Dr. Keith Riggins
July 05, 2008
Dr. Keith William Riggins, son of Mary and Joseph Riggins, was born on September 27, 1938 in Taylorville, Illinois and passed away July 5 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was an orthopedic surgeon who received his medical degree in 1968 from the University of Missouri. He completed a rotating internship at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1969 and an orthopedic surgeon residency at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, Colorado.
He served as Deputy Commander, Chief of Professional Services at Kirk Hospital at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and spent two years as an orthopedic resident instructor at Madigan Army Hospital in Fort Lewis, Washington.
He began practice in Decatur, Illinois in 1977 and later practiced a number of years in Chickasha, Oklahoma. In 1986, Dr. Riggins opened a private orthopedic practice in Ft. Madison, Iowa. In 1992 he moved to Ankeny, Iowa where he opened an independent medical examination practice from which he retired in September of 2007.
Dr. Riggins was a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, and a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners. He was certified as an Orthopedic Surgeon by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons and as an Independent Medical Examiner by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.
Dr. Riggins loved his family, sailing, old cars and motorcycles. He was a member of Ankeny First United Methodist Church, the Antique Auto Club of America, the Model A Club of America, the Cushman Club of America and the Saylorville Yacht Club.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Patricia Riggins; son, Kevin (Robin) Riggins; daughter, Kristin Caspers; granddaughter, Brittnee Caspers; son-in-law, Scott Williamson; grandson, Gable Williamson; sister, Carol (Harry) Ground and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his daughter, Kimberly Williamson.
Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at the Ankeny First United Methodist Church, 206 SW Walnut Street in Ankeny. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in loving memory of Dr. Riggins.
Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens is handling arrangements.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Keith Shehorn
07/08/2008
Patty Jo and Family,
I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Riggins. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Dinwiddie (Hoenig)
07/07/2008
I glanced out my window before I sat down to express my sympathy and there is a lone sailboat out on the river right now and tears come to me. No other boats just this one lone sailboat. Why he chose to sail tonight with no wind? I always think of you both when I see sailboats.
I was out at my parents visiting and my Dad brought me the paper with the obituary in it. Mom wanted me to tell my Aunt the story of how he became a doctor. He touched my life beyond words, you both did. The true words that you were his best friend Patt, you were a couple I admired and shared so much fun together and just enjoyed each other. I am truly sorry for your tremendous loss, my heart goes out to you and your family.
He was an all around great human being besides being a great doctor!
Shirley Noel
07/07/2008
Dear Patt,
My heart goes out to you as I have been in your shoes and it isn't easy but the Lord will be with you and give you strength.
Be thankful for all the wonderful memories that can't be taken away.
He was such a special person and I will never forget his kindness and concern during my illness.
Sure wish I was able to be there and give you a big hug.
God bless you and ALL the family.
Love & Prayers,
Shirley
Stan & Jeanie Lowe
07/07/2008
Words can not express our sadness when hearing of the loss of Keith. Our prayers
are with the family and friends whose lives he touched in such a kind and positive way. We pray that God will provide a peace and a calm during this time of of grieving. Patty, we love you so much and our hearts are breaking for you right now. We know your faith is strong and God will see you through. We love you, Stan and Jeanie
Petersburg, IL