Roger L. Higgins

Roger Lawrence Higgins, born June 30, 1929 in Schuyler, NE, child of Kathleen Higgins and Jerry Vrba. Raised by his grandparents, John and Lilly Higgins (ma & pa). Graduated from Schuyler (NE) High School in 1947. Passed away Fathers Day, June 20, 2010. Attended UNL, enlisted in US Coast Guard 1949-51 spending most of his time in the South Pacific. Received bachelors degree from Wayne State College in 1954, followed by masters degrees from the University of Nebraska. Met future wife Donna Sweeney, while he was a student at Wayne State and Donna was a student at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. Married Donna in 1952 in Mitchell, SD and moved to Omaha in 1954 to teach/coach at Cathedral High School for 19 years. Taught and coached six years at Omaha Bryan High School, and finished his career as the long time Activities Director at Omaha Roncalli High School. They raised and are survived by 8 children: Michael and wife Donna, Kelly and wife Julie, Mary Beth King, Kathleen Ladd, Tim and wife Dee Ann, Cecelia and husband Pat Finley, John and wife Carol, Teresa and husband John Ryan. Survived by 22 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Also survived by uncle, Bill Higgins; sister-in-law and husband Gloria and Dick Champ of Sioux City, IA along with their five children and families. Preceded in death by wife Donna and grandchild Michelle Ladd. A long-time resident of Omaha, he has been inducted into a number of Athletic Hall of Fames, including the Omaha Baseball Oldtimers Hall, and the family is being inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame September 2010. Roger was a friend to all and truly enjoyed visiting with his friends at Mama’s Pizza, and especially enjoyed traveling to see his grandchildren play sports throughout the US. Visitation and prayer service is Thursday June 24, 5-7:00 pm at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral. Funeral services are 11:15am Friday, June 25 at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral, 40th and Webster. Burial immediately following at Forrest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to the Omaha Roncalli High School Stadium Fund. Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Ames Avenue Chapel 4932 Ames Avenue - Omaha, NE - 453-5600 www.RoederMortuary.com