Arnold Higgins

Arnold "Arnie" LeRoy Higgins was born November 2, 1936, on the family farm north of Independence, Iowa, the son of Roy and Lena Martin Higgins. He attended country school and Independence High School, graduating with the class of 1955.
Arnold was united in marriage to Nancy McMartin on November 24, 1960, at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence. To this union were born two daughters: Julie and Kris. Arnie worked at Ozzie's DX in Independence for seventeen years, at Finnegan's Auto Parts in Independence, and then purchased the Quasqueton Texaco Station, operating it for a number of years. Being a farmer at heart, he milked dairy cows for many years on his rural Winthrop, Iowa, acreage. Even though he was retired, he still fed a few dairy heifers. Red was his preferred tractor color, enjoying his longtime membership in the International Harvester's Club. He will be fondly remembered driving his "ol' Packer" truck, or riding his red scooter, while wearing one of his numerous caps. Telling stories, smiling, and being surrounded by his family, especially his precious grandchildren, gave him his most happiness. Arnie was a member of the Church of Christ United and a regular visitor at the Winthrop Elevator and Winthrop Veterinarian Clinic for coffee and conversation with his many friends.
At the age of 73 years, Arnold Higgins entered into his eternal rest on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at the Buchanan County Health Care Center in Independence, following a sudden illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard; and brothers-in-law: Bernard Murphy and Ross Platt.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Nancy "Nan" Higgins of Winthrop; his two daughters: Julie (Albert) Althaus of Winthrop and Kris (Craig) Wilgenbusch of Masonville; four granddaughters: Abby (Adam) Ebensberger, Emily (Jeremy) Brockmeyer, Carly Althaus, and Markia Griffin; two grandsons: Carter and Clay Wilgenbusch; two great-grandsons: Kaden and Keenan Brockmeyer; one brother, John (Gladys) Higgins of Ankeny, Iowa; three sisters: Sally Murphy of Strawberry Point, Delva Platt of Independence, and Nancy (Kenny) Hoffman of Independence; one sister- in-law, Eileen Higgins Long of Winthrop; two brothers-in-law: Robert McMartin and Nyle (Sharon) McMartin, both of Jesup, Iowa; nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Friends may call at the Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop from 2 PM until 7:30 PM Friday, January 15, 2010, and at the Church of Christ United in Winthrop, from 10 AM Saturday, January 16, 2010, until Funeral Services at 11 AM. Pastor Dean Schlitter will officiate and music will be provided by organist, Anita Bowden and vocalists, Don Bowden and Missy Cook. Casketbearers will be: Charlie Hamilton, Tony Cornwell, Terry Cornwell, Alan Spece, Jeremy Bowden, Bruce Riniker, Kenny Lewis, and Lynn Lewis. Honorary Casketbearers will be: Junior Gallup, Derb Mauer, Buck Bagby, Mike Bagby, Jim Slattery, Duane Horn, Ray Murphy, and Missy Pecinovsky. Inurnment will be in Wilson Cemetery, at a later date. A Memorial Fund has been established in his name. To leave a message for the family go to www.fawcettsfuneralhome under obituaries.