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Beryl E. Rigel, age 84, of Three Rivers, died peacefully at home on Monday, November 21, 2022. He was born January 14, 1938 in Dundee, the son of Merl E. and Aura (Lerch) Rigel. He graduated from Dundee High School lettering in football and the high school band. He was also active in scouting, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. He was a proud graduate of The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy as president of the Pharmacy class of 1960 and achieved an Emeritus degree in Pharmacy in June of 2010. He worked as a pharmacist with the Quarry, Inc. in Ann Arbor. He moved to Three Rivers with his wife Frances and daughter Kathryn, where he purchased and operated Sun Cut-Rate Drugs, later renamed Rigel Pharmacy until 1992. He then worked as a pharmacist with Rite-Aid, Fred’s Pharmacy, and Medical Center Pharmacy after selling his business.
Beryl was a devout Catholic and an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Beryl was a third degree, life member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus council 4141. He was a lector and usher for many years and volunteered in many capacities – his favorites being donut crew, making pancakes at the K of C pancake fundraisers. He served as a member of the Three Rivers City Commission for seven years and was instrumental in moving the Three Rivers Public Library to the location on Michigan Avenue. He was also a member of the Jaycees, BPOE #1248, Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, Three Rivers Health Advisory Board, American Pharmaceutical Association, and a 50-year member of the Michigan Pharmaceutical Association. He also served as a director of The First National Bank for more than 30 years, acting as Chairman of the Board for ten years.
In 1960 he married Frances Vergho at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe. He enjoyed being with his family, especially his six grandchildren. He was a true Go Blue Wolverine sports fan. He enjoyed golfing, playing Bridge, and fishing on Corey Lake. He tended to bluebirds, helping to repopulate and protect the species.
He is survived by Frances, his loving wife of over 62 years. He was extremely proud of his four daughters, Kathryn (Steven Davis) Rigel of Three Rivers, Christine (Phillip) Riedy of Livonia, Susan (Theodore) Tucker of Brighton, and Jennifer Dickerson of Lake Orion; six grandchildren, Kevin (Samantha) Riedy, Brian Riedy, Julie Riedy, Andrew Tucker, John Henry Dickerson IV, and Elizabeth Dickerson. Also survived by three nieces and their families. Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister, Darlene and her husband Charles Greer; special cousin, Viola Clark; in-laws, Robert and Marion Vergho.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 25, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 645 S. Douglas Ave., Three Rivers, with Fr. R. Mathias as celebrant. Interment of cremains will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Three Rivers Promise or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Envelopes are available at and may be sent to the funeral home.
