Higgins, Harold M.

Harold M. Higgins, 87, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 11, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Julie Freese, certified celebrant, will officiate with burial and military honors in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories.

Survivors include Harold's wife of 66 years, Betty; daughter, Heidi (Tim) Hemmis of Cedar Rapids; granddaughter, Jess Hemmis of Peoria, Ill.; nephews, Grant Higgins of Cedar Rapids, Brad (Bonnie) DeWoody of Marion, and Todd (Emily) DeWoody of Florida; nieces, Julie (Karl) Rosenberg of Cedar Rapids, Tami (Dan) Drexler of Swisher, Gwen (Todd) Garretson of Amana, and Mollie (Shane) Grosse of Denver, Iowa; sister-in-law, Janet (Walt) Schulz of Marion; brother-in-law, Gerald DeWoody of Cedar Rapids; a special family friend, Bill Dixon of Cedar Rapids; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Harold also had a beloved bearded dragon, Mahalo; and a “granddog,” Jester.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward (Lois) and Jack (Dorothy) Higgins; in-laws, Nina and John DeWoody; and brother-in-law, Wallace DeWoody.

Harold M. Higgins, born Feb. 15, 1925, in Marion, the son of Francis E. and Jeannie E. (Orvis) Higgins. Harold married Betty J. DeWoody on Oct. 25, 1945, in Vallejo, Calif. He was an active member of the Submarine Veterans, enjoyed history and the outdoors.

A potluck reception will follow the service at Five Seasons Community Center at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center.

Online condolences may be directed to under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette May 10, 2012.