John Nigon & Lucy Heaton

FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY

John “Jack” Nigon
7th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Mar 12, 1884, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Baptized: Apr 4, 1884, St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Mar 9, 1969 (age 84), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; heart condition
Buried: Mar 12, 1969, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer
Service: Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus; Treasurer of Calvary Cemetery (17 years); Secretary of Olmsted County School District
Married: Nov 7, 1911, Lucy I. Heaton, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Six children: Frances Irene Nigon, Lucille Catherine Nigon, Mildred Mary Nigon, Ralph John Nigon, Leonard Joseph Nigon, Lois Margaret Nigon

Lucy I. Heaton
9th of 14 children of Joseph Heaton & Anna “Annie” Hinds
Born: Mar 13, 1885, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Dec 12, 1970 (age 85), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Dec 16, 1970, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Teacher
Married: Nov 7, 1911, John “Jack” Nigon, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Six children: Frances Irene Nigon, Lucille Catherine Nigon, Mildred Mary Nigon, Ralph John Nigon, Leonard Joseph Nigon, Lois Margaret Nigon

1. Frances Irene Nigon
1st of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton
Born: Jan 21, 1913, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Feb 11, 2000 (age 87), Stewartville, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Feb 16, 2000, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Medical Secretary at Mayo Clinic
Married: Sep 17, 1938, Leo Joseph Maloney, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Five children: Sharon Ann Maloney, Thomas John Maloney, Mary Frances Maloney, Monica Lucille Maloney, Kathleen Therese Maloney

2. Lucille Catherine Nigon
2nd of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton
Born: May 5, 1915, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Nov 15, 2007 (age 92), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Nov 19, 2007, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Teacher, record nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Married: May 5, 1941, Stephen Vincent Flynn at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Five children: Patricia Lucille Flynn, James Stephen Flynn, Linda Mary Flynn, Bridget Helen Flynn, Vincent Joseph Flynn

3. Mildred Mary “Midge” Nigon
3rd of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton
Born: Aug 7, 1916, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Sep 11, 2004 (age 88) Worcester, Worcester Co., Massachusetts: Al
Buried: Sep 15, 2004, Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, Worcester Co., Massachusetts
Occupation: Nurse at Mayo Clinic anesthesia department
Married: Nov 30, 1944, John Joseph Manning, Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis Co., Missouri
Eight children: Michael Patrick Manning, Margaret Mary “Peggy” Manning, John Joseph Manning, Jr., Robert Timothy Manning, Kevin F. Manning, Jane E. Manning, May Ann Manning, Thomas A. Manning

4. Ralph John Nigon
4th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton
Born: Oct 27, 1918, on the family farm near Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Aug 19, 2008 (age 89), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; natural causes
Buried: Aug 23, 2008, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Dairy farmer
Married: Jun 9, 1945, Agnes Cecelia Pierce at St. John’s Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Nine children: Rosemary Irene Nigon, Richard Joseph Nigon, Bernard Ralph “Bernie” Nigon, Terrance John Nigon, Stephen Michael “Steve” Nigon, Catherine Lucille Nigon, Kevin Francis Nigon, Thomas Edward Nigon, Norbert James Nigon

5. Leonard Joseph Nigon
5th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton
Born: Jun 10, 1920, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Mar 30, 2000 (age 79), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Apr 3, 2000, Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Eyota, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Military: WWII, U.S. Army Air Corps, Sergeant
Occupation: Farmer
Married (1): Jun 3, 1946, Natalie Winifred Tracy, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Six children: Jacquelyn Ann Nigon, Rita Rae Nigon, Mark Leonard Nigon, Brent Joseph Nigon, Scott Francis Nigon, James Patrick Nigon
Married (2): Sep 22, 1979, Marlene Anna (Jueneman) Fortner, Minnesota

6. Lois Margaret Nigon
6th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton
Born: Jun 7, 1929, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Jul 22, 2024 (age 95), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Office nurse at Assisi Heights Health Care for the Sisters of St. Francis
Married (1): Jun 27, 1953, Kenneth Charles Reed, II, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Denver, Denver Co., Colorado
Two children: Kenneth Charles Reed, III, Michael Allan “Mickey” Reed
Married (2): Jul 11, 1964, Joseph Valentine “Joe” Holland, St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Two children: Margaret Mary Holland, Richard John Holland

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Timeline and Records

Spellings and information in the census and other records
are retained as in the original documents.
(italicized clarifications or corrections are in parentheses)

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Thirteen children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen:
1. Barbara Nigon
1873–1937
2. Lena Nigon
1874–1915
3. Katharina/Catherine Nigon
1876–1876
4. Maria “Mary” Nigon
1878–1966
5. Nicholas “Nick” Nigon
1880–1968
6. Michael “Mike” Nigon
1882–1971
7. John “Jack” Nigon
1884–1969
8. Katherine Nigon
1885–1940
9. Anna Clara Nigon
1887–1948
10. Francis “Frank” Nigon
1890–1953
11. Margaret Mary Nigon
1892–1992
12. Teresa Anna Nigon
1894–1990
13. Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon
1897–1930

