Thomas M. Rigg, 72 of Valparaiso, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who brought warmth and kindness into the lives of everyone he met. Tom will be missed greatly by all his friends and family.
Tom was born November 6, 1952, in Valparaiso, the son of Leon G. and Mildred (Dilley) Rigg. A 1971 graduate of Washington Township High School, Tom established Rigg’s Mowers and More in 1981, which he grew from the ground up. On February 16, 2004, Tom married Deborah Nowlin, who survives along with his children, Dan (Lori) Rigg and Lisa (Brian Schwinkendorf) Rigg; step-daughters, Jennifer (David) Petasnick, Kathy (Jerod) Wright, and Beth (Derek Mead) Shreffler; grandchildren, Caleb Rigg and Keely (Austin) Magley; step-grandchildren, Sam, Grace, and Isabella Petasnick, Ellie, Anna, and Hank Wright, and T.J. and Madison Shreffler; great-grandchildren, Greyson and Cooper Magley; sister, Judy Mathias; best friend, Jeff (Linda) Derr; his fur babies, Lexi and Tucker; and many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, James and Wallace Rigg.
Tom was endlessly devoted to the love of his life, Deb. He was the heart and backbone of his family, always putting his loved ones first. His wisdom and unwavering support made him the cornerstone of every gathering. He took immense pride in his wife and family and made it his life’s mission to ensure everyone felt his love every step of the way. Tom had an uncanny ability to connect with people and was a friend to all who crossed his path. His laugh was contagious, his stories legendary, and his advice golden. His circle of friends was wide, and his loss will be deeply felt by many.
Furthermore, Tom was committed not only to his family and friends but also to his business. He had a dream and turned it into a reality. Using his experience from working his way to a Parts Manager in his earlier days, he founded Rigg's Mowers and More in 1981 and brought the utmost excellent service to all who entered. From employees to customers, Tom never treated people with anything other than respect and kindness. Through his hard work and persistence Tom was among the first three winners of the Yard and Garden Dealers Excellence Awards being recognized nationwide as the top of over 15,000 other dealers in 2004. He loved what he did and took pride in his work. Being the man he was, he never let his pride get in the way. He always stayed true to who he was. Instilling honesty and integrity in all who surrounded him, from his employees to his family. All of whom he loved.
Tom lived life with the aura of a hot rod—wide open. It was a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. His passion for cars was unmatched, whether he was fixing them, talking about them, or simply admiring their beauty. He was happiest cruising along Florida’s Gulf Coast, a place he cherished deeply. Tom’s full-throttle zeal for life will continue on through the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakeshore Paws.
GUESTBOOK
To the Rigg Family, our sincere condolences. Tom was a fantastic person, he was the most down to earth person I have ever met. May he rest in peace. -Melody and Donnie Thompson
It is with the most heartfelt sympathy that we offer our condolences to Tom’s family.. I can truly say we have never met a warmer friendlier person than Tom.. he will be fondly remembered and not forgotten..
-Jim and Christine Scalchas
Dear Deb and Family, Please know you have our condolences and deepest sympathy. We pray that your wonderful, treasured, memories provide you with the comfort and strength to get through each day. Sending our Love, -Terri and Gary Graham
Tom was a good friend and he will be missed. -Gary A. Nicholson
Indeed his smile was contagious. My son truly admired Tom and strived to make him proud. His legacy will indeed carry on not only by his family but everybody's life he touched. My love and prayers to Debbie and all his children and grandchildren. -Patty Vandevelde
We are thinking of you all. Tom was an amazing, genuine, one-of-a-kind person. He will be missed. We will donate to Lakeshore Paws in Tom's name. -Pete and Tamara Million
Very sorry for your loss. Tom was a special man who left an impression and made a positive impact on those that knew him. Tom cared and you knew he cared. He made a difference. -Jeff Kelley
I am so sorry to learn from Melody about the passing of Tom, I know you loved him so much and will miss him. Even though I never knew him 20 years of happiness was great for you with many fond memories. I had 57 plus years with my Mike. Deepest sympathies to you and your whole family. -Rosanne Mehta
Thank you for all the memories over the years of talking shop and cars. I won't forget our conversations and you will be missed. -Jerry Klemczak
I enjoyed the well written obit especially the part in the narrative mentioning his full throttle zeal because it reminded me of the very first time I had an encounter with Tom. It was Memphis '80. Tom was, I believe, a member of Regional Streeters many of whom made the 500 mile voyage in the sweltering summer heat to attend the Street Rod Nats that year. The thermometer didn't dip below the triple digits until after 10pm and what I witnessed the first night there was Tom exiting a carwash bay in a canary yellow Model A Tudor street rod. He romped on the gas pedal so hard he nearly twisted his Tru Spokes. Suddenly the day long voyage to get there seemed worth it. This is the sort of stuff at 11 years old I wanted to see. Tom had a lot of guts to launch Rigg's Mowers and More in 1981. Economically that was about the worst year since the Great Depression. At that time he was a young man with a young family. When he did so it inadvertently had a huge impact on my life. Later on that decade I became more acquainted with him and discovered we shared a great deal of common ground. Both grew up on cattle farms, loved hot rods trucks and tractors. Also rebuilding and upfitting trucks and trailers. We went on to have many day trip/road trip journeys in the car together. Auburn Labor Day, Metro Milwaukee Auto Auction, Tech Cor Salvage Auction, Superior Auto Salvage in Logansport and so on. Tom was one of the first adults to give me any degree of respect . We went on to profiteer from one another many times. Last time I saw him was August of '22 at the Fairgrounds Car Show. Hadn't seen him in years but we easily picked up where we left off. I turned him on to Vintage Aerial website and he quickly fired back with screenshots of the store as it looked when it began and also of the Rigg farm. Can't believe he is gone. -Gerry Sampson
Our deepest symphony to Debbie Rigg and family. Tom was an exceptional person and may God take in under his wing and rest in peace. -Jeff And Pam Rogers
