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Wendell Riggs Obituary
Wendell A. Riggs, M.D.
Died Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 at Creasy Springs Health Center. He had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for many years. Dr. Riggs was a long-time pediatrician with the Arnett Clinic in Lafayette and was instrumental in providing health services to children and adults. He started a public health clinic in 1988 to serve those needing medical care, and the Riggs Community Health Center was named in his honor in 2009. Dr. Riggs was also the former Tippecanoe County Health Officer. His marriage was to Eleanor Cox in Terre Haute and she survives. Please view the complete obituary at http://www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Riggs Community Health Center or First Baptist Church of Lafayette. Hippensteel Funeral Home entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Riggs
Mary Sue Elliott
January 3, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with DR Riggs as a NICU nurse at Home Hospital. He was wonderful to All. He was the BEST, a great teacher of medicine and of life.
Tina Lancaster-Ward
December 30, 2013
Eleanor & Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your father touched so many lives. God Bless Him and All of You.
December 30, 2013
Many years ago when we lived in Lafayette, Dr. Riggs was the pediatrician for my two sons. I remember him as being very kind and competent. My condolences to the family. My sons are now in their 40's.
Jean McVay, RN
December 24, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carol Downard, Au.D.
December 24, 2013
I also shared time with him in the Greenbush building. "Well done, good and faithful servant" applies so well here. I was so sorry for his suffering the past few years, but celebrate the treasures he now reaps in Heaven. All who knew him were grateful recipients of his kindness.
Jolene Saltsman
December 24, 2013
I was lucky enough to work with Dr Riggs at Home Hospital Pediatrics. I never met a more dedicated,caring and loving doctor. Tippecanoe County WIC and Riggs Community Health Clinic would not be here if not for Dr Riggs trying to help those in need. Dr Riggs always gave us praise for helping our little kids. Heavens gates opened to bring him to the Lord. Rest in Peace - My thoughts and prayers to the family for the loss of such a wonderful man.
Tom McCool
December 24, 2013
Condolences to the Riggs family. I worked at Home Hospital when Dr. Riggs was medical director for Health Education. I saw him around and he showed up for carry-ins when he could. He has done much for the community and will be missed.
December 24, 2013
Thoughts & Prayers to the Riggs family.
From the Highs!!!
Rose George
December 24, 2013
He was such a fantastic Doctor and Human Being. He was my childhood doctor as well as my children. My heart is with the family
Jackie Bahler
December 23, 2013
Always gracious,always smiling,always passionate about our community and always concerned for those in need, always a friend, pediatrician extraordinaire to my five sons and a wonderful co-worker! I began working with Dr. Riggs 44 years ago in the HH Labor and Delivery Dept. I have been blessed by his exuberance for life and his Christ like model. Such a privilege to know him.
Much gratitude to Eleanor for all she did to support him and for her own numerous contributions to make this a better community. God's grace be with you in the days ahead.
kari draper
December 23, 2013
You will be missed.
December 23, 2013
We were blessed with a wonderful, caring, and smart pediatrician!! God bless you Dr.Riggs. Cam Bushman R.Ph
John A South
December 23, 2013
He was a great man and will be missed. Lafayette is a better place because of him. R I P Dr. Riggs and THANK YOU for what you did for our 2 sons!
terry smith
December 23, 2013
God bless you mr. Riggs, I have so many fond memories of great times spent with the family, my life has been touched by you and mrs. Riggs and I look forward to seeing you in heaven! Prayers for the family. I love you!
December 23, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Riggs during his tenure at Arnett Clinic. He was an excellent pediatrician and did so much for his patients and the community. God Bless!
December 22, 2013
An excellent doctor and incredible person! Mission accomplished. We are all better people after meeting "the good doctor"- I am here as a result of his care and expertise treating my chronic asthma in the late 60's.
Frank Brown
December 22, 2013
Job well done!! Dr. Riggs. I remember you as the excellent and warm-hearted Doctor who attended to my newborn daughter on October 6, 1965. Rest in Peace. I will never forget you.
December 22, 2013
An amazing physician who is a role model for all who come after him in the profession
Melinda Lasher-Way
December 22, 2013
As a single mom, Dr. Riggs helped me through many traumatic situations and I will never forget him. He was and still is a hero to my son. He truly made a difference in our lives. We celebrate his life with many fond memories!
