Byron
Sigurd Wigen, 92, a long time farmer and
WWII Army Veteran from Devon, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2008,
at a Shelby hospital due to natural causes. At his request cremation and
family services have taken place. Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of
arrangements. Condolences for the family may be sent to
www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Audrey Wigen of Devon; daughters, Loralee Heavirland of Helena, Kari (Paul) Fallang of Great Falls, and Kathy Whalen of Devon; sons, Loren (Sue) Heavirland of Choteau, LaVerne (Sheila) Heavirland of Helena, LeRoy (Helen) Heavirland of Milton-Freewater, OR and Brad (Natasha) Wigen of Helena; sister, Sylvia Carty of Montesano, WA; 13 grandchildren, Jill (John) Brubaker of Choteau, Cristi (Brett) Friede of Helena, Marie Elizabeth Heavirland of Houston, TX, Leticia Fiscal of San Antonio, TX, Byron (Carolyn) Heavirland of San Antonio, TX, Greg (Letha) Steinwand of Columbia Falls, Bryon (Pat) Steinwand of Helena, David (Maria) Kieninger of Wenatchee, WA, Kathy Hardman of Bozeman, Kris Kieninger of Hannibal, MO, Aimee Whalen of Milton-Freewater, OR, Jessica and Samantha Wigen of Helena as well as 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.
Byron is proceeded in death by his parents; brothers, Jurgen, Alton and Arthur Wigen; sisters, Cora Johansen and Olive Sparks; and great-granddaughter, Megan Audrey Kieninger.
Byron was born February 16, 1916 at the family farm near Devon to Olai & Kari (Kvello) Wigen where he grew up, attended grade school, and later graduated from Galata High School . He was assigned to heavy artillery with the US Army at Hawaii weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Byron and Audrey Benner were married in February of 1957 at Choteau.
Byron farmed the family farm until his retirement at age 72. He was a member of the Devon Lutheran Church and enjoyed woodworking, furniture restoration, and horses, especially draft horses.
Byron’s passion was his family. He adored his children and grandchildren.
Some of his happiest times were spent camping and traveling with his grandchildren, and delighting in all their accomplishments. His was loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed by his entire family.