Harry Rigden

Harry Martin Rigden “Junior”, age 87 of Portage, formerly of Westfield. An amazing son, brother, husband, and father left us peacefully on Saturday, November 5, 2016 as the sun came up. Born March 27, 1929, he was the first of seven children born to the late Harry R. and Margaret (Lusiak). On August 26, 1949 he married his young love, Eileen M. Pergande. He is survived by his loving children, Cheryl and her husband William Bergemann of Packwaukee, WI and son, David Rigden of Perry, FL; grandchildren, Laura (Joseph) Sanfilippo, Sean Bergemann and Christina Rigden-Santiago; great grandchildren, Nicolas, Taylor and Kylie; his brother, Edward (Julianna); sisters, Marie Rigden and Patricia Thompson; sister-in-law, Jeanette Pergande and brother-in-law, Gerald Pergande; sisters-in-law, Barbara, Suzanne and Judith Rigden and special family friend, Ann Santiago. Plus his son, Michael and grandson, Shaw; many other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Eileen; her parents, Herbert and Hilda Pergande; sons, Darryl and Patrick; brothers, Donald, Richard, and Robert; step-brother, William; brothers-in-law, Howard and Ronald Pergande and sister-in-law, Bonnie Pergande.

Harry was a retired machinist and former employee of A-C Spark Plug, Johnson Service & Allen Bradley. Proud union member of the UAW. He loved to play cards, dance (polka on!), golf, bowl, hunt and spend time at the lake.

He enjoyed life right up to the end. He loved his Packers and was over-joyed when he became a stockholder! Win or lose he followed the Brewers and could give you every stat on every game exactly like his Mom! He was a resident of Tivoli Care Center of Divine Savior Hospital where he loved to play bingo, he especially enjoyed the music and planting flowers. There wasn’t much he didn’t love except for chocolate, apple sauce, and broccoli. Broccoli we could understand but chocolate?

We would like to thank the caregivers of Tivoli Care Center (nursing, social services and pastoral), the activity department, especially Sister Deb and Kay, plus Cindy for the many hours she spent listening to our Dad and Patty for keeping him handsome. This past year at Tivoli was a happy year for our Dad. We couldn’t be more appreciative. Also, a very special Thank You to Dr. Brenda Blohm for her care and compassion, Dr. Haji and the staff at Divine Savior Hospital.

A graveside service for Harry will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family which will be distributed to several special funds such as Tivoli Care Center (van outings, music and Love Light Christmas Tree) and Budda Box Fight Against Cancer of Marquette County.

Please take a moment to view the online guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Harry with his family & friends.