Riggen, Jean E. (Vander Veer) 1927-2008

RIGGEN, VANDER VEER, VISSER

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/7/2009 at 21:00:24

Jean Elizabeth (Vander Veer) Riggen was born on May 14, 1927 in Harvey, Iowa the daughter of Cornelius Vander Veer and Angeline (Visser) Vander Veer.

She was raised in Harvey and attended school there. On November 7, 1943 Jean was united in marriage to Larry Berdett Riggen.

Jean traveled with her husband while he worked on a bridge construction crew for five years, until they moved to Zion, Illinois in 1951. The couple eventually moved to Waukegan, Illinois where Jean was a homemaker and her husband Larry worked in construction.

Jean and her husband raised three children and went on to enjoy having their grandchildren frequently visit and stay with them. Jean's husband retired and in 1989 the couple moved o Knoxville.

Jean earned a letter playing basketball in high school, became an excellent bowler, liked reading, loved watching sports on TV especially the Chicago Bears football team (as well as anyone who beat the Green Bay Packers) and was ready for a game of pinochle anytime.

Jean was a beloved wife of 54 years, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend. Her unconditional love, forgiving ways, sense of humor, generosity, and kindness will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Jean passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center, at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 1 week.

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Riggen in 1997, and a grandson James Charles Riggen in 1963.

Those left to honor Jeans memory include her two sons: Larry jr. and wife Susan of Southside, Alabama, Robert and wife Kathleen of Knoxville, and one daughter: Linda Archer of Knoxville, 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and a host of other family members and friends.

Service: Bybee & Davis Funeral Home, Knoxville, IA
Cemetery: Graceland Cemetery

Bertrand Funeral Homes Oct. 2008