Robin Hann
December 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Riggs and the boys. If anything Brian and I can do please let us know.
Len Wilson
December 22, 2013
As part of your church family, I share in your lose and remembrance of your Dad. What a great guy.
Former Patient
December 22, 2013
Dear Rigg's family,
I would like to share this with all of you. I knew back in the early 60's when I went to Doc's office as a youngster just how special he was because he left this lasting impression on me. I must say that going to a Doctor for a special problem was not high on my priority list as a pre-teen. But I could feel his passion and concern for both myself and my mother, Once again, just a few years ago - my aging mother-in-law who lived at Westminister spoke of this fine gentlemen who always sat at her breakfast table. After reviewing with her, I discovered it was Dr. Riggs. Even as she was beginning early dementia, Dr. Riggs left an impression on her from our discussions about those breakfast meals. Ironically, she just passed a few months ago. No doubt
Dr. Riggs will be surrounded in heaven by those he touched. Deepest sympathy to all of you. Cherished memories will keep him within your hearts forever. Now, Dr. Riggs RIP!
Paul Shelton
December 22, 2013
I had the honor to work with Dr. Riggs years ago at Home Hospital. One of the finest human beings I have ever met. You will be missed but not forgotten.
December 22, 2013
Wendell Riggs was a legendary member of the healing profession, dealing with those who most needed him...children! He is also my husband Jim Cromwell's cousin. I met him for the first time when my sister, Dr Julie Cowan Novak, a Pediatric NP and her husband, Dr Bob Novak moved from UVA to Purdue/Lafayette - needless to say, she and Wendell....and Eleanor...bonded, instantly. Jim and I and our Cromwel/Krueger/Gray children send our deepest sympathy to Eleanor, his exemplary wife, caregiver, soulmate and all who will remember him with happy memories and a great deal of affection.
Love to all of the Riggs family...
Molly and Jim Cromwell
Ashburn, VA
Victoria Brant
December 22, 2013
Dearest Riggs Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Always with love,
Jeff, Vickie, Nicholas and Taylor Brant
Aaron Hines
December 22, 2013
Dr.Riggs will be greatly missed. He was my childhood Doctor. I had severe asthma and he helped tremendously. Can't imagine what life would have been like without him. Always remember his gentle touch and true caring for my needs. Reading his obituary brought tears to my eyes. He was my hero, I didn't know he was everybody else's hero too. By Dr.Riggs.
Tim McCormick
December 22, 2013
What a gift God gave us with you.
Thank you for all my Family's health needs.
I always remember catching fresh walleyes with Mom to bring back to you.
Till I meet you again
God Bless
Tim
robin max
December 21, 2013
He was my doctor in 1963 and kept me as his patient thru college. I eventually got married snd he was both my children's doctors. No words can express what a great man he was. He will go down as the best doctor in this city. He was my a ngel as he told me one day I was my daughters angel!!!! I will never forget him
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
December 22, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Kathy Eason
December 21, 2013
Sorry for your loss Riggs family. Our prayers are with you.
Kathy Fitzgerald Eason
Cynthia & Samantha Shoemaker
December 21, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are with Dr Riggs' family & friends. My mom sought out the best pediatrician for myself & my siblings when we moved to Benton Co in 1969 & she found that with Dr Riggs. In 1980, at age 11, i spent 3 months in Home Hospital & he was there to check on me every single day. Never charging our insurance one dime. He then went to our home in Boswell and assisted my mom in having a contraption built over my bed for leg traction so i could be released to go home in time for Christmas. Housecalls followed for next few months, again at no charge. When my siblings & I began having children he was the obvious choice to be their Dr also. I cried at my daughters last appt with him when he told me he was retiring. He had been such a big part of my entire life for around 30 years & I couldnt imagine him not being just that phone call away. To say he impacted many lives seems an understatement. May he rest in peace and his legacy live long.
December 21, 2013
dr RIGGS YOU WILL BE MISSED THE LEE FAMILY . MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
Anna Wells
December 21, 2013
What a treasure.
Shelly Tansey
December 21, 2013
God truely placed an angel here on earth in the form of Dr. Riggs. I was greatly priviledged to know him for many years, both as a doctor and as a friend. This angel has now taken his place before the throne of God. May his family be blessed and comforted while they fulfill their journey here on earth and meet him above.
