Donald L. Stigen
Donald L. Stigen, 63, of Lafayette, passed away at 4:40 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health-Lafayette East in Lafayette.
He was born June 21, 1952, in Chicago, to Archie and Margaret (Frahman) Stigen.
Don married Debra Marie Kough Sept. 6, 1980, in Winamac. Debra died on Sept. 2, 2000.
Don served in the U.S. Army from 1976-1979. He was a part of the dignitary security team often working with the FBI.
Don served as Winamac Police Chief from 1987-1988 and with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office from 1982-1987.
In October of 1988, Don went to work for the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office. He served as a patrolman and later joined the detectives division where he served until 2006. While serving with the detectives he was the lead evidence technician and mentored many young deputies. As a detective Don was instrumental in the development of the property room. He also worked high profile cases including the Roselawn plane crash and the attempted courthouse bombing. In 2007, Don began working as a civil process server and was a special deputy of the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office. He retired in December of 2014.
Don was instrumental in forming the Tippecanoe County Bomb Squad in 1999. He also served as bomb squad commander.
Don enjoyed fishing and hunting.
He will be sadly missed by his family and co-workers.
Survivors include his brothers: Duane Stigen of Bloomington, Lee Stigen of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Les [Linda] Stigen of Winamac.
He was preceded in death by his father Archie H. [Art] Stigen; mother Margaret Ann (Marge) Frahman Stigen; wife Debra Marie (Kough) Stigen; and sister Sonja Renee Stigen.
Visitation will be 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Memorial services will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Frain Mortuary. Burial of cremains will take place in Bruce Lake Cemetery, Lake Bruce. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be given to Tippecanoe County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.