.
Frieda E. Stelter (nee Werner), 86, of Little Ferry, NJ, entered eternal life on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, comforted by her family, who remained steadfastly by her side. Frieda was born in Pudigau, Germany, one of four children born to the late Gustav & Martha Werner. She spent her formative years in Germany before immigrating to the United States with her family at the age of sixteen. Upon their arrival the family settled in Union City, NJ, where they began their new life in America.
During her school years in Germany, Frieda excelled at Mathematics, had a love for Gymnastics, and a flair for Fashion. After coming to the United States, she attended a church event in Union City where she met a handsome young man named Leo. The two immediately hit it off and began dating. On May 3, 1958 Frieda & Leo were married. The newlyweds initially made their home in Union City, where they were blessed with the birth of their two children, Bettina and Gordon. In December 1966 the family moved to a two-family home in Little Ferry, NJ. This would become their cherished home, along with Gidget, their dog, various birds and fish. Frieda & Leo lived their days there together for the remainder of their years.
After getting married, Frieda devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family as a full-time homemaker, a devoted wife, and deeply loving Mother to Bettina & Gordon. Once her children started school she began working privately as a caregiver, a vocation she continued for 40 years. Caring for others was a natural calling for Frieda. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine love for people made her an exceptional caregiver. She took great pride and joy in the work she did for the many people she cared for throughout the years.
Frieda was also a woman of deep Christian Faith. She was a longtime and devoted member of the Church of God in Midland Park. Her faith was an important part of her life and provided her with strength, comfort and guidance throughout the years. She was also a wonderful cook. Her family remembers special German recipes and big family meals together.
In addition to her faith, Frieda’s greatest passion in life was her Grandchildren. It brought her immense joy to attend their events, celebrate milestones, and shower them with unconditional love. Omi, as the girls call her, created countless memories for them. They are truly blessed to hold these precious moments in their hearts forever.
Additionally, Frieda looked forward to many Family traditions; Shepherds Lake, camping trips to Knoebels Grove, the Hawley House, Lukans, and all the Holidays spent together. These family traditions were among her happiest times and reflected what mattered most to her; being together with the people she loved. Frieda & Leo cherished nearly 60 years of marriage until Leo’s passing in 2017.
Frieda & Leo also shared a love for travel and adventure. Throughout their years they enjoyed lengthy Florida getaways, numerous cruises, and traveling throughout the world. Their travels provided them with endless stories and special memories they cherished together.
Frieda is survived by her daughter Bettina Austin and her husband Jim of Apple Valley, CA. Her son Gordon L. Stelter and his wife Denise of North Caldwell, NJ. Three Grandchildren; Nicole Moyer and her husband Rich of Apple Valley, CA, Carissa McClurg and her husband Chris of East Hanover, NJ, and Dana Stelter of Little Falls, NJ. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo Stelter, in 2017 and by her siblings; Gustav Werner, Hildegard Wagner, and Martha Heimlich.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frieda’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or towards a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the Family from 4-8pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road Wayne, NJ 07470. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Redeemer Cemetery, 90 Chapel Road, Mahwah NJ 07430.
September 22, 2026
Services
Friends may visit with the Family from 4-8pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road Wayne, NJ 07470. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Redeemer Cemetery, 90 Chapel Road, Mahwah NJ 07430.
Frieda E. Stelter (nee Werner), 86, of Little Ferry, NJ, entered eternal life on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, comforted by her family, who remained steadfastly by her side. Frieda was born in Pudigau, Germany, one of four children born to the late Gustav & Martha Werner. She spent her formative years in Germany before immigrating to the United States with her family at the age of sixteen. Upon their arrival the family settled in Union City, NJ, where they began their new life in America.
During her school years in Germany, Frieda excelled at Mathematics, had a love for Gymnastics, and a flair for Fashion. After coming to the United States, she attended a church event in Union City where she met a handsome young man named Leo. The two immediately hit it off and began dating. On May 3, 1958 Frieda & Leo were married. The newlyweds initially made their home in Union City, where they were blessed with the birth of their two children, Bettina and Gordon. In December 1966 the family moved to a two-family home in Little Ferry, NJ. This would become their cherished home, along with Gidget, their dog, various birds and fish. Frieda & Leo lived their days there together for the remainder of their years.
After getting married, Frieda devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family as a full-time homemaker, a devoted wife, and deeply loving Mother to Bettina & Gordon. Once her children started school she began working privately as a caregiver, a vocation she continued for 40 years. Caring for others was a natural calling for Frieda. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine love for people made her an exceptional caregiver. She took great pride and joy in the work she did for the many people she cared for throughout the years.
Frieda was also a woman of deep Christian Faith. She was a longtime and devoted member of the Church of God in Midland Park. Her faith was an important part of her life and provided her with strength, comfort and guidance throughout the years. She was also a wonderful cook. Her family remembers special German recipes and big family meals together.
In addition to her faith, Frieda’s greatest passion in life was her Grandchildren. It brought her immense joy to attend their events, celebrate milestones, and shower them with unconditional love. Omi, as the girls call her, created countless memories for them. They are truly blessed to hold these precious moments in their hearts forever.
Additionally, Frieda looked forward to many Family traditions; Shepherds Lake, camping trips to Knoebels Grove, the Hawley House, Lukans, and all the Holidays spent together. These family traditions were among her happiest times and reflected what mattered most to her; being together with the people she loved. Frieda & Leo cherished nearly 60 years of marriage until Leo’s passing in 2017.
Frieda & Leo also shared a love for travel and adventure. Throughout their years they enjoyed lengthy Florida getaways, numerous cruises, and traveling throughout the world. Their travels provided them with endless stories and special memories they cherished together.
Frieda is survived by her daughter Bettina Austin and her husband Jim of Apple Valley, CA. Her son Gordon L. Stelter and his wife Denise of North Caldwell, NJ. Three Grandchildren; Nicole Moyer and her husband Rich of Apple Valley, CA, Carissa McClurg and her husband Chris of East Hanover, NJ, and Dana Stelter of Little Falls, NJ. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo Stelter, in 2017 and by her siblings; Gustav Werner, Hildegard Wagner, and Martha Heimlich.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frieda’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or towards a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.
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