Kenneth L. Riggs

Kenneth “Kenny” Lynn Riggs, 86, of Sheffield passed away on March 19, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, IL surrounded by family.

Kenny was born on September 14, 1937 in Galesburg the son of Harry and Gladys (Lundeen) Riggs. He graduated from Sheffield Community Consolidated School in 1955.  He married Gladys “Susie” Barton on January 20, 1957. She preceded him in death on March 29, 2014. Kenny later married Marilyn West on March 17, 2015 at Sheffield United Methodist Church in Sheffield.

Kenny worked as a Pipe Fitter and Welder at Northwestern Steel and Wire in Rock Falls for 31 years prior to his retirement in 1986. He also worked at Brave Industries in Annawan for a short time as a mechanic and maintenance man and then for the Bureau Valley School District for 9 years as a bus mechanic.  He enjoyed flying single engine planes and tinkering on cars. Kenny liked to work on his home and fix anything that needed fixing. He also enjoyed reading and studying the bible. Kenny was a longtime member of Sheffield United Methodist Church. Most of all he cherished spending time with his family.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Marilyn West of Sheffield; five children, Kevin (Maria) Riggs of Rock Falls, David (Jane) Riggs of Sheffield, Kerry (Ivy) Riggs of Boca Raton, FL, Randall (Sandi) Riggs of Lake Worth, FL and Lori (Tom) Stone of Sheffield; eight grandchildren, Jessie Riggs, Amber (Ryan) Biggs, Heather (Adam) Wold, Kalyn Riggs, Maddi Riggs, Angie (Chad) Fisher, Allison (Brandon) Behrens, Natalie (Miguel) Munoz; eight great-grandchildren, Carson Fisher, Kenzi Fisher, Beckham Behrens, Emory Behrens, Jack Biggs, Charlotte Wold, Mia Munoz and Rosalie Munoz; five stepsons, David (Kim) West of Homer Glen,  Rick (Sheri) West of Rock Island, Tony West of Crystal Lake, Pat (Lisa) West of Rock Island and Mike (Cathy) West of Naperville; fourteen step grandchildren, Gianna (Erik) Thomas, Katrina West, Jason (Sarah) West, Tara (Dominic) Trasatti, Mindi (Bill) Taylor, Abbey (Adam) White, Aaron (Hayley) Sweeney, Missy Sweeney, Adam (Mindy) West, Emily (Ky) Paxson, Shawn West, Drew (Kelly) West, Kelsey West and Zachary West; thirteen step great-grandchildren, David West, Evelyn West, Amelia West, Owen White, Scarlett White, Cooper Sweeney, Berkley Sweeney, Avery West, Stella West, Emmett Paxson, Emmie Paxson, Tommy West and Madelyn West; two siblings, James (Debbie) Riggs of St. Augustine Beach, FL and Janet Heidenreich of Walnut; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Gladys “Susie” Riggs and two brothers, Vernon and Danny Riggs.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am until time of funeral service at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Terry Lancaster, officiating. Burial will follow at Sheffield Cemetery in Sheffield.

Memorials may be directed to Sheffield United Methodist Church. 

Online condolences may be made at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.