Fourteen children of Joseph Heaton & Anna “Annie” Hinds
1. Ellen Heaton
1876–1960
2. Rose Anna Heaton (twin)
1877–1966
3. Joseph Heaton (twin)
1877–1878
4. Mary Jane Heaton
1879–1955
5. Margaret Heaton
1880–1966
6. Elizabeth Heaton
1881–1965
7. John Sylvester Heaton
1882–1967
8. Catherine A. Heaton
1883–1967
9. Lucy I. Heaton
1885–1970
10. Agnes Cecilia (Sr. Theonia) Heaton
1886–1970
11. James Bernard Heaton
1887–1971
12. Theresa F. Heaton
1888–1971
13. Isabelle Gertrude Heaton
1890–1968
14. Joseph Francis Heaton
1892–1980

Eleven of 14 children of Joseph Heaton & Anna “Annie” Hinds:

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Aug 7, 1872: Marriage of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, the parents of John “Jack” Nigon, at St. Gangolf Parish at St. Paul in Trier, Fitten, Saarland, Germany

Thirteen children: Barbara Nigon, Magdalena “Lena” Nigon, Catherine Nigon, Maria “Mary” Nigon, Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Michael Nigon, John “Jack” Nigon, Katherine Nigon, Anna Clara Nigon, Francis “Frank” Nigon, Margaret Nigon, Teresa Anna Nigon, Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon
Note: Four of the Nigon sisters never married

May 17, 1875, Marriage of Joseph Heaton & Anna “Annie” Hinds, the parents of Lucy I. Heaton, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Mar 12, 1884: Birth of John “Jack” Nigon, 7th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Mar 12, 1884, Minnesota Birth Index:
Name John Nigon
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Date 12 Mar 1884
Birth Place Oakwood, Wabasha, Minnesota (family records reflect Pepin Township)
Father Nickolas
Mother Barbara
FHL Film Number 1320190

Apr 4, 1884: Baptism of John “Jack” Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Mar 13, 1885: Birth of Lucy I. Heaton, 9th of 14 children of Joseph Heaton & Anna “Annie” Hinds, in Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Apr 12, 1885: Luciuani(?) Lucy Heaton Baptismal Certificate:

TRANSLATION:
Heaton (last name) ap 12, 85 (baptism date)
Ego infrascriptus baptizavi (I, the undersigned, baptized) Luciuani
nat (born) ani Jie- (???)
Martic 13, 1885 (March 13, 1885) 
ex (from) Joseph Heaton
ex loco (from the place) Rochester
et (and) Anna (Hinds) Heaton
ex loco (from the place) ????? conjugibus (spouses)
Patrini fuerant (they had been godparents) Carl(?) Hennesey(?)
                                     Catherina Dadielson(?)
                                      ????? (???. Riordan?)

Jun 10, 1895: Minnesota State Census, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota: (Nicholas & Barbara Nigon family; John Nigon (age 11) is the 8th Nigon listed)

Jun 1, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Salem Township, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Joseph Heaton
Age 52
Birth Date Jun 1847
Birthplace Ireland
Home in 1900 Salem, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1870
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Anna Heaton
Marriage Year 1875
Years Married 25
Father’s Birthplace Ireland
Mother’s Birthplace Ireland
Years in US 30
Naturalization Naturalized
Occupation Farmer
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Can Speak English Yes
House Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged F
Farm or House F
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Joseph Heaton Age 52, Head, born 1827, married 25 years, born Ireland, father born Ireland, mother born Ireland, immigrated 1870, farmer
Anna Heaton Age 51, Wife, born 1827, married 25 years, 14 children, 13 living, born Isle of Mann/England
Rose Heaton Age 22, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Isle of Man/England
Mary Heaton Age 21, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Isle of Man/England
Margaret Heaton Age 20, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Isle of Man/England
Elizabeth Heaton Age 18, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Isle of Man/England
John Heaton Age 17, Son, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Isle of Man/England
Catherine Heaton Age 16, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Isle of Man/England
Lucy Heaton Age 15, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Isle of Man/England
Agnes Heaton Age 14, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Isle of Man/England

Jun 2, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Nicholas Nigon
Age 50
Birth Date Nov 1849
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1881
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Barbara Nigon
Marriage Year 1873
Years Married 27
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Years in US 19
Naturalization Naturalized
Occupation Farmer
Months Not Employed 0
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Can Speak English Yes
House Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged F
Farm or House F
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Nicholas Nigon Age 50, Head, born Nov 1849, married 27 years, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S.
Barbara Nigon Age 46, Wife, born Aug 1833, married 27 years, 12 children born, 12 children living, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Barbara (Leinen) Nigon)
Lena Nigon Age 25, Daughter, born Sep 1874, dressmaker, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S.
Mary Nigon Age 22, Daughter, born Mar 1878, dressmaker, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Maria “Mary” Nigon)
Nicholas Nigon Age 20, Son, born Mar 1880, farm laborer, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr.)
Mickle Nigon Age 18, Son, born Apr 1882, farm laborer, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Michael “Mike” Nigon)
John Nigon Age 16, Son, born Mar, 1884, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (John “Jack” Nigon)
Catharine Nigon Age 14, Daughter, born Nov 1885, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Katherine Nigon)
Anna Nigon Age 12, Daughter, born Dec 1887, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Anna Clara Nigon)
Frank Nigon Age 10, Son, born Jan 1890, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Francis “Frank” Nigon)
Mary Nigon Age 8, Daughter, born Mar 1892, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Margaret “Mary” Nigon)
Augusta Nigon Age 6, Son, born May 1894, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Daughter: Teresa Anna Nigon)
Lizzie Nigon Age 3, Daughter, born Apr 1897, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon)
Note: The Nigons are living next door to their daughter Barbara (Nigon) Clemens and her husband Matt Clemens

abt 1902: Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen family (son John “Jack” Nigon is standing third from left)

