Jay Michael Higgins, age 71, passed away Friday, January 5, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Saint Mary’s campus. Jay was born May 20, 1946 to Mike and Lois Higgins at Saint Mary’s hospital in Rochester, the eldest of their five sons. Jay graduated from Lourdes High School in Rochester in 1964 where he was active in the football program. Following graduation Jay attended Rochester Junior College. On August 31,1966 Jay married Peggy Brown prior to enlisting in the military. During his service Jay was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Upon discharge, Jay and Peggy moved to Morris, Illinois where they resided for 18 months before returning to Rochester. Jay spent the majority of his life working in the telecommunications field first with Northwestern Bell, then transitioning to AT&T where he retired after 26 years. He returned to the workforce after retirement working for a private client, then joined Mayo Clinic as a contracted Telecommunications specialist, where he retired from after five years.
Jay had many different interests he was involved with in multiple different wildlife conservation efforts on the local level including 25+ years in the local Ducks Unlimited chapter. Jay was an active member of the Rochester Youth Hockey League as a parent, coach and head referee for the league. He participated in adoration at Resurrection Catholic Church for more than 16 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family, especially those adventures that took him to numerous states and Canada. NASCAR and Friday morning coffee club with friends were also some of his favorite pastimes. After retiring, he and Peggy enjoyed spending extended time out West, enjoying the serenity as well as spending extended time in North Carolina with their family.
A heartfelt thank you to those past co-workers, friends and neighbors who enriched the last few years of Jay’s life with coffee club, visits, phone calls and just being there for him and Peggy. We would especially like to thank the wonderful staff on Francis 6C, for taking such great care of Jay these last four weeks.
Jay is survived by his wife, Peggy, and their children: Jennie Stankey of Pine Island, Brian (Carrie) Higgins of Shallotte, NC, and Chris Higgins of Rochester. 10 grandchildren: Ashley Stankey, Will Stankey, Marybeth (Nick) Lanier, Heather Higgins, Michael Higgins, Ben Higgins, Kristina Higgins, Andrew Higgins, Zoe Stevens, Violet Stevens and two great-grandchildren Ava and Wally Lanier. Four brothers: Tim (Judy) Higgins of Sun City, AZ, Jeff (Diane) Higgins of West St. Paul, MN, Matt (Mary Ann) Higgins of Geneva, MN, and Kevin (Nita) Higgins of Rochester, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be Wednesday January 10, 2018 at Macken Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 PM with a second visitation Thursday January 11, 2018 at Resurrection Catholic Church of Rochester at 10:00AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00AM. Lunch and burial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Preston, MN will follow.
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