Charles F. “Zip” Rigler passed away on June 6, 2016 following an extended illness. He was 89.
He was born on July 16, 1926 to John and Frances Smith Rigler. He attended St. Ann’s Catholic School and Helena High School.
Like so many East Helenans of his era, he had a nickname of “Zip”. His friends gave him that name because they said he zipped around a lot.
Zip served in the United States Navy during World War II from July 1944 to July 1946.
He married Iris Dobler on November 26, 1949 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in East Helena. They had two daughters, Joanne and Yvonne.
After returning from the service, he worked at the First National Bank in Helena and then the State Controller’s Office. Next he was with the Adjusted Compensation Division of the State of Montana WWI, Korean and WWII Veteran’s Bonus programs.
In 1969, he began working in the Materials Division of the Montana State Highway Department and was there until his retirement in April, 1990.
Zip played baseball with the East Helena Smelterites and bowled with several teams.
He enjoyed his vegetable garden, sweet peas, fishing and especially the annual hunting camp trip to the Ruby with several family members.
Polka or Western music could be heard from his headphones in the evening if you stopped by.
After Zip retired, he walked around East Helena everyday, and if you went with him, it was fun to see all the dogs waiting for their biscuits.
Zip will be remembered for his daily drives around town to give out candy and visit his favorites.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Iris.
He is survived by his daughters, Joanne Rigler and Vonnie (Doug) Strong. Grandchildren Steve (Mayuko) Strong, Aaron Strong and Becky (Joe) Corbett. Great-grandchildren, J.T. Corbett, Jonah Corbett and Ayumi Strong. Sister Lucille (Mike) Stump, Brother, Luddie Rigler and sister-in-law, Jeanie Bailey. Cousins, Francis “Kanky” Smith, Ron (Renee) Smith, Carol (Ron) Colyar. John (Marilyn) Rigler, Jeannie Degroat, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s or donor’s choice.
The family would like to thank Hospice of St Peter’s, the doctors of the St Peter’s Medical Group, the Hospitalists, the Nurses of St Peter’s E.R and Medical Floor, EMTs and the deputies of Broadwater County.
A visitation will be Friday June 10th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. A Funeral Mass will be 1:00 p.m. Monday June 13th at SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 120 West Riggs Street, East Helena. Burial with military honors will follow Mass at St. Ann’s Cemetery. A reception will follow burial at the VFW, 117 W Main St, East Helena. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Zip.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday June 10, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 13, 2016
SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following Mass
Monday June 13, 2016
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Reception
Following Burial
Monday June 13, 2016
VFW
117 W Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday June 10, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 13, 2016
SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following Mass
Monday June 13, 2016
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Reception
Following Burial
Monday June 13, 2016
VFW
117 W Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Share
Buzz Helfert says
Joannie and Vonnie and families- I was sure sorry to hear of Zip’s passing. He was one of the last of his generation and a true East Helena sports legend-arguably one of the best ball players to come out of our town,one of the ‘famous Riglers’.I always enjoyed visiting with Zip on his daily trips to the post office.He had an encyclopedic knowledge of old East Helena and all of her characters.Rest in peace my friend, you are missed.
Ann Nickel says
Vonnie, sorry to hear about your dad. Sending prayers to you and your family. Ann Nickel
Lexana Flink says
Joannie and Arron and Vonnie & family.. I’m so sorry for the lost of Chuck. I will miss him a lot . I enjoyed when he would come in the store. My prayers are with all of you. If I can do anything let me know. Lex
Barbara Anderson says
Lucille and family, so sorry for your loss. I worked with Zip for several years in the Materials Bureau and he was always full of energy and fun to be around. Lately, the only time I got to see him was at the retirees luncheons, and I’ll miss him.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
I grew up next door to Zip and his family, and you couldn’t ask for better neighbors. Zip was always so friendly, gracious, and kind to all of us, even though our large family was pretty rambunctious. I remember his beautiful garden, and we waited to see when Zip would plant, then we knew it was time to start our garden, too. Unbeknownst to him, he was our resident expert. I will always have warm memories growing up next door to the Riglers. We send our most sincere sympathy to Joanie, Vonnie, and all of Zip’s family. He was a wonderful person and a true gentleman. Blessings.
Barb & Tom O'Connell says
It was impossible not to be ‘fond of Zip’!
Our good fortune as well as my mother’s, Lucille Carlson.
Sincerely,
Barb & Tom O’Connell
Cheryl Sabol says
Thank you so much for letting me into your lives. It was only for a short time but it was a pleasure getting to know you all and help you through a very hard time.
Roxanne Dobler Ore says
I will always cherish the memories I got to have with Uncle Zip. He was always giving us candy, ice cream bars and most of all “big marshmallows”, you could always find them around somewhere 🙂 He was like a second grandpa to me. We had many family dinners (especially Chinese ones), crazy wild car rides to and from school, and you could always count on him letting you watch Mickey Mouse! I will hold many memories dear to my heart. Rest in peace Uncle Zip and tell Aunt Iris hi for me.
Diane Pedersen says
Vonnie and family:
I was sorry to learn that your dad passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God bless. Diane Pedersen
Marie Retz Kall says
My deepest sympathy. I have fond memories of Zip. He always brought a perch catch to Bid’s office, the only ones I ever cooked. And , of course, many East Helena childhood memories. God bless .
Kathy DeMarinis says
Dear Joannie,
We were so sad to hear of Zip’s passing. He was a remarkable man who shared his good nature, humor, and kindness everywhere he went! Our family was truly blessed to have known him. Zip was such a prayerful man, and his faith was an inspiration to all of us. We sure miss seeing and visiting with him after Mass. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. God Bless, Rick, Kathy, Gabbi, and Allie
Sylvia Lamping says
Vonnie I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. I loved the times I visited with him at the post office and Wal-Mart. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed.
David and Colleen Kaste says
Zip was a constant in the highway building even after he retired. He was always looking for ways to help and assist people. Zip always called our dog, whose name was Peanut, “Walnut”! Zip saved our vacation once by going to our house getting the football game tickets for the Huskey’s and sending them to us in Seattle. As I said Zip was always looking for ways to help. Zip meant a lot to us and I am sure others especially his family. His dedication to all of his family was very evident. It was a privilege to know and have him as part of our life.
You will be missed Zip.
David and Colleen Kaste
Yuma,Az
Shirley (Nordstrom) McKnight says
Vonnie, Joanne and family. So sorry for your loss of your dad. Keeping you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Melinda Longsworth says
Joanne and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. Know that you are in my prayers.
Sandra Stanghill Nachtsheim says
My thoughts to the entire Rigler family. When ever I see any of you it is a special time. Glad to have seen Zip a couple time in the last few years. He was a wonderful person.
Serena Randall says
I’m very sorry to hear of Zip’s passing. He meant a lot to me and I’m happy to have known him. He always put a smile on my face. I still have the picture of him holding Grace when she was a baby. He was a spray old guy. That’s for sure. He’ll be missed.
I’m sending thoughts and prayers your way.