Robert Edward Rigney

Robert Edward Rigney, 84, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Robert was born on January 16, 1937, to Helen (Melton) Rigney and Lester Lee Rigney in Thermopolis, Wyoming. They later moved to Great Falls, Montana where he attended local schools and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1955. At 18, he joined the Army and served 18 months in Korea on the DMZ. At which time, he was honorably discharged and returned to Montana. He worked for the railroad for a short time. He then joined the Montana Air National Guard. He was with them for 33 years and again, was honorably discharged and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. He later went to work for H and R Block for about 17 years. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for 56 years. He married Karen E. Adolphson, the love of his life, on August 12, 1961, and together they raised two daughters. They were blessed with three grandsons, two great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. He enjoyed golfing, camping, especially in Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and spending time with his family whom he loved so very much. He is survived by, Karen, his wife of almost 60 years; daughters, Alison Rigney, Heidi (Dodds) Wiley; grandsons, Stephen Johnson, Jered Johnson, and Alex Wiley; great-grandchildren, Damon Johnson, Alaynah Johnson, Mayliegh Johnson, and Jake Johnson, of Great Falls; sister, Sherry McMahon Lindner of Jerome, Arizona; brother, Richard Rigney of Billings, Montana; and several nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Melton Rigney McMahon; father, Lester Lee Rigney; and stepfather George David McMahon. Robert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed.