Frank Eugene Rigden's Obituary
Frank Eugene Rigden, 81, of Zolfo Springs, Florida, passed away at home on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Frank’s family and friends will gather Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Eineder Funeral Homes – Brooklyn Chapel, with his funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Pastor Fritz Kruse will officiate.
Frank was born on June 20, 1942 in the Rigden Centennial Farm home on Hawkins Hwy. in Onsted, Michigan to George and Esther (Landis) Rigden. From 1947 through 1952 Frank attended a one-room schoolhouse which housed students K-12. When Frank was 14 years old, he bought a 1939 Model A John Deere tractor. Whenever possible, he worked on or was seen riding his tractor around the property. He loved to hear “old John bark”. In 2019 the restoration was completed – what a beauty it was. Frank also enjoyed hunting with his cousins. In 1967 Frank was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam. While serving his country, he saw combat in Vietnam and encountered Agent Orange. Later in life this would lead to many health issues. He was honorably discharged in 1973. Frank worked a few years at the University of Michigan. In 1979, he married Betsy Conrad and then moved to Florida to work on his cousin’s dairy farm.
Frank will be missed by his sister, Joyce A. Rigden Ruppert (David Schwartz) of Jackson, MI; a niece, Tina (Jeffrey) Ruppert Reese of Clarklake, MI; a nephew, Ronald Ruppert of Minneapolis, MN; a stepdaughter, Maryann Conrad of Zolfo Springs, Florida; step-grandchildren C.J. Kelley and Chassney Kelley; several step-greatgrandchildren; great and great-great nieces and nephews and many loving cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betsy Conrad Rigden; and his parents.
Memorial contributions are suggested to American Legion Post Brooklyn, MI. Please leave a message of comfort for Frank’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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