Henry Bigge

FULLERTON—Henry William Bigge, 92, of Fullerton, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fullerton with Reverend William L’Heureux officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Fullerton with military honors by Fullerton American Legion Post #151 and United States Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. vigil service, on Monday, June 2 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Henry was born to Emil and Henrietta (Lordemann) Bigge on January 24, 1933, in Omaha. He graduated from St. John’s High School in Petersburg in 1951. After graduation, he worked for the Genoa Leader Times. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1956. Shortly after, he moved to Fullerton, where he spent most of his career at the Nance County Journal from 1961 until his retirement. He remained in Fullerton until he recently moved to Norfolk Veterans Home in June 2024.

He was an active member of the Fullerton VFW and American Legion for over 65 years and remained active in the honor guard until the age of 91. He also called bingo for many years. He had many friends in Fullerton and would meet up for coffee on a regular basis. He was an avid bowler and participated in many leagues and tournaments over the years. Henry also enjoyed hunting—particularly pheasants—with friends and family and was active in the community through umpiring and coaching Legion baseball. He enjoyed being with family on weekends and made many trips to Elgin and Norfolk to visit his sisters’ families. He also made numerous trips to California to visit his sister, Agatha ‘Gay’, and her family. Henry was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fullerton. He expressed his faith through humility and generous spirit that helped him make many long-term friends in the Fullerton area.

He is survived by two brothers-in-law, Russell Eggerling of Norfolk and Joe Reestman of Elgin and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as many great-great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Henrietta Bigge; sisters, Agatha ‘Gay’ (Ev) Menon, Emily Reestman, Mary Jane (Dean) Henn, and Erma Eggerling; infant siblings, Marie and Bernard Bigge.