Jun 1, 1905: Minnesota State Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:

Note: John Nigon, age 21, born Minnesota, Farm Laborer, is listed 6th from the top

Jan 14, 1906: Death of Barbara (Leinen) Nigon (age 51), 1st of 6 children of Jacob James Leinen & Maria Fritz, and the mother of John Nigon, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jan 1906: Burial of Barbara (Leinen) Nigon at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Note: Barbara was born Aug 3, 1853; her headstone reflects her birth year as 1854
Barbara is also later named on the cenotaph erected for her husband, Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon

Jan 28, 1907: Death of Nikolas Nigon (age 57), son of Johann Nigon & Magdelena Sellen and the father of John Nigon, in Landkreis Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Germany

1907: Burial of Nikolas Nigon in Hilbringen, Saarland, Germany. Nikolas died intestate on Jan 28, 1907 (headstone reflects death date of Jan 27, 1907), in Hilbringen, Germany. His home was in Cascade, Minnesota, but he’d returned to Germany in search of a new wife and died while there. 

A headstone (cenotaph) for Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon is erected at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; it reflects Nicholas’ birth as Nov 8, 1849, however, his German birth and marriage records list his birth date as Nov 30, 1849. His wife, Barbara, is also included on the memorial. Section CC 39 26.

May 3, 1907: U.S. Probate Records for Nicholas Nigon; his son, John Nigon (age 23), is named in the document:

Apr 27, 1910: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Nicholas Nigon (Nicholas Nigon, Jr., older brother of John Nigon)
Age in 1910 30
Birth Date 1880
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1881
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Single
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Native Tongue English
Occupation Farmer
Industry General Farm
Employer, Employee or Other Employer
Home Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged Free
Farm or House Farm
Naturalization Status Naturalized
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Enumerated Year 1910
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Nicholas Nigon Age 30, Head, Single, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, farmer, general farm (Nicholas Nigon, Jr.)
Lena Nigon Age 35, Sister, Single, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, housekeeper on farm
John Nigon Age 26, Brother, Single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer, general farm
Anna Nigon Age 22, Sister, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Frank Nigon Age 20, Brother, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, working on home farm
Margrett Nigon Age 17, Sister, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Theresa Nigon Age 15, Sister, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Elizabeth Nigon Age 13, Sister, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Note: Their parents died in 1906 and 1907, and eight of their children remained together, living on and running the family farm

Nov 7, 1911: Marriage of Lucy I. Heaton & John “Jack” Nigon, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Six children: Frances Irene Nigon, Lucille Catherine Nigon, Mildred Mary Nigon, Ralph John Nigon, Leonard Joseph Nigon, Lois Margaret Nigon

Nov 7, 1911: Minnesota Marriage Record:
Name John Nigon
Marriage Date 7 Nov 1911
Marriage Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Spouse Lucy I Heaton
Certificate Number P443 (B06129aa.aks)

Nov 7, 1911: The State-Line Herald, North Lemmon, North Dakota (pg 4):

Jan 21, 1913: Birth of Frances Irene Nigon, 1st of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jan 21, 1913: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Nigon
Birth Date 21 Jan 1913
Birth Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Heaton
Certificate Number 1913-20224

Mar 16, 1914: Opening of the Mayo Clinic building in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (several Nigon and Clemens kin were employed here):

“The 1914 Building was opened March 6, 1914. This Real Photo Postcard is postmarked May 9, 1914. This image is probably taken less than 2 months after the 1914 Building was opened. The 1914 Building was located where the Siebens Building is today, on the corner of 2nd Ave and 1st St. This could be the earliest known photo after it opened and is a new addition to our collection. This was the first building built as a Mayo Clinic Building.”
Source: Photo and bio courtesy of the Kevin Reynolds collection

May 5, 1915: Birth of Lucille Catherine Nigon, 2nd of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Aug 7, 1916: Birth of Mildred Mary Nigon, 3rd of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Oct 27, 1918: Birth of Ralph John Nigon, 4th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, on the family farm near Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Oct 27, 1918: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Ralph John Nigon
Birth Date 27 Oct 1918
Birth Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Heaton
Certificate Number 1918-23170

Jan 14, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name John Nigon
Age 35
Birth Year abt 1885
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1920 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
House Number Farm
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Lucy I Nigon
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farmer
Industry General Farming
Employment Field Own Account
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Home Free or Mortgaged Free
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
John Nigon Age 35, Head, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer, general farming
Lucy I Nigon Age 34, Wife, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born England
Frances I Nigon Age 6, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Lucile C Nigon 4, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Mildred M Nigon Age 3, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Ralph J Nigon Age 1, Son, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota

Jun 10, 1920: Birth of Leonard Joseph Nigon, 5th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

1923: Nigon aunts and uncles on the Clemens family farm outside of Rochester:


Note: not listed: Barbara (Nigon) Clemens is standing at far right, hand across stomach

1923: Clemens and Nigon cousins on the Clemens family farm outside of Rochester:

Slightly different photo with all present identified; #37 (infant Clair Nigon) is in the arms of #1 (Mary (Clemens) Wallerich):

May 17, 1925: Eleven of 14 children of Joseph Heaton & Anna “Annie” Hinds:


Eleven of 13 children on the reunion of their golden wedding celebration in 1925:
L to R front row: Elizabeth Heaton Barrett, Lucy Heaton Nigon, Isabelle Heaton Donlon, Joe Heaton
Seated: John Heaton, Joseph and Annie Heaton, Nellie Heaton Schons, James Heaton
Standing: Catherine Heaton Maiers, Margaret Heaton, Rose Heaton Dwyer, Mary Heaton
Missing: Sr. Theonia (Agnes) and Theresa Heaton Jennings
Note: Handwritten identification by Lois (Nigon) Holland

Feb 5, 1927: Death of Anna “Annie” (Hines) Heaton (age 79), the mother of Lucy I. (Heaton) Nigon, in Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Feb 5, 1927: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Mrs Anna Heaton
Record Type Death
Death Date 5 Feb 1927
Death Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 1927
Certificate Number 009355
Record Number 476112

Feb 7, 1927: Rochester Post Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:

Feb 8, 1927: Burial of Anna “Annie” (Hines) Heaton at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 53 34

Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name Annie Heaton
Birth Date 1848
Death Date 1927
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. JOSEPH (spouse Joseph)
Section CC 53 34

Jun 7, 1929: Birth of Lois Margaret Nigon, 6th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jun 7, 1929: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Lois Margaret Nigon
Birth Date 7 Jun 1929
Birth Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Heaton
Certificate Number 1929-18663

Apr 17, 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name John Nigon
Birth Year abt 1884
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 46
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Dwelling Number 126
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Radio Set No
Lives on Farm Yes
Age at First Marriage 23
Attended School No
Able to Read and Write Yes
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farmer
Industry General Farm
Class of Worker Employer
Employment Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
John Nigon Age 46, Head, married at 23, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer, general farming
Lucy I Nigon Age 45, Wife, married at 26, born Minnesota, father born Ireland, mother born Ireland
Francis I Nigon Age 17, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Lucille K Nigon Age 15, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Mildred M Nigon Age 13, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Ralph I Nigon Age, 11 Son, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Leonard J Nigon Age 9, Son, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Lois M Nigon Age 10/12 months, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Sam H North Age 20, Helper

Sep 17, 1938: Marriage of Leo Joseph Maloney & Frances Irene Nigon, 1st of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Five children: Sharon Ann Maloney, Thomas John Maloney, Mary Frances Maloney, Monica Lucille Maloney, Kathleen Therese Maloney

Apr 15, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name John Nigon
Respondent Yes
Age 55
Estimated Birth Year abt 1885
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Map of Home in 1940 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Farm Yes
Residence in 1935 Olmsted, Minnesota
Resident on farm in 1935 Yes
Occupation Farmer
House Owned or Rented Owned
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
John Nigon Age 55, Head, Married, born Minnesota, farmer
Lucy Nigon Age 54, Wife, Married, born Minnesota
Lucille Nigon Age 25, Daughter, Single, born Minnesota, clinic records nurse
Mildred May Nigon Age 23, Daughter, Single, born Minnesota, nurse
Ralph John Nigon Age 21, Son, Single, born Minnesota, farmer
Leonard J Nigon Age 19, Son, Single, born Minnesota, farmer
Lois Mary Nigon Age 11, Daughter, Single, born Minnesota

May 13, 1940: Death of Joseph Heaton (age 93), the father of Lucy I. (Heaton) Nigon, in Olmsted Co., Minnesota

May 13, 1940: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Joseph Heaton
Record Type Death
Death Date 13 May 1940
Death Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 1940
Certificate Number 010489
Record Number 838969

May 14, 1940: Rochester Post Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:

May 16, 1940: Burial of Joseph Heaton at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 53 35

Minnesota Burial Inscription:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name Joseph Heaton
Birth Date 1846
Death Date 1940
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. ANNIE (spouse Annie)
Section CC 53 35

May 5, 1941: Marriage of Stephen Vincent Flynn & Lucille Catherine Nigon, 2nd of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Five children: Patricia Lucille Flynn, James Stephen Flynn, Linda Mary Flynn, Bridget Helen Flynn, Vincent Joseph Flynn

1942: WWII Draft Registration Card:
Name John Nigon
Gender Male
Registration Age 58
Birth Date 12 Mar 1884
Birth Place Wabasha, Minnesota
Residence Place Rochester, Minnesota
Registration Date abt 1942
Military Draft Date 1942
Height 6
Eye Color Hazel
Hair Color Gray
Weight 180
Complexion Dark
Next of Kin Mrs John Nigon

Nov 30, 1944: Marriage of John Joseph Manning & Mildred Mary Nigon, 3rd of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis Co., Missouri
Eight children: Michael Patrick Manning, Margaret Mary “Peggy” Manning, John Joseph Manning, Jr., Robert Timothy Manning, Kevin F. Manning, Jane E. Manning, May Ann Manning, Thomas A. Manning

Dec 1, 1944: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 9):

