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John B. Briggs Obituary

John B. Briggs Obituary

Rochester - John B. Briggs, 88, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 4:56 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 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 Sept. 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 36 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 Elks 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 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at the Community Presbyterian Church, Rochester, Indiana. Friends may visit from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the church. Entombment will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 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.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.

Rochester - John B. Briggs, 88, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 4:56 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 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 A

Published on November 3, 2025

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