John E. Higgins 92, of Richland Center passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at the Richland Center Hospital of complications from Alzheimer's and heart disease.
John was born on July 13, 1922 to John B. and Josephine (Schauf) Higgins. His family lived on the farm and later moved to Ithaca where his father began a trucking company hauling milk and livestock for local farmers. John helped his father with the business from a young age. John served in World War II in the Marines as a corporal. When the war began he enlisted and became an airplane mechanic working on planes in the Pacific; serving in Guam, and the American Samoa's. Many years later he went back to visit the islands where he once served with his son, Paul. He fulfilled his life-long dream to visit those areas again.
John married Avis Williams of Richland Center in June of 1945 in Memphis, Tennessee. Both were still serving their country with Avis being a sergeant in the Women's Army Corps (WAC). After the War was over they came back and lived in Richland Center. John took over the business from his father and expanded it into Higgins Transportation, adding Allied Van Lines, along with over-the-road long distance hauling of many varieties of dry freight. John and Avis ran the business together with their son, Paul, and many loyal employees, until they retired in 1982. After their retirement they took a wonderful motor home trip to Alaska. Shortly thereafter, Avis was diagnosed with kidney disease. John was her dedicated caregiver until her death in 1992.
John married the former Carol Klinzing, in 1993. They spent time enjoying fishing at the cottage and on the Mississippi River. They spent winters in Florida and Arizona in their motor home.
John was active in the local VFW serving a term as Commander and with the American Legion. He was very patriotic, a flag never passed by without him standing and taking off his hat with a tear in his eye. John was one of the founding members of stock car racing in Richland County, the profit earned in racing was given back to the VFW for their work.
John's faith was very strong and helped him through many difficult times. He was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church, served on the Council, was an usher at mass and a member of the Knights of Columbus. John was an Alderman in Richland Center, in the Chamber of Commerce, and was on the Hospital Foundation Board. One of John's proudest accomplishments was his donation to start Richland Center's Kidney Dialysis Center. He spent many hours driving Avis for dialysis treatment in Madison. He dreamed that others would not have to make that trip three days a week and would be able to have treatment done in Richland Center. That dream was finally realized this year!
John is survived by:
his wife Carol his three children: Colleen (Jerry)Fogo of De Forest
Paul (Lola) of Richland Center
Renee'(Wil) Buchanan of Lakeland, FL
two grandsons: Christopher and Andrew Fogo of Sun Prairie
He is further survived by his step-daughter Sharon Marlow of San Diego, California
her children: Renee (Matt) Bay of Austin, TX, Dr. Jeff (Marlin) Marlow of Atlanta, GA, David (Kailin) Marlow of Yucaipa, CA and their children.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Avis; his parents, an infant older brother Donald Francis Higgins, his stepmother Mamie Higgins and stepson in law Mike Marlow.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 11:00 AM at ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, in Richland Center. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may call at Pratt Memorial Chapel on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 4:00 until 7:00 where the rosary will be prayed at 3:45. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until mass time at 11:00 AM.
Memorials in John's name may be directed to Schmitt Woodland Hills, St. Mary's Catholic Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Dickman, Dr. Smith, Phil Poole and the staff for their kindness and compassionate care of John.
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