Joe Wiggers

A light in the lives of all who were lucky enough to know and love him, Jerome Wiggers truly understood the secret to a life well lived. His arms were always open to anyone who needed comfort, and there was nothing that brought him greater joy than surrounding himself with his family and friends. Dearly loved, Joe will be deeply missed by those who knew him best.

The early 1940s were tumultuous years for folks all around the globe as WWII raged on. Countless servicemen were called away from home, and those who remained stateside faced strict rationing and waited breathlessly by their radios for news. During such a tense time, however, there was happiness to be found in the household of Nicholas and Susan (Lubbers) Wiggers of Holland, Michigan, as they celebrated the arrival of their third son. Born the day after Christmas on December 26 of 1942, Joe joined his two older brothers, Gerard and Norm, in the Wiggers family. Seven years later, Joe became an older brother to the youngest boy of the house, Keith.

Growing up, Joe was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. His father was an electrician and a boxer, and even won the Golden Gloves of Michigan, and he taught three of his four boys to box, but spared his youngest. The Wiggers were the first in their neighborhood to get a television, so their home became the popular hangout spot. Everyone would gather around the tiny TV. Joe especially loved watching boxing and football. As a young man, he also enjoyed taking a car to the dragstrip and burning off the tires from time to time, much to the chagrin of his parents.

A new chapter was about to begin in Joe’s life as he graduated high school and began working at the newly opened Meijer’s in Holland as a greeter. It was through this job that Joe met Marcia Nagelkirk, the amazing young woman who would quickly capture his heart. Joe had a friend take Marcia out on a date first so that he could get more information about her. Finally, he got up the courage to ask her out himself. The couple often enjoyed going to Fricano’s Restaurant and, as their relationship flourished, they fell head over heels in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Joe and Marcia were married on May 21, 1965. At their wedding, playing off of Joe’s charming sense of humor, his best man wrote “help me” on the bottom of Joe’s shoes causing a hearty laugh amongst friends when he knelt at the altar. Despite the joke, Joe couldn’t be happier to have Marcia as his wife.

In time, their family began to grow. He and Marcia were overjoyed to welcome their four children, Kurt, Kathy, Jeff, and Angela, into their hearts and home. At each of their births, Joe handed out cigars in celebration. He thrived in his role as a father, and his children were his pride and joy. Joe loved taking them to the trails behind their house to ride ATVs and mini bikes. Even though all four of them ended up with bumps and bruises or accidents at some point, he always encouraged the kids to be adventurous.

Over the years, Joe built a rich career for himself as a salesman. He started with Snap-On and Matco Tools, but eventually moved on to launch a company of his own, Mr. Pro Tools (aka the “Poor Tool Man”). Joe’s friendly nature allowed him to excel in his career. He truly enjoyed meeting all kinds of people, and he could chat with anyone. There was always a story to be told.

The Wiggers family enjoyed camping and vacationing to places like Florida. However, Joe often stayed close to the hotel room enjoying the time away and respite from everyday challenges. Amusement parks were an annual adventure as well. Joe’s tall stature made it difficult on some of the rides, but he never let it stand the way of having a fun time. He was also happy to be like a second father to many. Later in life, he was thrilled to become an adoring grandfather and even a great-grandfather. Joe’s love had no limits for the people he called his family.

Joe was very involved in his community as well, and being a member of the Mattawan Lions Club allowed him to serve those around him. He would volunteer to be a dealer at the club’s casino night fundraiser. Around Christmas, Joe helped pack and give away Christmas stockings of treats with his kids. He also drove Santa Claus in the Christmas parade and would drive around on his snowmobile dressed up as Santa himself, delivering gifts to the neighbors. He was also a founding member of Immanual Fellowship Church of which he was very involved in. His pockets were always full of candy to give out after services to the kids. He had every kind and color they wanted.

In his free time, Traverse City was one of Joe’s favorite places to visit. For 20 years, he walked the Mackinac Bridge for the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk with his family and friends. His beloved ’57 Chevy and Model A were among his prized possessions, but what he cherished most were his friendships. Every Saturday morning meant a breakfast outing with friends. They got to know their waitress fairly well. They enjoyed teasing her a bit and quizzing her, but they were also a generous group and tipped her a little extra as she went through college. Joe loved his quiet Sunday mornings as well before church, listening to his 8-Track tapes or records on his giant wooden stereo system.

When reflecting on the life of Joe Wiggers, it is easy to see the unforgettable impact that his spirit of generosity and compassion has left on so many. Even after his accident, Joe never lost his sense of humor, his joy, or positivity for life, and his family and friends were the light of his life. He was quick to laugh, and even quicker to love. A devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he always held his loved ones close though all the ups and downs, and his insatiable zest for life was contagious to all those near. Everyone he knew had a special nickname, something they will carry with them forever. Although he is already so greatly missed, Joe leaves behind a priceless legacy of service and kindness that his friends and family will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Jerome Wiggers of Kalamazoo, age 83, died on February 18, 2026, at exactly midnight. He would’ve joked that he held on just long enough to be the very first to go this day. Joe was born December 26, 1942 in Holland to Nicholas and Susan (Lubbers) Wiggers. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Gerard Wiggers and Norm Wiggers. Surviving are his wife, Marcia; children: Kurt (Dori) Wiggers, Kathy (Bill) Richter, Jeff Wiggers, Angela (Dustin) Nieboer; grandchildren: Nick, Madison, Roxi, Zizi, Ivi, Jayden, Alexis, Levi, Landon, and Evan; great-grandkids: Jackson, Juniper, and Nick Jr.; brother, Keith (Ruth) Wiggers; sisters-in-law: Mary Wiggers and Karan Wiggers; and several nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Saturday, February 21, at 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Celebrate Joe’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Fellowship Church.