Diane Gaeta
December 21, 2013
I remember you well, your kindness shown to all the children you saw on a daily basis will never be forgotten. RIP Dr. Riggs, and may God comfort your family and loved ones during this time of sorrow.
December 21, 2013
Thousands of local families benefitted from Dr. Riggs' medical expertise and loving care through the Arnett Clinic and later, the Community Health Clinic.
I am so glad he was able to see it renamed in his honor. He never would have done that for himself, but it is the only fitting title for a place that continues to serve the poor and needy in this town.
He often worked there, serving patients for free, even before he retired from his practise at Arnett. Children responded to his wonderful, gentle manner and his sweet, generous nature.
We are all blessed by this great physician and a true Christian spirit. May God bless and keep you and your family in His grace and peace, forevermore!
Lori Brown
December 21, 2013
I did not know Dr. Riggs until later in his life,he will be missed, my thoughts are with his family
David Forrest
December 21, 2013
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Riggs. He was my pediatrician for my entire childhood. To put it simply, he always made me feel better. What more could a patient ask for?
Chris Cartwright
December 21, 2013
Dr. Riggs was truly a special man! He was my doctor and my 3-daughter's doctor. He was a special family friend and my fathers partner (Dr. Cartwright) at the clinic. We will miss him!
Chris Cartwright
sandie Holcslaw Evans
December 21, 2013
Dr Riggs was a great Dr. and a great person to one and all. I don't know of any person who has done what he has done for Lafayette and the people in Lafayette. Prayers go out to his family and friends. R.I.P. Dr. Riggs, you are in great hands.
Janice Hickle
December 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength are with your family. Dr Ruggs was such a marvelous doctor with my children in the mid -sixties; I always think how fortunate my family was to have him take care of our three. He was wise and respected how parents felt about medicine and the care of their young too. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Susie Williams-Bretz
December 21, 2013
David, I am so sorry to hear about your father. He was an exceptional man, truly one of Gods Angels. May God comfort your family at this time as only he can. Deepest sympathy,Susie
Brian Markle
December 21, 2013
When I started at Arnett the doctor I respected and admired was Dr Riggs. He was one of those rare wonderful people that I was rewarded to know.
Angie Honeywell
December 21, 2013
Dr.Riggs was a wonderful man. I was privileged to have gotten to work with him. He will be missed but his legacy lives on in so many things around us. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Yvonne Senesac
December 21, 2013
I feel so blessed having had such a wonderful pediatrician growing up. He truly had a gift that will be greatly missed by many. His legacy will live on through his generous efforts for humanity and his family. You were a wonderful doctor.
Larry Mathew
December 21, 2013
Just a wonderful, wonderful, person.
Lynne Fitzgerald-Englert
December 21, 2013
You were a fine man and Doctor to and me and as well to my family.I will never forget you and your family,for your kindness.Lafayette has lost a great man and Doctor to many.
Larry Mathew
December 21, 2013
Just a wonderful.wonderful,person.
December 21, 2013
A wonderful doctor, mentor, friend, teacher, and humanitarian. So proud to be Dr. Riggs' "cousin by marriage". Such a loss to Lafayette, the State of Indiana, the pediatric community of physicians, nurses; and other health professionals and most of all his patients. Much love to the family, Julie and Bob Novak
Roz Eiler
December 20, 2013
Dr. Riggs was my girls' MD and we loved him. Only by reading this amazing obit, do I realize how privileged we were to know him. (Formally from Rossville)
Lori Crabtree (Huff)
December 20, 2013
Dr Riggs was one of the best people I have ever met.He was a doctor to me and so many other members of my family. We all loved him dearly. R.I.P. Dr. Riggs. You will be missed by so many.
Amber (LaPointe) Banks
December 20, 2013
Dr. Riggs delivered me on June 1, 1978 at St. Elizabeth. He was a wonderful pediatrician for years to follow. I'm honored to have been under the care of such a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
December 20, 2013
What a wonderful man and doctor.
He will leave a treasured legacy and will never be forgotten, as he was giving, kind, and generous to so many.
Thoughts and prayers to his family.
DLC
December 20, 2013
Rest in peace....Marilyn Abbott RN
Lon Bohnstedt
December 20, 2013
As Parke-Davis Rep., it was such a joy and privilege to have been able to have called on him. The world has truly lost a Saint.
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