Jun 9, 1945: Marriage of Agnes Cecelia Pierce & Ralph John Nigon, 4th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Nine children: Rosemary Irene Nigon, Richard Joseph Nigon, Bernard Ralph Nigon, Terrance John Nigon, Stephen Michael Nigon, Catherine Lucille Nigon, Kevin Francis Nigon, Thomas Edward Nigon, Norbert James Nigon

Jun 3, 1946: Marriage of Natalie Winifred Tracy & Leonard Joseph Nigon, 5th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; his 1st marriage
Six children: Jacquelyn Ann Nigon, Rita Rae Nigon, Mark Leonard Nigon, Brent Joseph Nigon, Scott Francis Nigon, James Patrick Nigon

Apr 13, 1950: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name John Nigon
Age 66
Birth Date abt 1884
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Street Name First Street S. W.
House Number 854
Farm No
Acres No
Occupation Category Ot
Seeking Work No
Employment Status No
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
John Nigon Age 66, Head, married, born Minnesota
Lucy Nigon Age 65, Wife, married, born Minnesota
Lois Nigon Age 20, Daughter, never married, born Minnesota, student nurse at hospital
Helen Martin Age 34, Lodger, never married, born Minnesota, receptionist at medical center
Ruth Treebel Age 22, Lodger, never married, born Minnesota, secretary at medical center

Jun 27, 1953: Marriage of Kenneth Charles Reed, II & Lois Margaret Nigon, 6th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (and/or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Denver, Denver Co., Colorado); her 1st marriage. Kenneth Charles Reed (age 34), died Aug 5, 1957 of brain cancer in Denver, Colorado, and is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Jefferson Co., Colorado
Two children: Kenneth Charles Reed, III, Michael Allan Reed

Jul 11, 1964: Marriage of Joseph Valentine Holland & Lois Margaret (Nigon) Reed, 6th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; her 2nd marriage
Two children: Margaret Mary Holland, Richard John Holland

Mar 9, 1969: Death of John “Jack” Nigon, 7th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen and husband of Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; heart condition

Mar 9, 1969: Minnesota Death Index:
Name John Nigon
Death Age 84
Record Type Death
Birth Date 12 Mar 1884
Death Date 9 Mar 1969
Death Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 1969
Certificate Number 006624
Record Number 1735435

Mar 9, 1969: Social Security Death Record:
Name John Nigon
Birth Date 12 Mar 1884
Issue year 1962
Issue State Minnesota
Last Residence 55901, Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Date Mar 1969

Mar 10, 1969: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 33):

Mar 10, 1969: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 22):

Mar 11, 1969: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 30):

Prayer Card:

Mar 12, 1969: Burial of John “Jack” Nigon at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 56 24

Minnesota Burial Inscription:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name John Nigon
Birth Date 1884
Death Date 1969
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. LUCY (spouse Lucy)
Section CC 56 24

Dec 12, 1970: Death of Lucy I. (Heaton) Nigon (age 85), the daughter of Joseph Heaton & Anna “Annie” Hinds and wife of John “Jack” Nigon, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Dec 1970: Social Security Death Index:
Name Lucy Nigon
Birth Date 13 Mar 1885
Issue year 1965
Issue State Minnesota
Last Residence 55901, Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Date Dec 1970

Dec 14, 1970: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 14):

Dec 14, 1970: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 40):

Dec 15, 1970: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 28):

Prayer Card:

Dec 16, 1970: Burial of Lucy I. (Heaton) Nigon at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Sec CC 56 24

Minnesota Burial Inscription:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name Lucy Nigon
Birth Date 1885
Death Date 1970
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. JOHN (spouse John)
Section CC 56 24

Sep 22, 1979: Marriage of Marlene Anna (Jueneman) Fortner & Leonard Joseph Nigon, 5th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton; his 2nd marriage

abt 1998: Agnes & Ralph Nigon, when the Nigon homestead became a Century Farm:

Feb 11, 2000: Death of Frances Irene (Nigon) Maloney (age 87), 1st of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Stewartville, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Feb 11, 2000: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Frances Irene Maloney
Death Age 87
Record Type Death
Birth Date 21 Jan 1913
Birth Place Rochester, Minnesota
Death Date 11 Feb 2000
Death Place Stewartville, Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 2000
Mother’s Maiden Name Heaton
Certificate Number 2000-Mn-006455

Feb 14, 2000: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 10):

Feb 16, 2000: Burial of Frances Irene (Nigon) Maloney at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Inscription at bottom: SHALOM – GOODBYE WITH A BIT OF HELLO IN IT

Mar 30, 2000: Death of Leonard Joseph Nigon (age 79), 5th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Mar 30, 2000: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Leonard Joseph Nigon
Death Age 79
Record Type Death
Birth Date 10 Jun 1920
Birth Place Rochester, Minnesota
Death Date 30 Mar 2000
Death Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 2000
Mother’s Maiden Name Heaton
Certificate Number 2000-Mn-012296

Mar 30, 2000: Social Security Death Index:
Name Leonard Joseph Nigon
[Leonard J Nigon]
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Date 10 Jun 1920
Birth Place Rochester Ol, Minnesota
Death Date 30 Mar 2000
Father John L Nigon
Mother Lucy Heaton
Notes Nov 1945: Name Listed As Leonard Joseph Nigon; 13 Apr 2000: Name Listed As Leonard J Nigon

