Jerry C. Briggs, 64, of Orangeville died Sunday March 23, 2008 at the FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. Born August 7, 1943 in Monroe he was the son of Forrest and Clara (Trumpy) Briggs. Raised in the farming community of Clarno and Oneco he attended the Monroe and Orangeville Schools. He owned and operated the Briggs Trucking pulling in 48 states and Canada until his retirement in 2000. Trucking was a way of life for 38 yrs He joked that he backed up more miles than the average person went forward. He was fondly known as the "Big Honker" to family, friends and his trucking buddies across the highways. He enjoyed ATV riding in the desert of Arizona for 6 yrs during the winter months, summers spent riding motorcycle with the miles adding up daily. Spring and fall months were spent putting in and harvesting the crops with his brothers. He also enjoyed restoring John Deere lawn tractors and attending the annual tractor days at his nephew Jon's farm on Hwy 26.
He is survived by his mother Clara of Monroe; wife Sandra (Rotmeier) Briggs of Orangeville; one son Jeff (Kelly) Briggs, of Orangeville; one daughter Karie (Bob) Capion of Freeport; 2 granddaughters Jessi and Kaley; one grandson Garret; one great grandson Deegan Jeffery; two brothers Richard (Alice) Briggs, Jim (Sharon) Briggs; one sister Alice (Mike) Siedschlag all of Orangeville and several nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Funeral service will be Thursday 11:00 a.m. at the Orangeville Sunset Acres Cemetery in Orangeville with Reverend James A. Ketzel officiating. Friends and family are all welcome.
There will be no visitation.
Jerry's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.
Funeral arrangements were completed by Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Dakota.