Obituaries from the week of August 11, 2004

James Rigdon, 77

A 1944 Tracy High School graduate died in Minneapolis March 25, 2004.

James Patrick Rigdon was born Oct. 21, 1926, the son of William Howard Rigdon and Florence Gertrude Zender. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1944 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Following the military service, he worked in the hotel and restaurant business. He managed the Fort Hotel at Pickstown, S.D. during the construction of the Randal Dam. He was a manager at the Lafayette Club in Minnetonka.

Rigdon was the cousin of Al Zender Jr. of Lake Shetek, and the nephew of the late Al and Catherine Zender of Tracy.

Robert Van Meveren, 77

Funeral services were held for Robert Arie Van Meveren on Monday, August 9, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columba Church in Iona, MN. Monsignor Paul Evers officiated. Organist was Sharon Lais with Jean Hentges as song leader.

Pallbearers were all grandsons: Justin Packard, Travis Van Meveren, Josh Van Meveren, Zach Sankey, Marcus Linton, William Swan, Ben Swan, Jason Woodcock and Steven Woodcock.

Bob Van Meveren was born on April 11, 1927 at Chandler, MN to Arie and Christine Gudmunson Van Meveren. He grew up in the Russell area and attended Russell High School. He worked at the Tracy Produce Company from 1943-1945.

On December 17, 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge in 1946, Bob returned to the Tracy area and worked road construction.

On September 10, 1953 he and Dorothy Morin were married at IHM Church in Currie. Following their marriage they lived in the Garvin, Currie, Leavenworth, and Slayton areas. Bob did road and bridge construction until his retirement in 1985. In 1990 they moved to Iona.

Bob has been a patient at the Royal Johnson Veteran's Hospital in Sioux Falls since March and he passed away there on August 6, 2004 at the age of 77 years.

Bob previously was a member of IHM Church in Currie and the Currie American Legion Post. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of Iona, 10 children and their spouses: Sheila and Don Packard of Sioux Falls, SD, Richard and Darla Van Meveren of Hurley, SD, Elaine and Max Woodcock of Columbus, IN, Donald and Sarah Van Meveren of Windom, Sandra Entinger of Avoca, Joan Van Meveren of Columbia Heights, MN, David Van Meveren of Iona, Carol and Dennis Sankey of Wilmont, Brenda and Scott Sour of Inwood, IA and Lisa and Paul Scroggs of Wilmont; 29 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ruth Brauch of Hewitt, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Dorothy, and one brother, Arlie Van Meveren.