Edwin Allan Higgins

Edwin Allan Higgins, 75, of Brookings, SD passed away February 23, 2026 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A memorial service is being planned for late May in Brookings, followed with inurnment of his ashes in Miller alongside his parents and two siblings. Ed will be missed deeply by his family, friends, his Brookings committee and his flowers too will surely weep. Rest In Peace Edwin Allan Higgins. Rude's Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Edwin Allan Higgins was born in Mitchell, SD to Letcher, SD residents Vincent Edward Higgins and Faith Darlene McRoden Higgins. Ed grew up in Miller, SD, arriving there during his first year of life. Once of school age, Ed attended the Miller school system through high school graduation, followed by South Dakota State University in Brookings.

After attending SDSU, Ed moved to Minneapolis where he graduated from Control Data Institute in '77, and worked as a programmer.

During his life Ed developed the love of cooking, baking, gardening and was a hunter since youth.

Ed moved from Minneapolis and returned to Brookings where he put down roots, quickly starting his own painting company. Being community minded and an avid runner for many years, Ed began volunteering for SDSU track, Special Olympics meets, and various Brookings area road races.

In the early '90s Ed bought a small home in Brookings, chosen for its long backyard and within a few years he transformed the yard into an ever-evolving blooming wonderland with his love of irises as the keystone of the yard.

Ed was preceded in death by both parents, his sister Judith, brother Daniel, nephew Chad AbboN, and two brothers-in-law Max Porath and Mike Armstrong.

Ed is survived by 14 siblings, Sharon Christenson, James, Mary Porath, Patricia, Darlene Nixon, Nancy, Cathleen, John, Teresa Fanning, Timothy, Thomas, Carol, Dianne Armstrong and William; As well several nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews.