Ernest Bigari

Ernest Bigari, 88, passed away at the Iron County Medical Care Facility on August 16, 2013. He was born in Iron River on April 19, 1925, to Albert and Mary (Rosetti) Bigari. Ernie attended the Homer Location Elementary School and the Iron River High School from which he graduated in 1943. Following high school, Ernie attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Illinois. Upon graduation, he worked in refrigeration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before entering the army where he served at the base in Los Alamos, New Mexico. In June of 1947, while holding state of Michigan electrical, mechanical, and boiler licenses, Ernie launched Bigari Electric and Refrigeration. In 1975, he expanded into the hardware business with his two sons, Ron and Nick. Ernie married Helen Cindrich on June 4, 1949, and the couple made their home in Iron River, celebrating their sixty-fourth anniversary this year. He was a member of the American Legion Alfred Branchini Post #17, and in the early years participated in the Ritual Team initiation ceremonies and competitions. He was also a member of the Elks Club. During his years as a local business owner, Ernie became involved in local government. In keeping with his love for and commitment to the community, he served twenty-one years on the city commission, seven of which he was mayor. Additionally, he was a strong advocate of the industrial park and downtown redevelopment. Throughout his life, Ernie enjoyed bowling, golfing, dancing, and fishing. He liked spending time at the River relaxing and playing cribbage with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and his six children, Jean Lundin of Las Vegas, Ron (Becky) of Iron River, Nick of Iron River, Marian (Tim) Novak of Iron River, Terese (Dale) Collins of Las Vegas, and Cathy (William) Olson of Appleton, twenty-one grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Ernie is preceded in death by his brothers Louie, Alfred, Eugene, and sister Theresa Cascioli. Visitation will be held at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-10:45 A.M. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 A.M. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River with Father Gregory Veneklase to offer the mass of Christian burial. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery in Iron River. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the Graveside. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernest Bigari, please visit our flower store.