Mark James Brigger

Mark James Brigger, 53, of Galt, Iowa, died of lung cancer on Saturday, April 15, 2006, surrounded by his family at his home in Galt.

Mark, son of Merle and Francys "Billy" (peterson) Brigger, was born on November 17, 1952, in Hampton, Iowa. He was raised and educated in Galt, and he graduated from Clarion High School in 1971. Upon graduation Mark worked as a mechanic in Clarion and helped his dad in Galt at Brigger Iron and Metal, the family business. He also spent this time taking road trips with his friends on his Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle, which he rebuilt into a chopper. He then moved to Dows, Iowa, to work at the Dows Clover Farm grocery store.

While in Dows, Mark met Delores Kay Ihrke from Lakefield, Minn.; the couple was married on December 7, 1975, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lakefield. To this union, two children, Kathryn Renae and Andrew James, were born. The family lived in Dows until 1982; in Odessa, Texas, for one year; in Sioux Falls, S.D., for three years; and then settled in Galt in 1986.

Mark worked as a salesman for Electric Service & Supply in Odessa, and also for Tri-State Warehouse based out of Sioux Falls. Upon his return to Iowa he carried out the remainder of his professional life as a mechanic. He worked as the service manager for the Clarion Ford Garage and for Jim's Tire Service, before taking on his role as the mechanic for DeCoster Farms in Galt for the past 12 years.

Mark enjoyed pheasant and turkey hunting, and fishing - especially with his son, Andy. He enjoyed all things motor-related, and spent his weekends and evenings watching NASCAR races and car shows. He loved his hometown of Galt and served on the Galt City Council. His favorite pastime and talent, however, was making conversation with friends and strangers alike.

He was preceded in death by his father, Merle Brigger, and his brother, Terry Brigger.

He is survived by his mother, Francys "Billy" Brigger of Galt; his wife of 30 years, Delores of Galt; his daughter, Kathryn Kruger and husband Jason of Columbia, S.C.; his son, Andrew and fiancé Megan Dessert of Mounds view, Minn.; his brother Ted Brigger and wife Linda of Clarion; his sisters Susan Bonner and husband David of Toledo, Ohio, Sandra Fulton and husband Rick of San Antonio, Texas, Lindy Webster and husband David of Fort Collins, Colo.; his brother Adam Brigger and wife Kathy of Goldfield, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.