Obituary of Ernest Kiggins

Ernest "Ernie" Edman Kiggins Sr. June 27, 1941 August 26, 2007 Ernest "Ernie" Edman Kiggins Sr., 66, of Shurte Street in Cassopolis, passed away at his home on August 26, 2007 with his family by his side. Ernie was born on June 27, 1941 to the late Arthur and Wava (Bybee) Kiggins in Niles, Michigan. After graduating from high school Ernie enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country for 23 years. While he was in the Army he served as a Military Police Officer. He transferred to the Army Reserves and served as a Motor Transport Operator. At his retirement he was a Staff Sergeant. On April 21, 1973 Ernie married the love of his life, Claire Elizabeth Zwar at a ceremony in Bitely, Michigan. Together they raised 3 children. In his younger years Ernie was a lumberjack, construction worker and maintenance worker. He also raised horses and was a cowboy. Ernie spent almost all of his free time in the outdoors with his wife. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and especially camping. Ernie was a member of the Dowagiac Conservation Club. He also did quite a bit of reading; he read western novels and recently began reading more modern forensic books. He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved daughter Lisa Ann Kiggins and brothers Roy Kiggins and Arthur Kiggins Jr. Ernie is survived by his loving wife, Claire, children Pamela (Henry "Hank") Auger of Freemont, MI, Ernest "Ernie" Jr. (Andrea) Kiggins of Dowagiac, Michigan, Kimberly Williams of North Muskegon, MI, Tracey (Doug) Grigonis of Whitehall, MI, Daniel (Tina) Kiggins of Whitehall, MI, 17 Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren, Sisters Faith Coyle of Bitely, MI and Maxine "Max" Hamerick of Mears, Michigan A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at the Mission Hills Memorial Chapel from 6-8 pm. Ernie's funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 11am with a time of visitation one hour prior. Pastor Paul Deeds will be officiating. Ernie will be interred at the Mission Hills Memorial Garden of Time next to his daughter. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services and Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, both of Niles.