Father and Grandfather to his family, Arthur Nigg passed away on July 10, 2021. Art was born on September 8th, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the son of Hazel Masnegetti and Arthur Fred Nigg. He was born into an era of economic hardship, during his youth the Nigg family relocated to the Kalamazoo Valley near Plainwell Michigan to start a new life with his family.
Here he graduated from Plainwell High School where he carried the football for the Trojans. Art served the United States, in the Pacific, as part of the naval Seabees construction battalion. Here he protected and helped create better lives for those around him; two characteristics that will define Art forever.
After his naval career, he returned to his family home in Michigan to begin the next stage of his career at Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment (KVP). During this time in the early 1950’s, he met and fell in love with his soon to be wife Trudy and adopted their daughter Gayle. Arthur’s parents gifted him a portion of the family land where he built and developed the family homestead we still know to this day. In his career Art spent years learning the Commercial Printing industry until he and his business partners started Diamond Graphics Inc. Here he grew a successful business from which he would eventually retire but not before passing on the trade to his daughter, Gayle.
Whether golfing, bowling, tinkering with electronics or spending time with his family - Art lived every moment with joy and confidence. He was a loyal partner in life to his wife Trudy, a loving father and grandfather, and most of all – a mentor and protector to his family. Art inspired those who knew him; he showed us the greatest examples that hard work and perseverance can overcome anything. He will forever be remembered and loved by those whose lives he changed.
Art is survived by his daughter Gayle Nigg, his grandchildren Scott and wife Lisa Smith and his best friend and companion for many years, Norma St. Claire. Preceding him in death were his beloved wife Gertrude Nigg and his brother Anthony. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; Marshall & Gren Chapel 120 S. Woodhams St. in Plainwell. A graveside service will take place on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at East Cooper Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to: Wings of Hope Hospice Allegan, MI or to Christian Neighbors Plainwell, MI