Obituary of Howard John Higgins

They say that God picks the very best for His Own. Howard (Howie) Higgins was called to his heavenly home on May 6, 2023.

On March 8, 1956 Howie was born to John and Helene (Cash) Higgins. He enlisted out of high school to serve our Country and became a Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War. Upon his return to Whitewater, he met and married Susan (Carlson) Higgins, his beloved wife of 46 years.

Howie was a man of many interests. He taught his daughters Christine (Higgins) Witkins and Nicole (Higgins) Marcussen all about fishing, hunting, softball, Packer football, local short track racing… the list was endless. Later, his bonus daughter Michelle (Thomas) Ramquist joined the family. The relationship with his girls was one of the many things he was proud of.

Anyone who met Howie would immediately recognize the enormous heart of service he had. He served the City of Whitewater as a firefighter and later Fire Chief. The sacrifices he made to ensure the safety of the residents of Whitewater was unparalleled and his legacy lives on within the Department.  After Hurricane Katrina, he volunteered as part of the FEMA teams sent to assist the area. He experienced so much pride in the help that he was able to provide that FEMA became his full-time job.

He always had time for his grandchildren – Nickolas, Elizabeth and Thomas Witkins. Whether it was having them pick up sticks and rake leaves or travelling to watch one of their many activities, he loved spending time with them and celebrating their successes. He also was blessed with his first great-grandson, Wyatt recently. Their “conversations” were the highlight of his day whenever they got to be together.

Howie’s passing will leave a void that will be difficult to fill. He is survived by his wife, Susan, daughters Christine (Will), Nicole (Joe), and Michelle (Alan); siblings Diana (Jeff) and Pam (Terry), sister-in-law Pat, grandchildren Nickolas, Thomas and Elizabeth; great grandson Wyatt; and numerous extended family members. He was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Helene and brothers John and Calvin (Jim) Johansen.

Visitation has been scheduled from 3pm – 7pm on Thursday May 11, 2023 at Nitardy Funeral Home (550 N. Newcomb St.; Whitewater WI). Graveside service and burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery (Wisconsin St.; Whitewater WI) at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 12, 2023. All are invited to an informal gathering of fellowship at Rick’s Eastside Pub following the graveside service.

A Celebration of Howie’s life will take place at a later date.  Online Condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com