Mar 30, 2000: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
Name Leonard J Nigon
Gender Male
Birth Date 10 Jun 1920
Death Date 30 Mar 2000
Enlistment Branch A
Enlistment Date 20 Jan 1942
Discharge Date 22 Oct 1945 

Mar 31, 2000: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 14):

Apr 3, 2000: Burial of Leonard Joseph Nigon at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Eyota, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Sec S3 4

Mar 31, 2000: Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index:
Township Eyota
County Olmsted
Name Leonard J. Nigon
Birth Date 10/Jun/1920
Death Date 30/Mar/2000
Cemetery Holy Redeemer
Comments SP. 1-NATALIE W. TRACY. 2-MARLENE JUENEMANN FORTNER. MAR. 1-03/JUN/1946. 2-22/SEP/1979. ROC. 31/MAR/2000
Section S3 4

Sep 11, 2004: Death of Mildred Mary “Midge” (Nigon) Manning (age 88), 3rd of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Worcester, Worcester Co., Massachusetts

Sep 11, 2004: Social Security Death Index:
Name Mildred Manning
Birth Date 7 Aug 1916
Issue year Before 1951
Issue State Minnesota
Last Residence 01605, Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts
Death Date 11 Sep 2004

Sep 14, 2004: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 8):

Sep 15, 2004: Burial of Mildred Mary (Nigon) Manning at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, Worcester Co., Massachusetts

Nov 15, 2007: Death of Lucille Catherine (Nigon) Flynn (age 92), 2nd of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Nov 15, 2007: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Lucille Catherine Flynn
Maiden Name Nigon
Gender Female
Marital Status Widowed
Death Age 92
Record Type Burial
Birth Date 15 Feb 1915
Birth Place Rochester, Minnesota
Inferred Residence Date Abt 2007
Residence Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Occupation Teacher/Homemaker
Education 4 Years College
Industry or Location Education/Home
Death Date 15 Nov 2007
Hospital Samaritan Bethany Heights
Death Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 2007
Burial Date 19 Nov 2007
Cemetery Calvary Cemetery
Burial Place Rochester, Minnesota
Mother’s Maiden Name Heaton
Informant Patricia Kasey
Informant Relation Daughter
Father John Nigon
Mother Lucy Heaton
Certificate Number 2007-Mn-032281

Nov 15, 2007: Social Security Death Index:
Name Lucille Catherine Flynn
Birth Date 15 Feb 1915
Issue year Before 1951
Issue State Minnesota
Last Residence 55901, Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Date 15 Nov 2007

Nov 17, 2017: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 14):
ROCHESTER — A funeral Mass for Lucille C. Flynn will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, with the Rev. Paul E. Nelson officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Mrs. Flynn, 92, of Rochester, died Thursday (Nov. 15, 2007) at Samaritan Bethany Heights in Rochester.

Lucille C. Nigon was born May 5, 1941, in Rochester on the family farm and graduated from St. John’s High School. In 1936, she graduated from the College of St. Teresa, then taught at Sacred Heart High School in Waseca for two years. She then moved back to Rochester and worked at Mayo Clinic for three years. She married Stephen V. Flynn on May 5, 1941, at St. John’s Church in Rochester. He died Nov. 20, 1972. Following her marriage, she was a homemaker, and in 1955 she went back to teaching at Dover-Eyota High School. She retired in 1977. She was a member of St. Raphael’s Group at St. Pius and enjoyed gardening, traveling and playing cards

Survivors include two sons, James and Vincent (Sharon), both of Rochester; three daughters, Linda (Richard) Battey, Bridget (Donald) Skrukrud and Patricia Kasey, all of Rochester; a brother, Ralph Nigon of Rochester; a sister, Lois (Joseph) Holland of Rochester; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and a brother.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester and an hour before the service Monday at the church. Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic for Alzheimer’s disease research or to Saint Mary’s Poverello Fund.

Nov 19, 2007: Burial of Lucille Catherine (Nigon) Flynn at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 49 36

Nov 2007: Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name Lucille Flynn
Birth Date 1915
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. STEPHEN (spouse Stephen)
Section CC 49 36

Aug 19, 2008: Death of Ralph John Nigon (age 89), 4th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; natural causes

Aug 19, 2008: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Ralph John Nigon
Gender Male
Marital Status Widowed
Death Age 89
Record Type Burial
Birth Date 27 Oct 1918
Birth Place Cascade Township, Minnesota
Inferred Residence Date Abt 2008
Residence Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Occupation Farmer
Education 12 Years
Industry or Location Farming
Death Date 19 Aug 2008
Death Place Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 2008
Burial Date 23 Aug 2008
Cemetery Calvary Cemetery
Burial Place Rochester, Minnesota
Mother’s Maiden Name Heaton
Informant Bernard Nigon
Informant Relation Son
Father John Nigon
Mother Lucy Heaton
Certificate Number 2008-Mn-024611

Aug 23, 2008: Burial of Ralph John Nigon at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Aug 22, 2008: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 12):
A funeral Mass for Ralph Nigon will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, with Rev. Charlie Collins officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Mr. Nigon, 89, of Rochester, died Tuesday (Aug. 19, 2008) at his home of natural causes.

