Marilyn (Krage) Higgins was born January 23, 1935, to Roy and Helen Krage of Sioux City, Iowa. Marilyn adored and cherished her seven brothers and sisters, Ron, Sam, Helen Ann, Blanche, Barb, Colonel and Mary Alice.
Marilyn’s greatest accomplishment comes in the form of the seven children she and Bob raised together: Roy, Mike, John, Teresa, Robert, Lisa, and Mary.
She was blessed with 10 grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Nathan, Marisa, Elizabeth, Jake, Jessica, Jared, Thomas, Abby, Steven and Ryan who were inspired with her love and dedication to their lives. Grandma never missed a chance to watch them perform! Marilyn was also loved by her three great-grandchildren; Riley, Alexa, and Isaac, whom she enjoyed spoiling with chocolates and golf cart rides.
Okoboji was Marilyn’s home for many years, and she enjoyed swimming, boating, sailing, and relaxing on the dock with Bob. She was an avid bridge player and greatly enjoyed her monthly bridge club gatherings with her friends. She faithfully served the Lord as a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milford.
Marilyn passed away at home on October 5, 2020, with the love of her life Robert, as always, close to her side. Marilyn and Bob’s long marriage of 62 years, constant companionship, and unwavering love were an inspiration to all.
Our family would like to show our gratitude to St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care they provided. Thanks to her children and husband who spent many days and nights by her side. Their sensitivity and loving care were a saving grace through the last few months.
Bob would like personally to thank you, the many friends, family, and relatives that helped in Marilyn’s journey to heaven. The whole Higgins family is grateful for all the love and prayers they have received.
Marilyn’s message is simple, but powerful – unconditional love. Marilyn had the ability to fully engage her excitement into other’s life experiences. She was everyone’s number one fan. We will all cherish Marilyn; wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend forever in our hearts.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Helen Krage; siblings Sam and Joyce Krage, Helen Ann and Arnie Feste, Ron Krage, Blanche and Tom Ward, Barbara and Dr. Tom Nicknish.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Robert Higgins, children and their spouses; Roy and Sue Higgins, Mike and Maureen Higgins, John Higgins, Teresa and David Schoelerman, Robert Higgins and Vicky Dvorkin, Lisa and John Volmary, Mary and Randy VerMulm and ten loving grandchildren Jake Schoelerman, Jessica Schmidt, Nathan Higgins, Thomas Volmary, Abby Volmary, Jared Schoelerman, Marisa Higgins, Steven VerMulm, Elizabeth Higgins, and Ryan VerMulm and great grandchildren Riley, Alexa and Isaac Schoelerman.
She is also survived by siblings Colonel Krage and Jeanette Krage, Mary Alice and Chuck Swanson and sister in law Joan Krage.
A Family Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, October 9, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. A visitation was held on Friday at the church. The funeral was live streamed on the church’s Facebook and Website pages. Burial was held in the Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be sent to www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.