Obituary of Joseph James Rigda

RIGDA, Joseph "Joe" James of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Covenant Healthcare - Cooper. He was 70 years of age. Joseph J. Rigda was born on August 16, 1941 to the late Joseph and Ann (Kolak) Rigda. He was married to Donna M. Taubert on September 26, 1964 in Saginaw, MI. She survives him. Joe graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1959. He was employed by Eaton Manufacturing for 8 years. Joe later joined the family business Rigda Body and Equipment and Rigda RV Sales, and remained there until his retirement in 2004. Joe was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He loved spending time with his four granddaughters, as well as camping and traveling with his wife and family. Joe was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved to ride his motorcycle. He was also a huge NASCAR fan, attending many races across the country with family and friends. Besides his loving wife Donna, Joe is survived by a daughter; Teri (Bryan) Salgot, a son; Don (Kathryn) Rigda, four granddaughters; Sydney and Skyler Salgot, Emily and Gwen Rigda, a brother; Richard Rigda, two sisters-in-law; Joanne (Frank) Lukowski and Peggy (Ken) Lange, several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special friends; Ron Bishop, Joe (Mickie) Samson and many other good friends. Joe is preceded in death by his in-laws; Don and Marvel Taubert. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Covenant Healthcare-Cooper. FUNERAL- Joseph's Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N River Rd. Rev. Fr. David L. Parsch will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St Andrew Catholic Cemetery. VISITATION- Friends are welcome to visit with Joe's family at the Deisler Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Vigil Service honoring Joe will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Joe will lie in state at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS- In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Holy Spirit Catholic Church or the American Heart Association. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Joe's family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com