Obituary of John A. Wigen

John Arne Wigen, 86, of Cobleskill, NY died at  St. Peter's Hospice on Sunday, December 3, 2023, after a long illness.

John was born in Baxter, Iowa on April 24, 1937, the son of Jacob Wigen and Anna Larsdatter Wigen. He had previously lived in Brooklyn, NY, and Long Island, NY. While visiting relatives in Carlisle, NY in the early 1970’s he found the perfect historic home to renovate and to raise a family. He was the owner and operator of J.A. Wigen Construction, as well as his trucking company, WIGCO Hauling. He employed many people in the area and worked on local projects such as the building of I-88 and the Marcy South Powerline. In the winters, he took his trucks to Florida where he helped build Epcot Center in Orlando and helped rebuild the nesting sea turtle beaches in Cape Canaveral.

As a young man, he enjoyed building and racing ice boats. He also enjoyed racing motorcycles. He designed and built many homes in places like Fire Island, NY East Hampton, NY as well as upstate. He took great pride in relocating many historic barns and buildings in the area before it was a popular thing to do. This led to a lifetime of love and appreciation for reclaimed wood. Upon retirement, he enjoyed building shaker-style furniture in his workshop, gifting many pieces to loved ones.

John was an avid reader with an extensive knowledge of history. He enjoyed trivia and Jeopardy and had random facts at the ready, whenever the need arose. Everyone who knew him also would remember his fondness for animals, especially cats and dogs.

He is survived by his four daughters Diana and Raymond Martin, Kimberly and James Timer, Meredith Wigen and Nasir Bin-Otis, and Jennifer and James Murphy; grandchildren Kenneth Rockwell, Kari Johnstone, David (Michele) Walton, Tanner (Samantha) Ferris, Nicole (Dan Forest) Ferris, Abdullah Bin-Nasir, James Murphy IV, Molly Murphy, Great-Grandson Vincent, Great-Granddaughter Juliette; and special nephews Charles Satterley and Kenneth Batstone.

The family invites friends and relatives to visitation from 4:00-7:00 on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. A gathering will take place following visitation from 7:30-9:30 at the family's home on Rt-20. Interment next to his beloved brother, Leonard Wigen, will take place at Carlisle Cemetery in the spring, the time and date to be announced.

In place of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to St. Peter’s Community Hospice and/or your local animal shelter in John's memory.