AnnaMae Higgins

AnnaMae Higgins, age 89, of Two Inlets, near Park Rapids, MN, peacefully entered eternity on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the home where she raised her family and has lived for the past 60 years with her husband, Fred. Born Christina Anna Mae on December 25, 1924 to Joseph and Katherine (Gau) Pachel, near Two Inlets, MN, AnnaMae attended the Two Inlets Country School near her home where she grew to womanhood helping on her parents' farm. As a young woman, AnnaMae ventured to Minneapolis where she gained employment working as a server at the prestigious Minneapolis Athletic Club. On June 12, 1948, AnnaMae was united in marriage to Frederick John Higgins of Minneapolis at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Two Inlets. Their union was blessed with eight children. The young couple made their home in Minneapolis for six years where their first three children were born. In 1954, they moved to Two Inlets where she and Fred farmed and raised their family. AnnaMae devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her many delicious home cooked meals. Each spring she would plant a large vegetable garden to help meet the needs of her growing family. AnnaMae would always make time out of her busy life to help others. She and Fred volunteered at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo over the course of many years. AnnaMae was a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Auxiliary in Park Rapids for many years and served as its President in 1969. She was also involved with the Arago Friendly Homemakers Club. She was a life long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Two Inlets where she was involved with the women's ministries of the Martha Club and the St. Mary's Guild. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Women's Bowling League in Park Rapids and also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing "King's Corner" with her son, John. Above all, AnnaMae devoted her life to her husband and soulmate, Fred for the past 65 years of her happily married life. She also loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Fred; her eight children: James (Rose) Higgins of Park Rapids, John Higgins of Park Rapids, Marguerite (Paul) Henry of Corcoran, MN, Sharon (Randy) McFarren of Park Rapids, Fritz Higgins of Park Rapids, Thomas (Bonnie) Higgins of Two Inlets, Katherine (Roger) Niccum of Minnetonka, MN and Joe Higgins of Two Inlets; 13 grandchildren: 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 Davis) Higgins, Cary (Matt McLeod) McFarren, Kylie Higgins and Blake Higgins; 20 precious great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and her four dearly appreciated caregivers: Linda, Jan, Jody and Amanda. AnnaMae was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Joe, George, Tony and John and five sisters: Clara, Theresa, Helen, Agnes and Marian. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Monday, April 21, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Two Inlets with Father Tom Friedl officiating. The organist will be Mary Schmitz. The mass music will be led by the St. Mary's Choir. The soloist will be Tina Grewe. Casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Leah Crist, Ryan McFarren, Jacob Henry, Jordan Henry, Justin Higgins and Blake Higgins. The honorary casket bearers will be: Amy Swenson, Tracy Meier, Erika Randall, Mandy Oudekerk, Amber Turrentine, Cary McFarren and Kylie Higgins. Interment will be made in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Sunday, April 20 at the Jones Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. A luncheon will be held following the funeral.