John R. Karrigan passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2019, at the age of 74, after a 10-month battle with metastatic melanoma. Preceded in death by his parents, Ellsworth and Vivien (Rasmussen) Karrigan, of Aberdeen, SD. Survived by his longtime partner, Bonnie Rae; siblings Steve (Lynn) Karrigan and Dave Karrigan, Aberdeen; Nancy (Henry) Wong, Las Vegas; and other loving relatives & friends.
John graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1962. He was a quiet person and lifelong learner who enjoyed reading, current events and history. He attended colleges in South Dakota, Arizona and Minnesota.
John sometimes told others that he was born on D-Day (June 5, 1944) while his dad was serving his country in Europe during WWII.
John was an avid birder and for many years wrote a monthly column for Southside Pride newspaper about birds, nature and the people of Powderhorn Park. He was an active volunteer for Advocating Change Together (ACT), a grassroots disability rights organization. He enjoyed sailing, car shows, drum & bugle corps competitions, local music, RV-ing and other travel, especially road trips. A celebration of life was held at 1:30 p.m., Jan. 19, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 3901 Chicago Ave S, Mpls.
Memorials are preferred to Advocating Change Together (ACT) or the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis.
