Michael Jay Higgins
Saturday, August 21, 1920
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Age:
91 years old
Visitation
Date: Monday December 19, 2011
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Tuesday December 20, 2011
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Tuesday December 20, 2011
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery
Saturday, August 21, 1920
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Age:
91 years old
Saturday, August 21, 1920
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Age:
91 years old
Michael Jay Higgins
Michael Jay Higgins 91, of Rochester passed away Wednesday, Dec 14th at Seasons Hospice, he was in the company of family.
Michael was born on August 21, 1920, to Mike and Susie Higgins, grew up in Rochester and graduated from Rochester High School in 1939.
During his youth Mike involved himself with boxing in Rochester and the upper mid-west. In 1941 he fought for the team that won the NW Golden Gloves team trophy in Minneapolis. After his days in the ring he coached golden gloves teams to multiple championships.
In 1945 he married Lois Hanson originally of St. Paul. Together they had five boys. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing and took his young family on numerous camping trips. Mike worked as a printer for many years and retired from Quality Printing in 1985. In 1991 he and Lois moved from Rochester to their cabin on Upper Hay Lake, where they enjoyed many beautiful years on the lake with family and friends.
Mike and Lois were founding members of the Resurrection Catholic Parish in Rochester MN. Mike involved himself intricately with the Resurrection Rodeo during the 1970’s. Mike and Lois also helped found the Upper Hay Lake Association. Mike initiated environmental efforts to improve water quality throughout the Brainerd lakes area.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Marlys Abbott and Mary Higgins, is survived by his wife Lois of Chatfield, MN and his five sons and their spouses: Jay (Peggy) Higgins of Rochester, Tim (Judy) Higgins of Sun City AZ, Jeff (Diane) Higgins of West St. Paul, MN, Matt (Mary Ann) Higgins of Lake Geneva, MN and Kevin (Nita) Higgins of Rochester as well as eleven grandchildren: Jennifer Stankey, Brian (Susie) Higgins, Christine Higgins, Amie (Aaron) Williams, Russ (Courtney) Higgins, Sean Higgins, Thomas (Angie) Higgins, Patrick Higgins, Liam Higgins, Fionna Higgins and Brianne Higgins and eleven great grand children: Ashley Stankey, William Stankey, Mary Beth Higgins, Heather Higgins, Michael Higgins, Ben Higgins, Kristina Higgins, Andrew Higgins, Alex Williams, Irelynd Williams, Jacob Williams & Charlie Williams.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. A memorial Mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 20th at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
Contributions in Mike’s name may be made to Season’s Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.
On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Michael Jay Higgins has received the following condolences.
Sorry to hear about your Dad's passing, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Bratvold's
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He truly was like my grandpa while I lived behind their home. I remember opening the gate and stopping by to chat or share my dolls or contents of my purse with him. At this time of year, I always remember the great tree adventures we had chopping down our Christmas trees together! So fun! I can still hear his laugh. Thanks for all the great memories Mike!!!! Blessing to your family.
To the family of Mr. Higgins we offer our sympathy. We are so sorry that you are going through this difficult time. Mr. Higgins grandson, Ben is in our class at Union and we love him and miss him. We are so sorry and we feel for him. We are praying for the entire family. With all of our love.....
We are so sorry about Mr. Higgins. Your family is in our prayers. Cherish all your wonderful memories, they will get you through many hard times.
Mike and Lois were the first people we knew in Rochester. We had many happy years together, especially our sons, Kevin and Chris. I'll never forget the homemade raft Mike built to take the kids floating down the Zumbro River! As our daughter, Marnie, says, "He was only man I knew who never stopped smiling". Have fun, Mike, and keep those camp fires going for us. See you. Jay and Lois Lucas
I knew Mike in my younger days when I was still trying to find my direction in life. I got a job working at the printing shop Mike worked at. He was very supportive and encouraging.
Tim and Judy, Debbie and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. We will make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Mike's name.
Tim & Judy, and your family,
We are thinking of you during this sad time and would be there if we could, In reading about Mike,
and Russ's comments online, you all will be lifted by the wonderful memories of Mike you will share this week,
God Bless,
Ken & Bonnie Schweihs
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time.
Grandpa,
Thank you for so many amazing memories growing up. Some of the things I cherish most are a result of the time you spent with me. I love spending time outdoors and fishing...you helped me catch my first northern! I love animals...I remember Girl the most...she was a fantastic dog! What I cherish most is your wonderful personality and the goodness in your heart.
You saw to it that everyone felt like a million bucks. You greeted us with a firm handshake, passion, positive energy and enthusiasm. It resulted in a smile every time!
You filled the room with energy. Whether it was a project around the house, events for the family, or being involved with the community, you never stopped giving of yourself. Often times you hear the saying "give 110%"....that was your minimum!
You always had a positive attitude. Even when we were out fishing and you hooked me in the ear...you suggested I could have a pierced ear and the other kids would be jealous.
Thank you for all the time you dedicated to your family, all the values you shared and for being a wonderful teacher and role model.
I love you!
Russ