Frederick Richard Riggert

Frederick Richard Riggert, 82, of Metamora, Illinois passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka, Illinois.

He was born on March 17, 1944 in Peoria, Illinois to Dr. H.W. and Mae (Aders) Riggert. He married Laura A. Schirer on November 3, 1963 at the Christian Union Church in Metamora, Illinois.

Surviving are his wife, Laura; his daughter, Dr. Deborah Riggert-Kieffer (Bruce) of Cazenovia, Illinois; his son, Charles Richard Riggert (Sandra) of Metamora, Illinois; his granddaughter, Autumn Renee Barker (Zachary) of Eureka, Illinois; and his grandson, William Hans Riggert of Metamora, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, H. Douglas Riggert.

Dick was a man of many interests and incredible drive. He enjoyed farming and working the family farms for many years. In the early 1970s, he purchased the Marathon station in Metamora. In addition to running the station, he owned an implement business next to his home in rural Metamora, selling snowmobiles, RVs, garden tractors, and boats. As the 1970s came to a close, Dick and Laura opened The Ice Cream Station in the remodeled Marathon building, a popular ice cream spot in town.

In the mid-1980s, Dick and Laura remodeled the 1940s-era barn on their farm as a banquet facility, serving brunch on Sundays in addition to hosting wedding receptions and private parties until 2008. Dick ran the kitchen and was known for his delicious fried chicken.

During this time period, Dick also started Riggert Transportation, hauling parts for Caterpillar and McBride and Shoff. Dick maintained a 100 percent on-time record for his entire tenure with Caterpillar. He retired in November 2017.

While Dick’s businesses kept him busy, he was also involved in the community of Metamora, serving on the Metamora Volunteer Fire Department for decades with his good friend, Alan Rauh. Dick was a member of the Metamora-Germantown Hills Rotary Club and served as president for a one-year term. Dick was also a member of the Metamora Businessmen’s Association in the 1970s.

Dick’s interests included restoring antique tractors with his son, Charles and hosting a tractor show in the fall for several years on the farm. Dick attended regional tractor shows, taking his restored pieces to share with all. When he wasn’t working with tractors, Dick also enjoyed antique cars, entering his 1908 Buick in parades in the area.

A graveside funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora. Reverend Robert DeBolt will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Metamora Fire Department, 120 South Davenport Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

Metamora Fire Department, 120 South Davenport Street, Metamora, IL 61548