"My deepest condolences go out to you and your family during this time of saddness. Keep the love in your heart and the memories forever. sincerely, Georgann Anderson (Antram)"
In loving memory of
John David Briggs
October 24, 1932 - May 3, 2012
JOHN BRIGGS
MUSCATINE, Iowa - John David Briggs, 79, of Muscatine, met with the Lord on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at his home after a short illness.
Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Reverend Collette Gould of the Island United Methodist Church will officiate. Honorary bearers will be Jack Dillon, Dave Lucas, John Marshall, Marvin Cooney, Wayne Shoultz, Christopher Leaver and Tom Fahy. Casket bearers will be Brian Freitag, Michael Briggs, Brian Briggs, Spencer Williams, Tylor Staley, and Tom Dillon. Burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Iowa Hospice of Muscatine, Musserville United Methodist Church, Island United Methodist Church or the Fruitland Fire Department. The family wishes to thank the Hospice staff for the care and friendship given to John and his family. We also have felt the love, support, and friendship from extended family members and friends the past few weeks. Thank You!
John was born on October 24, 1932, in Fredonia; he was the third of nine children born to Lewis H. and Myrle C. Reid Briggs. He graduated from Letts High School, class of 1951. In school, he lettered in basketball and baseball. He served as the class treasurer his senior year. He was also a golden glove contender in boxing.
He married Dorothy Ann Keller on February 1, 1952, in Louisa County. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Through the years, they built a life around family and service to the church and community.
John worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and retired from AT&T in 1986 after 34 years and used those skills to help others with telephone problems.
John served as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 126, and coached several teams in Muscatine Little League Youth Programs for both boys and girls. For many years, John played Santa on Christmas Eve, giving all a gift and enjoying the expressions on their surprised faces. He was a member of Moose Lodge No. 388, Telephone Pioneers, Izaak Walton, Muscatine Citizen Patrol and Retiree Phone Company Coffee Time at HyVee. He attended and served the Island United Methodist Church, regularly, although he was a member of Musserville United Methodist Church.
John enjoyed playing softball throughout his life and bowled on various teams. He was a true Hawkeye fan in all sports. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. The family enjoyed camping from tents to campers to a cabin on the Mississippi. John followed and attended Muskie football and basketball games loyally. He found peace and tranquility at his cottage and tinkering in the garage.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy A. Briggs of Muscatine; one son, Donald D. Briggs and wife, Debra, of Fruitland; three daughters, Deborah S. McNamara and husband, Robert, of Uniontown, Ohio, Susan K. Phillips of Muscatine, and Sandra L. Freitag and husband, Brian, of Muscatine; nine grandchildren, Michael Briggs and wife, Stacey, Jennifer McNamara, Tabatha Reimers and fiancé, Jason Miller, Joscelyn Williams and husband, Spencer, Brian Briggs, and wife, Bonnie, Christopher Leaver, Sunny Leaver, Sara Booth and husband, Brett, and Jillian McNamara; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Briggs of Mt. Pleasant and Junior Briggs and wife, Roberta, of Letts; three sisters, Phyllis Lindle and husband, Richard, of Muscatine, Lois Larson of La Habra, California, and Mary Gillette and husband, Keith, of Wapello; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Orville 'Bub' Briggs; and two sisters, Betty Jean Briggs and Patricia Glenn.
Tributes
"Dear Debbie, Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved so missed, so very dear. With heartfelt sympathy, Mic and Dude Hysong"
"Donny, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. He was a nice man and you are a great son. Tom and Tami"
"sorry to hear of Johns passing,he will be missed by many. He was my little league coach. He inspired everyone he came into contact with."
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"Dorothy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss of John. Dorothy I remember the good times we had driving to Letts to watch the basketball games which were the beginning of your 60 years with John. We had so many fun times with the guys from Letts and will always have the memories while they reminise in Heaven. May God be with you and ease your sorrow. I love you my friend."
"Dorothy, Debbie, Don, Sue and Sandy,
Keith and I both wish to express our sympathy to all of you. "
"To Dorothy and Family.....we are so very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was such a kind man and we have many great memories of him playing "Santa" on Christmas Eve for our nieces and nephews as well as our to children who are now adults...it was always enjoyed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Steve, Lisa, Shasta and Shay Phelps"
"Dear Briggs Family, I was sorry to learn of Johnny Briggs passing. I remember what an outstanding basketball player He and my brother Ivan Goddard were on the Letts basket ball team. at the same time. He was alway a friendly person and never failed to stop and talk when we'd meet. He was a real good guy. Lord Bless Your Family!"
"Dorthy & Family, The neighborhood just won't be the same without John. It will be very different this year not seeing John on his tractor plowing the sidewalks through the neighborhood. He always had a smile & a wave everytime I saw him. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Santa!"
"Briggs Family, Sorry to hear about John, keep the memories close and remember all the smiles he brought to everyone. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers! Donny if you need anything we are a phone call away!"
"To the family of John: We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. John welcomed me with open arms when I married Andy and had a smile for me every time I saw him. You all had a very wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. Remember all of the times you had with him as he will never forget you all. Love and healing be with all of you."
"Now that I am gone, remember me with smiles and laughter. And if you need to cry, cry with your brother or sister who walks in grief beside you. And when you need me, put your arms around anyone and give to them what you need to give to me. There are so many who need so much. I want to leave you something -- something much better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I've known or helped in some special way. Let me live in your heart as well as in your mind. You can love me most by letting your love reach out to our loved ones, by embracing them and living in their love. Love does not die, people do. So, when all that's left of me is love, give me away as best you can."