John Patrick Higgins

   John Patrick Higgins, age 65, a lifetime resident of Two Inlets and Park Rapids, passed into the loving presence of his Lord on Friday, August 25th, 2017.    John was born to Fred and AnnaMae (Pachel) Higgins on June 10, 1952 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Minneapolis. At two years of age, he moved with his family to the farm near Two Inlets where he would live most of his life. John attended Park Rapids Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1970. He enjoyed farm life and living in the country. Growing up he helped with the farm, the yard and the garden. His favorite chore was doing the laundry, especially when he was able to hang the clothes outside. John also liked playing cards and marbles, especially with his mom. He put many miles on his bicycle, riding almost daily around the neighborhood and up to Two Inlets. He always looked forward to visits from family and friends, particularly his nieces and nephews. John was employed by Super Valu in Park Rapids for over 20 years until his diabetes caused him to retire early. He loved interacting with customers and making friends. In later years, he helped out at the Two Inlets Country Store. He was a faithful lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets where he served as an usher and was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. Following the deaths of his parents, John moved into the Park Villa Apartments in Park Rapids. John loved living independently as it was easier for him to visit people, especially the staff and residents of the Heritage Living Center. John began worshipping regularly at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church where he loved serving the Lord as a Eucharist Minister and usher. He became a member of the Park Rapids Lions Club where he enjoyed the camaraderie, attending the meetings and helping with their events. John loved walking around up town talking with people; he was very patriotic and loved the Twins and Vikings. Above all, John touched his family and many friends with his outgoing personality and genuine concern for them.    He will be lovingly remembered by his seven siblings: James (Rose) Higgins of Park Rapids, Marguerite (Paul) Henry of Two Inlets, Sharon (Randy) McFarren of Park Rapids, Fritz Higgins of Park Rapids, Thomas (Bonnie) Higgins of Two Inlets, Katherine (Roger) Niccum of Minnetonka and Joseph Higgins of Two Inlets; 13 nieces and nephews: Leah (Berry) Crist, Ryan (Mindy) McFarren, Amy (Caleb) Swenson, Tracy (Jeromy) Meier, Erika (Nick) Randall, Jacob (Heidi) Henry, Mandy (Paul) Oudekerk, Amber (Max) Turrentine, Jordan (Leslie) Henry, Justin (Hannah) Higgins, Cary (Matt) McLeod, Kylie Higgins and Blake Higgins; 23 great nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are his 13 nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers are his 23 great nieces and nephews, Lion’s Club members, and the Heritage Living Center staff and residents.    John was preceded in death by his parents: Fred and AnnaMae Higgins, and his grandparents, Joseph and Katherine Pachel and Fred and Marguerite Higgins.