John Even Riggs

JOHN E. RIGGS,age 65, of Sandwich, passed away suddenly due to complications from a heart attack while hiking with his family at Matheson State Park on Sunday, March 7, 2010. BORN: John was born January 12, 1945, the son of Charles and Marjorie (Even) Riggs in Evansville, IN. EARLY YEARS:John grew up in Dundee, IL and attended local schools, graduating from St. Edwards High School in Elgin with the class of 1964. MARRIAGE: John met Joan Junod early in life and began dating when they were only fifteen years old. Their love grew to be more than just high school sweethearts as they were united in marriage June 12, 1965 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Elgin. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They began their new life together in Elgin and as their family grew they made homes throughout the Fox Valley area over the years before settling in Sandwich in 1999. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:John worked as a salesman for NCR for ten years before beginning his own family business with his wife Joan, Kane-DuPage Business Equipment and Office Supply in 1974. Most recently, and since 1995, he worked as a salesman for Colonial Kitchens. MEMBERSHIPS: John was a member of Ducks Unlimited for many years and was an avid supporter of both the National Rifle Association and SCI, Safari Club International. LIFE NOTES: John was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt. The bigger the game the better the hunt was his motto. It took John across the country and abroad to Africa where he would bring back his trophies and add them to his collection. John also indulged in his favorite hobby of taxidermy, a talent he taught himself as a young man. John and Joan traveled extensively over the years visiting places all around the world. The love he had for his family outweighed anything he saw in nature and the time he spent with his children and grandchildren was priceless. Though he left this world too soon, he leaves the memories and his legacy for his friends and his family to treasure. SURVIVORS: He now leaves his loving wife Joan, Four children:Eric (Donna Donahoe) Riggs and his family Paige, Glenn, Josh and Jessica of Peru, IL, Greta (Kevin) Davis and their family, Kevin, Corey, Nicolette, and Chelsea of Geneva, IL, Peter (Sheryl Rooney) Riggs and their family, Matthew, Michael, Katie and Patrick of St. Charles, IL and Jason Riggs and his son Connor of North Aurora, IL;One great-grandson, Kye Smith who was born just this year on his great-grandpa’s birthday;Three siblings:Marloe (Paul) Campbell of Pleasant Hill, CA,Tim (Toni) Riggs of Elgin, IL and Steve (Sheri) Riggs of Dundee, IL;Many nieces, nephews and a family of friends. PRECEDED:He now joins his parents who preceded him in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 12, also at Conley Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the service and private family interment will occur at a later date.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 12, also at Conley Funeral Home.

Cremation will follow the service and private family interment will occur at a later date.