Robert “Bob” Higgins, 87, of West Okoboji, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, May 2, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Military Graveside Rites were held in the Lake View Gardens Cemetery in Spirit Lake conducted by the American Legion Timpe Post #23 and VFW John W. Kidd Post #4514 of Spirit Lake. Arrangements were under the direction of the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
Bert and Elizabeth Higgins of Emmetsburg, Iowa. He was the second oldest of four children: brothers Jim and Gerry and sister Betty. Bob married Marilyn Krage on April 7, 1958. Bob and Marilyn raised seven children together: Roy, Mike, John, Teresa, Robert, Lisa, and Mary. He was blessed with ten grandchildren, who loved him dearly: Jake, Jessica, Jared, Nathan, Marisa, Thomas, Abby, Steven, Ryan, and Elizabeth. Bob attended many of his grandchildren’s sporting events. “Grandpa Bob” was one of their biggest fans; always on the sidelines cheering and whistling loudly for them. Bob was also loved by his four great-grandchildren: Riley, Lexi, Isaac, and Leo and was regularly in attendance for numerous concerts, grandparent days, and sporting events.
Bob served in the US Military following his high school graduation. In 1975, Bob and Marilyn made their home in Spencer, IA, where he worked at Morony’s Clothing. Bob never forgot a face or a customer’s name, (or pant or shirt size). He truly was a people person who enjoyed sharing stories with others. His energy and love for people was an infectious quality that we will always cherish and keep close to our hearts.
Okoboji was Bob and Marilyn’s forever home. Bob enjoyed spending time swimming, suntanning on the dock, boating, and visiting with family and friends while driving around on the golf cart. He enjoyed traveling with family to sunny Florida to soak up the sun during the winter months. He faithfully served the Lord as a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church here in Milford.
Bob passed away on April 27, surrounded by his family. We will miss his dynamic personality, his smiles, and his many stories. Even though it is hard to say goodbye, he is now reunited with his wife and constant companion, Marilyn.
The Higgins family would like to thank the many friends, family, and relatives for all the love and prayers they have received.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Elizabeth Higgins; siblings Jim and Marge Higgins; Gerry Higgins; and his wife Marilyn. Bob is survived by his 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; ten grandchildren: Jake and Betsy Schoelerman, Jessica and Travis Schmidt, Jared Schoelerman, Nathan Higgins, Marisa Higgins, Thomas Volmary, Abby Volmary, Steven VerMulm, Ryan VerMulm, and Elizabeth and Clark Simon; four great-grandchildren: Riley, Lexi, Isaac, and Leo Schoelerman. He is also survived by his sister Berry and Pete Somerhauser, brothers-in-law Colonel and Jeanette Krage, Mary Alice and Chuck Swanson, and sister-in-law Joan Krage.