Bill Riggle

Bill M. Riggle, 63, of Cherry Valley passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2017.  Born May 24, 1954, in Freeport, the son of Marlan and Mae (Fluegel) Riggle.  Owned and operated Bill Riggle Builders for 40 years.  Bill was the consummate father to his 2 daughters and 3 grandsons always ready to help, give advice when asked, and whisk them off on another adventure.  He was devoted to them and was dearly loved in return.  Their hearts are broken.  He was a wonderful brother and uncle to his many nieces and nephews, loved by all.  A true craftsman.  He had a reputation in the Rockford area as someone to go to if you wanted quality work.  He always found time to help his family and friends as well as strangers on the street.  An example is, he read of an elderly lady who had saved her money for a year for Christmas gifts for her family only to have her purse snatched in the K-Mart parking lot on her way to buy gifts.  Bill called the paper, learned her name and address and anonymously sent her $500.  He volunteered at the Rescue Mission for many years often making him late for family holiday dinners.  If it snowed on a holiday he was expected to be late for family dinners as he would be plowing for family and friends at no cost.  When he could find free time he was off to Arizona to explore the area he loved.  On one of his expeditions into the mountains he was bit by a rattlesnake making him a true legend with his children, nieces and nephews.  He also enjoyed trips fishing in Canada with childhood pals.  He was an avid reader.  His main interests were southwest history and the Catholic religion.  He bought a motorcycle in his 40's and had a horrific accident putting him in the hospital for 6 weeks and 13 surgeries.  After that he took up flying and loved to take friends and family for a "spin."  He joined the Catholic church about 25 years ago and was involved as a CCD teacher for 17 years at St. Rita's touching the lives of many young people.  He loved the Cubs and Bears and organized bus trips to see the Cubs providing all the tailgate supplies.  Bill was the "cool" person in the room at our family gatherings.  All that knew him will always miss him and hold him close to their hearts.  Survivors include his daughters, Joy Bohn and Jade Peppers; grandchildren, Riley Sisler, Dylan Garrett and Hudson Thelen; sister, Sandra (Victor) Adamsky; brothers, Jim (Carol) Riggle and Steve (Dolores) Riggle; many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, in St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., Rockford.  Burial in Oakland Cemetery, Freeport.  Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, November 20, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday in the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Rockford Rescue Mission or the church.