Kevin W. Wiggs

Kevin W. Wiggs, 66, of Belleville, IL, born Thursday, November 20, 1958, in Belleville, IL passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 at St. Paul's Home in Belleville, IL.

Kevin's 43 year battle with kidney disease was an example of faith, perseverance, and integrity for all who knew him. His life touched so many other lives and his contributions made the world a better place.

His 27 year career as a high school basketball official led him to officiating the IHSA 4A Championship game of 2002. He was selected IHSA Basketball Official of the year in 2003 and was inducted into the IHSA Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Kevin spent countless hours as a volunteer baseball coach for the Belleville East Lancer baseball players from 2011 to 2022. Although he was a Belleville West graduate, he learned to "bleed blue" from the moment Ryan started playing for the Lancers and supported the program even as his health declined.

Kevin also inspired many young readers at Freeburg Primary Center where he volunteered as a librarian for many years. He was given the "Friend to Education" Award in 2018 in recognition of his service to District #70.

Kevin was also a past president of the Southern Illinois Basketball Officials Association and served on the church council of St. Paul's UCC in Belleville.

He was preceded in death by his:

Mother, Betty J. Wiggs
Sister-in-law, Sonie Wiggs

Surviving are his:

Loving wife, Jan Wiggs, nee Schlueter of Belleville, IL
Children:

Nicole (Graham) Alvey of Oak Park, IL
Ryan (Hailey) Wiggs of Swansea, IL

Grandchildren:

Charlottle Alvey
Wyatt Wiggs
Colin Alvey
Avery Wiggs

Father, Guy C. Wiggs
Brothers:
Kurt Wiggs of Belleville, IL
Kyle Wiggs of Morgantown, WV
Sister-in-law, Karen (Carl) Buehler
Nieces:

Julie Diener
Madeline Wiggs

Nephews:

David Buehler
Allen Wiggs
Alex Wiggs
Luke Wiggs

Special cousin, Tim (Gloria) Katzmark

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Belleville East Baseball Program or the National Kidney Foundation.

Celebration of Life: A gathering to honor Kevin's memory will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Tavern on Main in Belleville. (301 E. Main St. Belleville, IL 62220)