William J. Wigsten

William J. Wigsten, (67), of Cayuta, New York, died on December 19, 2022. William, fondly known as Jere, was born to Paul and Josephine Wigsten, on October 28, 1955, in Elmira, New York. He was predeceased by his parents, and his loving wife of 38 years, Kathy Wigsten. Jere was a brilliant engineer who graduated with Highest Distinction from Corning Community College with a degree in Applied Science. Jere worked at Hardinge, Inc. for 26 years and then retired from Automated Cells and Equipment (ACE) in 2020 after working 14 years as a Controls Engineer. Jere was a loving husband, a supportive father, a dedicated friend and a beloved Grumpa. He was always willing to lend a hand to whoever needed one. There was no problem he couldn’t solve with a little time, research and hard work. Jere enjoyed camping, hiking, refinishing his Triumph Spitfire and spending time with his family and friends. Jere was also a lover of pranks. Whether it be wearing a bright-pink flamingo suit to his daughter’s wedding rehearsal or popping a water balloon behind his family as their photograph was being taken. He always had a way to bring a smile to the faces of those around him. Jere is survived by his children and their spouses Sarah and Justin VanTassel, Bradley and Jenna Wigsten, his grandchildren Charlotte and Hudson VanTassel. Siblings Brad (Bonnie) Wigsten, Bonnie (Eddie) Wijkowski, David (Nancy) Wigsten, Betsy (Jeff) Weeks. In-laws Mary Anne (Bob) Bly, Margaret Williams, Bill Clark and Amy (Ed) Bond. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Good friends Brian and Sue McCabe and his Parting Glass Society friends. Jere’s family will host calling hours on Sunday, April 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Barrett Funeral Home. The family requests you wear your Hawaiian best in honor of Jere’s love of Hawaiian shirts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 17 at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church with Fr. Richard Farrell as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Southern Tier Food Bank in Jere’s name.