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William Higgins Obituary
William "Bill" J. Higgins Jr., age 87, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Wheaton Franciscan - All Saints Medical Center. William was born in Racine, February 15, 1929, son of the late Belle (Nee: Murphy) and William Higgins Sr.
Bill graduated from St. Catherine's High School "Class of 1946" and Loras College in 1950. He served in the United States Navy Reserve while attending college and in the United States Army during the Korean War. Bill owned and operated the HobNob Restaurant for thirty-six years. He was a dedicated and longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
He will be dearly missed by his children, William (Liliana) Higgins of Cape Coral, FL, John (Norma) Higgins of Stamford, CT, Jane (Troy) Vreeke of Sheboygan, WI; his grandchildren, Erin and Kelsey Higgins, Veronica and Maria Victoria Higgins, Allison and Jacob Vreeke; best friend, Danny Christensen; nieces, nephews, dear cousins, and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. James T. Higgins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, Racine, with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Entombment will follow at Calvary Garden Crypts. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass at 11:00 A.M. Memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church have been suggested.
MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403 (262) 634-7888
Please send condolences to www.meredithfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for William Higgins
Sponsored by Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home.
Sheri Lynch
December 21, 2018
Bill and Johnny...I am so sorry...really not sure what to say. Been doing some reflecting on my life and was hoping to find an address for your Dad to send a card to him this Christmas.....2018. I found this...not sure what to say...only that I wish I would have sent a card years ago as I had often thought to do. I have very fond memories of working for your father and comical memories of working with you fellas, Bose and Johnny B. Want you to know that any time I look back when I was employed as a waitress for your father, "Bill," I always smile, can't help it...and will sometimes share this thought, which always comes to mind; He may have been a hard man to work for at times...but not only did he polish me as a waitress, but also as a person. I have very fond memories....still think of you all!
Tim Radigan-Brophy
April 4, 2016
Your Father was one of the "larger than life" characters from my childhood, along with your Uncle and Grandmother. They worked hard and played harder. I remember the Saturday nights he worked over that hot broiler and then sat down with us at the end of the evening. Your Father was one of the last true "lions" of the business! Will think of you all in the weeks and months ahead.
Mary Kucharski
April 4, 2016
Bill, Johnny & Janie,
May your father rest in peace. As you know there was a large group of us from back in the 70's that worked with you and your dad with many memorable times. Especially all those 'late closes' and drinks at the bar. Not to mention the BEST food in the Racine/Kenosha area. He will be missed by us all.
Kathy Eichman
March 24, 2016
Condolences from the family of Margaret Eichman Wilkins. He was very good to her over the many years of her working at the Hob Nob and most of us kids got our first job from Bill. RIP
Dennis Kavanagh
March 22, 2016
John and Bill may your Dad rest in peace, it was a joy working for him, did it his way and was consistently successful, cant ask for more.
Paris cafe
Tom Thielen
March 21, 2016
I have many fond memories of working at the restaurant with Bill, Billy and Johnny and the rest of the Hob Nob "cast of characters". I've learned a lot from Bill over the years and picked up a love of cooking that has stayed with me to this day. I am fortunate to have maintained a friendship with Bill since then and many in his extended family. He will be missed.
Mark Welch
March 21, 2016
Bill & John, had some great times @ the HobNoB, along with 100's of great meals.
Your Dad was an artist...my prayers are with you and your families.
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