John B. Briggs 88, Rochester, passed away at 4:56 A.M. Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Life Care Center of Rochester.
He was born on March 20, 1937 in Peru, Indiana, the son of Melvin B. and Helen L. (Landis) Briggs. He graduated from Peru High School and Ball State University. John served with the United States Army and Army Reserve retiring in 1965. On September 4, 1992 in Kokomo, Indiana, he married Mary Elaine (Barkhaus) Coe and she survives.
John was Senior Staff Administrator for Sales at General Motors and Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Indiana, retiring after thirty- six years of service. He had been a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Faith Presbyterian Church, both of Kokomo, Indiana and the Community Presbyterian Church, Rochester, Indiana, serving as an Elder and Deacon. He was a member of the Elk’s Lodge, Moose Lodge, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and part of the Rochester Community Impact Committee. He enjoyed sailing, golf, baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, and classic cars.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Briggs, Rochester, Indiana, children, Patricia L. (Brian) Zebell, Branson, Missouri, Mary (Jim) Michaelson, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Andrew Briggs, St. Michael, Minnesota, Kristen Coe, Warsaw, Indiana, grandchildren, Ryan Gilbert, Noblesville, Indiana, Zach Zebell, Branson, Missouri, Christian Kaiser, Chicago, Illinois, Lucas Kaiser, Dundee, Illinois, Maddie Briggs, Charleston, South Carolina, Ethan Briggs, St. Michael, Minnesota, Emma Briggs, Clemson, South Carolina, great grandchildren, Sarah Gilbert and Alina Gilbert, both of Noblesville, Indiana, brother, David (Bettie) Briggs, Plainfield, Massachusetts, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Craig Briggs, and canine pal, Rosie.
Funeral services will take place at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Community Presbyterian Church, Rochester, Indiana.
Friends may visit from 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the church.
Entombment will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 3, 2025 at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana, where military rites will be conducted by the United States Army.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church, Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center or the donor’s favorite charity.
Arrangements by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