Ralph J. Nigon was born Oct. 27, 1918, on the family farm near Rochester. He was a lifelong Rochester area resident. He graduated from St. John’s High School in 1936. On June 9, 1945, he married Agnes C. Pierce at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester. He farmed on the family farm west of Rochester.

He was the founding trustee of St. Pius X Catholic Church, and past president of the Lourdes High School Board of Education. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a past Grand Knight. He enjoyed fishing and visiting with family and friends.

Survivors include nine children, Rosemary (Erik) Gundacker of Rosemount, Richard (Mary) of Orono, Bernard (Julie) of Rochester, Terry (Betsy) of Eden Prairie, Stephen (Sharon) of Rochester, Kate (Mark) Dienhart of St. Paul, Kevin (Ann) of Rochester, Tom (Lori) of La Crosse, Wis., and Norbert of Zumbrota; 31 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lois (Joe) Holland of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes on Nov. 7, 2003, and a daughter-in-law, Jane Bowman Nigon.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Pius X Catholic Church and an hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred to Lourdes Foundation or St. Pius X Building Fund. Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jul 22, 2024: Death of Lois Margaret (Nigon) Reed Holland (age 95), 6th of 6 children of John “Jack” Nigon & Lucy I. Heaton, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Minnesota Death Index:
Name Lois Holland
Gender Female
Marital Status Married
Residence Place Rochester, Minnesota
Spouse Joseph Valentine Holland
Certificate Number 2014-Mn-030884

Jul 23, 2024: Macken Funeral Home Obituary:
Lois Margaret Nigon Reed Holland grew wings and went to heaven with the angels on Monday July 22, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born at St. Mary’s Hospital on June 7, 1929, to Lucy (Heaton) and John Nigon. She was the youngest of six children. She had two older brothers Ralph and Leonard Nigon and three older sisters Francis, Lucille, and Midge. She grew up on the family farm west of Rochester where she would go with her father to check for spring wildflowers while he checked the pasture. She continued to do an annual spring outing crocus picking, bringing children and grandchildren along with her until she wasn’t able to make the trek and nephew Steve took her on the 4-wheeler or in his truck to check for the crocuses. She graduated from Lourdes High School in the class of 1946. After High school she entered the St Mary’s School of Nursing and graduated with a 3-year RN Degree in the graduating class of 1950. She has kept several lifelong friends from nurse’s training

After nurse’s training she moved to Denver, Colorado with a few nursing classmates to be an office nurse. In Denver she met her first husband, Kenneth Charles Reed II. They were married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, in Denver, Colorado. They enjoyed skiing, outings outdoors, and fishing at Grandma Reed’s cabin on the Big Thompson River. Her first two children were born in Denver, Colorado, Kenneth Charles (KC) Reed III and Michael Allan Reed. Mr. Reed later died of a brain cancer on August 4, 1957.

Lois stayed in Denver one year and then returned to Rochester, Minnesota to be closer to family. She raised her two boys as a single parent for seven years with the help of friends and relatives.

She married Joseph V. Holland at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, Minnesota on July 11, 1964 and continued to be a member of St Pius Church for about 65 years. They had two children … As her children got older, she went back to work as a nurse at the Assisi Heights Health Care for the Sisters of St. Francis from 1979 to 2002.

She enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s sports activities; football, cross country, soccer, track, and basketball; music concerts and marching band performances, and play performances. She was a member of St. Raphael Guild, the Lois Club, CCW, and The Quilters Society. A favorite phrase of hers was “She who dies with the most fabric wins”. She made quilts and other sewing and craft projects for her children and grandchildren. She corresponded with friends and relatives, writing letters frequently to keep in touch. She had an amazing memory for people, where they were from, their children and grandchildren, and made connections wherever she went. She enjoyed traveling and camping especially at State Parks where she could look for wildflowers and different birds. She brought her family to the north woods of Wisconsin for a weeklong vacation at Lakewoods Resort for special family time swimming, fishing, and boating. She was an avid Minnesota Twins fan listening to their games on the radio when she did her household tasks and watching them on TV in her later years

Lois was preceded in death by her parents John and Lucy (Heaton) Nigon, her siblings, Ralph (Agnes) Nigon, Leonard (Natalie “Tally”) Nigon, Francis (Leo) Maloney, Lucille (Steve) Flynn, and Midge (John) Manning and one son Michael Allan Reed, and daughter in law Cindy Reed.

She is survived by her children… and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 3, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Rev. John Sauer officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2024, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Jul 2024: Burial of Lois Margaret (Nigon) Reed Holland at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jul 19, 2025: Dairy Star, Sauk Center, Stearns Co., Minnesota
Barn full of memories
Invested in the farming community
Within this feature the Dairy Star catches up to retired farmers and talk about the highlights and struggles they had when dairy farming. The feature includes how each individual farm changed throughout the farmer’s career and what each has been doing since they hung the milkers up.

Stephen Nigon
Rochester, Minnesota

What year did you start farming and what year did you retire? I started in 1961 at 10 years old with milking cows. My brothers and I took turns milking for our dad because he hurt his back. I played football for two years at a junior college, and had a scholarship to play at Northern Iowa, but my back went out so I returned home. In 1971, I started dairy farming with my dad. I sold the dairy cows in June 1996. In 1995, I started expanding my beef herd. For the next 20 years, I fed out beef cattle. In 2015, I partially stepped back but continued to raise beef animals and crop farm until 2020.

