Arnold D. Higgins

Arnold Dean Higgins, 71, died on December 27, 2016 at Mayo Clinic, St. Marys Campus in Rochester surrounded by his family. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 31, 2016, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Ave, SE, Rochester. The visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, December 30, 2016, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester one hour prior at the church. The burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Spectrum Home Healthcare, Mayo Clinic Hospice, Mayo Clinic Palliative and Homebound Care or to the Eagles Cancer Telethon. Arnold was born April 27, 1945 in Rochester, MN, to Hubert and Doris (Williams) Higgins. On January 24, 1964, he married Sharon Pervin. She passed away July 14, 1995. June 20, 1997, Arnold married Ruth Ann (Klees) Freese. He retired from the Rochester School District as an HVAC Maintenance Engineer in 2000. Arnold was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Southeast Minnesota Blue Grass Association and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed golfing and watching golf on TV, woodworking, camping, attending bluegrass festivals and playing bluegrass music. Arnold also enjoyed spending time with his family and attending their school and sporting activities. Arnold is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Brenda (Dave) Johnson, Sam (Tracy) Higgins, Kevin (Shannon) Freese, Jodi (Dave) Vetsch, Kelly (Trevor) Ihrke, Jason (Jennifer) Freese; 27 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Cheryl Olson and numerous nieces and nephews. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Sharon Higgins; son, Troy Higgins; and sister, Karen Felt. The family would like to share a special thank you to Spectrum Home Healthcare, Mayo Clinic Hospice, Mayo Clinic Palliative and Homebound Care for their compassionate and supportive care. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com