Forest Dean Higgins
Wednesday, March 9, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Age:
93 years old
Wednesday, March 9, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Age:
93 years old
Wednesday, March 9, 1927
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Age:
93 years old
Forest Dean Higgins
Forest Dean Higgins, 93, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 1, 2020.
Forest was born March 9, 1927 in Eyota Township to Carl and Cora Higgins, one of a pair of twins. Forest graduated from Rochester High School and joined the Navy in March 1944. He served for seven years during both World War II and the Korean War. Forest and Helen Wohlfeil were married on February 3, 1951 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida for two years while in the Navy. Forest joined the Rochester Police Department on June 6th, 1955 and served for 27 years, the last 14 years as a Sergeant in Communications. Forest retired from the police department in June 1982 and occupied his time working first at the Campbell Hotel, and then at Rainbow Foods until Helen’s retirement in 1991.
Forest was a founding member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry and as Head Usher, and where he and Helen remain members. For 30 years Forest has been a member of the Rochester Elks and is a past Exalted Ruler. In association with the Rochester Police Department he served as an Explorer Scout Leader for 10 years. Forest and Helen founded the H & F Round-A-Liers where they taught Round Dancing for 14 1⁄2 years, as well as Square Danced for 34 years.
Forest loved spending time with his family, in the early years camping and boating on the Mississippi River; and in his retirement years, traveling around the country, visiting family and sightseeing.
Forest is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen; his sons: William (Suzi) of Hilton Head, SC, Lawrence (Pam) of Bloomington, MN; and a daughter, Kathrine of Richfield, MN; three grandchildren: Lisa, Nicole and Justin; and one great-granddaughter, Brooke.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry and Floyd; and a grandson, William C. Higgins, Jr.
A memorial service will be Saturday, August 15 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with The Rev. Justin P. Chapman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Due to current health concerns and restrictions, please respect social distancing and the wearing of face masks both at the visitation and the funeral service. Forest’s ashes will be interred in the columbarium at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Memorials are preferred to Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Rochester, MN. Condolences are welcome to be sent to Helen via mail or phone.
Condolences
The family of Forest Dean Higgins has received the following condolences.
Helen and family members----We are sorry about the loss of Forest. It has been a long time ago but we managed to square dance with Helen & Forest.... Bob & Judy Adams Rochester
Please accept my condolences. Forrest was a good friend and mentor to me as a member of the Rochester Elks.
Dear Helen and Family
We are so sorry to learn about Forest. You two have been such a big part of St Luke's. I always appreciated the Sunday pew banter and will miss it. I am sure that Forest will keep the noise down as he enters the Pearly Gates, May peace be with you and the family.
Mrs. Higgens, Kathy and family,
I really enjoyed see Forest on the Sunday's I was down visiting my mother. My father and him were very good friends and I'll never forget him telling me, that on the morning of my father's service, that my father was his best friend. Meant a lot to me. Well, I know my father was saving a place for him and now they can catch up and perhaps go for a round of golf. My best to you all, I will miss seeing him at St. Luke's and coffee hour afterwards.
Mark Wiersbeck
Sorry to hear of Forest's passing. From square dancing through the "chairs" of being officers in the Elks, we spent a lot of years together.
Dear Helen and family, we were saddened to hear about Forest’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers
during this difficult time for your family.
Helen, I was very surprised to see of Forest passing. The salon will miss him coming to get his haircuts. We all enjoyed him so very much. Hugs to use you, my friend.