Tell us about your farm when you started and describe what it looked like when you retired, including how many cows you milked when you retired. When I started, my dad, Ralph, had about 20 dairy cows, 30 beef cows, pigs and chickens. In 1973, my dad and I went into partnership. We had the home farm with 180 acres and rented another 200 acres. In 1973, I also went to school to learn artificial insemination and worked part time for Midwest Breeders on the weekends. We expanded the dairy barn in 1976 with a 40-stall tiestall barn with a manure pit. Dad and I farmed together until 1985 when he retired, and I bought his part of the cattle and machinery. I farmed on my own from 1985 until 2020. In 1988, part of the barn burnt down. We rebuilt and continued to milk cows until we sold the herd to Scott and Michelle Herber. They bought 50 milking cows as well as the youngstock we had raised.

What were some of the big advancements you made during your career? It was always a small farm. When we first started out, we had buckets. Then, we went to a step saver. When we remodeled in 1976, we installed the pipeline. The change in equipment was also something big I saw over the years. I saw one-row corn pickers all the way up to computerized combines and sprayers, and changes in horse power from 50-horse tractors to 150-horse tractors.

What did you love about milking cows? For a number of years, I got to work with my parents every day. As my kids, Wes and Amanda, were growing up, they were really good help. Also, my brother, Kevin, was a great vet for us. From grade school on, I wanted to be outside and to be a farmer. I also really enjoyed the different farm organizations. I was on the Dairy Herd Improvement Association board and got to know all those people. I was the DHIA board chair for two years. I was on the soil and water board for 12 years. I was on the Olmsted County breakfast on the farm board for about 20 years. There was also an informal young farmers club in our area who would get together.

What was the highlight of your dairy career? In 1989, we hosted the second Olmsted County breakfast on the farm. There were about 1,300 attendees.

What is the biggest challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it? One of the hardest moments I had was telling my dad he had to stop driving equipment when health issues were impairing his abilities. Crop-wise, in 1988, we had a big drought. Then, on Sept. 5, 1988, part of our barn burned. I found a hay source south of town. I had enough silage to feed the cows but no crops to sell. In June 1991, our crops froze on us. We were able to replant for silage but again didn’t have any crops to sell. In 2012, I started having heart issues. After being on heart medication, I was going to sell the beef cows. I went into partnership with Tony Rossman 50/50 on the beef cattle. I had heart surgeries in 2015, and after that, I had the cows during the grazing months and the herd went to Rossman over the winter.

If there is one thing you wished you could have done differently during your farming career, what would it be? Not really anything. We were small but made a good living. We saw different farms getting bigger, but I enjoyed what I was doing on the small scale.

What piece of equipment or technology has been introduced that you wish you had for your dairy career? Nothing. I was happy with what I had. When I had my auction, most of my equipment was about 30 years old. Over the years, I could see when I had had a good year based off the equipment I had purchased.

What do you miss most about dairy farming? The calves. When I got rid of the dairy cows, I still had the beef cows and could watch those calves. Now, there are no calves around here. I also miss fully living in the country. It has gotten worse because many of the acres I once rented are houses.

What advice would you give to a young farmer today? Decisions you make when times are tight don’t hurt you. It’s the decisions you make when times are good that can cause issues. You want to be careful.

What is your tie to the dairy industry today? I’m still involved with the Olmsted County breakfast on the farm board. I also still get together with the Herbers a couple of times a year.

Was retiring an easy or hard decision/transition? It was easy. I sold the cows in 1996 in part because we were small and I was not interested in getting larger. Also, Rochester city limits borders our farm. Already in 1996, we were seeing increased traffic on our roads, and I did not have a next generation for the dairy. My wife, Sharon, was working for the Mayo Clinic which gave us income.

What have you been doing since you retired? I continued to farm until 2020 after I quit dairying. I would volunteer in the winters. I worked as a custom chopper for 25 years as well. A golf course was being developed next door to my farm and I worked there a few years. I helped seed down the fairways. I also took up golf, playing in a league from 1996-2014. Now, after fully retiring, I volunteer for my daughter with the Village Agricultural Cooperative. I wake up in the morning with nothing to do, and when I go to bed at night, I only have it half done. The worst part about dairying is all the getting up early — I still can’t help but wake up. I still have dreams I’m farming and my dad is involved.
Source: © Copyright 2025 Dairy Star

***************************

2025: Researched and compiled by siblings Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens. Thank you to Dana (Walker) Conway for the obituaries and cousin group photos, to Bernard Nigon for the wedding photo of John & Lucy Nigon, to his brother Stephen Nigon, who permitted me to include the farming article in the Dairy Star, to Kenneth Charles “KC” Reed, III for Heaton photos and information, and to Kathy (Nigon) Lindler for the burial cards.

Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens

Direct line of Catherine and Gordon:
Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding (gg-grandparents)
Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon & Barbara Leinen (gg-grandparents)
Mathias “Mathew” Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland (great-grandparents)
Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon (grandparents)
Carl John Clemens & Noreen Ellen Chatfield (parents)

Note: The cemetery headstone photos from Find A Grave contained herein are the property of those who photographed them.