Obituaries : Ernest “Ernie” D. Riggle

Ernest "Ernie" D. Riggle, 86, of Vinton, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Virginia Gay Hospital, Vinton, following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Prairie Creek Christian Church, Vinton, with Pastor Randy Nash officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton, and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, Vinton, with full military rites.

Ernie was born October 12, 1937 in La Porte City, the son of Elmer and Margaret (Engledow) Riggle. He was a graduate of Center Point High School. He entered the United States Air Force in April, 1957, which led to a 20-year career with the Air Force. On May 14, 1972, Ernie was united in marriage to Barbara McKinley at the Scott AFB Chapel in Belleville, IL. Ernie was employed in maintenance at the Vinton Lutheran Home for twenty years, manager of the Vinton Animal Shelter for seven years and overseer at the City of Vinton Compost Site.

Some of Ernie's favorite past times included woodworking, yardwork, landscaping, and riding his Farmall tractor in the parade at the Old Thresher's Reunion in Mt. Pleasant with his friends of the IHCC Chapter 5 Tractor Club. He was a member of the Vinton American Legion Post 57 and Prairie Creek Christian Church where he served as a Deacon and Elder.

Left to cherish Ernie's memory are his wife of 51 years, Barbara; daughters: Laurie Lang and Mary (Christopher) Kirk; son, Marvin Boyles; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Debra Mather; brother, LeRoy Riggle; sisters: Marjorie Higley and Maxine Riggle; daughter-in-law, Christine Boyles; and his beloved dog, Heidi.

A memorial fund has been established.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.