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John Briggs Obituary
John B. Briggs, 88, Rochester, passed away at 4:56 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at Life Care Center of Rochester.
He was born on March 20, 1937 in Peru, the son of Melvin B. and Helen L. (Landis) Briggs. He graduated from Peru High School and Ball State University. John served with the United States Army and Army Reserve, retiring in 1965. On Sept. 4, 1992, in Kokomo, he married Mary Elaine (Barkhaus) Coe and she survives.
John was senior staff administrator for sales at General Motors and Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Indiana, retiring after 36 years of service. He had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Faith Presbyterian Church, both of Kokomo, and the Community Presbyterian Church, Rochester, serving as an elder and deacon. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge, Moose Lodge, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and part of the Rochester Community Impact Committee. He enjoyed sailing, golf, baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, and classic cars.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Briggs, Rochester; children Patricia L. (Brian) Zebell, Branson, Mo., Mary (Jim) Michaelson, Crystal Lake, Ill., Andrew Briggs, St. Michael, Minn., Kristen Coe, Warsaw; grandchildren Ryan Gilbert, Noblesville, Zach Zebell, Branson, Mo., Christian Kaiser, Chicago, Ill., Lucas Kaiser, Dundee, Ill., Maddie Briggs, Charleston, S.C., Ethan Briggs, St. Michael, Minn., Emma Briggs, Clemson, S.C.; great-grandchildren Sarah Gilbert and Alina Gilbert, both of Noblesville; brother David (Bettie) Briggs, Plainfield, Mass.; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Craig Briggs, and canine pal, Rosie.
Funeral service was at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 at the Community Presbyterian Church, Rochester, with visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Entombment was at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Kokomo, where military rites were conducted by the United States Army.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church, Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center or the donor's favorite charity.
Arrangements were by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Online condolences may be expressed at www. zimmermanbrosfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Briggs
1 Entry
Lea knighton
November 7, 2025
Elaine I am so sorry for your loss. You probably don't remember me. I did attend the Presbyterian church in Rochester for a few years. My prayers go out to you and your family.
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Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home1101 Jefferson Street, Rochester, IN 46975
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