Jen McCoy / Daily Register
Amber Leifheit cuts a ceremonial ribbon Wednesday for the opening of playground equipment at the Caledonia Elementary School funded in part through money her father, Joe Kiggens, left behind. Kiggens, who died in 2007 of colon cancer, was a custodian at the school.

The final wish of a former custodian at Caledonia Elementary School who died last year came true over the summer as money he left behind was used to pay for playground equipment at the school.

Teachers and students held a dedication ceremony Wednesday in memory of Joe Kiggens. Former staff, friends and co-workers spoke about his gentle nature. He worked part-time at the rural school from 1980 to 1990.

Kiggens died last Oct. 9 from colon cancer, so the grief is still fresh for his family.

"I felt him here today," said his sister, Rosemary McTier. "He loved the kids."

Mary Mittlesteadt, a former Caledonia teacher of 27 years, laughed when she addressed the crowd.

"On one of his first days he worked here, I was doing a science experiment with celery. I had orange food dye that would go up the celery and show the veins," Mittlesteadt said. "But the next morning it was all gone. Joe had thrown the celery out overnight, and he felt terrible about it, but we laughed about it for years."

Caledonia Elementary School Principal Robin Kvalo told students that Kiggens's happy disposition is to be admired.

"He was one of the most positive, delightful people who was always happy," Kvalo said. "And kids, he always thought about others before himself."

Sitting in the front row of the cafeteria, Kiggens's family members were serenaded with a "thank you" song from the students and the reading of a poem.

Playground equipment was installed this summer, according to lead teacher Madeline Kuzera, and funds were matched by the Caledonia Community Club. It was not said Wednesday how much money Kiggens left.

Amber Leifheit, Kiggens's daughter, cut a ribbon held by kindergarten students.

"I'm biased, but he was the best dad. He was very patient and he loved his family," Leifheit said. "It makes it easier to hear that other people loved him, too."

Born and raised in Portage, Kiggens, who died at 74, was the oldest among his three siblings: Bob, Patricia and Rosemary. Kiggens worked at the Del Monte plant for 37 years before retiring, according to Bob Kiggens, his brother.

"He needed something to do, took this job and enjoyed it so much," Bob said. "All he ever talked about was the school."

Patricia died in 1996 from lung cancer, and Kiggens's wife, Lois Jean Hill Kiggens, died in 1998 from cancer.

"He was very self-sufficient and his house was always neater than mine," McTier said. "He was 13 years older than me, so he was like a second father. Whenever I needed something, all I had to do was ask."

Joe Kiggens Jr. said that his father would be happy about the playground, but too humble for the dedication ceremony.

"I miss the time we spent together. I would stop in and check in on him every day," Joe said.

Kiggens found out about the colon cancer in 2006, Joe said. "They gave up on chemo because it wasn't getting any better. He didn't want to go to a nursing home, so everyone checked in on him, everyone helped out," Joe said.

Kiggens was very even-keeled and giving, Joe said.

"The world needs more people like that," he added.

jmccoy@capitalnewspapers.com

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