Richard "Dick" Higgs

Richard "Dick" Higgs, 84, of Merrimac passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, after a two-year struggle with cancer.

Dick was born on April 1st, 1933, on a farm near Marion, Indiana, the eldest of the three children of Ralph and Wanda (Niccum) Higgs. He skipped his high-school graduation ceremony at tiny Banquo K-12 school and joined the US Air Force. His 20-year Air Force career saw him serve in the Korean War, join Mary (Dzikowich) Higgs in Holy Matrimony on June 9, 1962, at St. Mary of the Lake in Westport Township, and go on to be stationed around the United States with Mary, most notably in Paxton, IL, Anchorage, AK, and finally Madison, WI. After retiring from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant, Dick and Mary bought their farm in the Baraboo Bluffs of Caledonia Township. In 1971, Dick started his long run as a letter carrier in Portage that lasted until his retirement in 1995. Dick and Mary were actively involved in St. Camillus Parish at Durward's Glen until it closed. They then became active members of St. Mary Parish in Portage. Everyone who encountered Dick knew him to be a kind, patient, and gentle man.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of 55 years; sons, Erik, Madison, and Dan (Lori) Higgs, Deerfield, and their sons, Xavier, Oliver, Maxwell, and Quincy. He is further survived by his step-sisters, Susie Payne, Theresa Higgs; step-brother, Nelson Higgs; sister-in-law, Susie Higgs; brother-in-law, Joseph (Sandy) Dzikowich; sister-in-law, Wanda Farris, and their extended families, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Wanda Higgs; parents-in-law, Walter and Frances Dzikowich; sister, Sally and her husband, William Hall; brother, Steven Higgs; nephews, Daniel Hall. Mitchell Higgs; step-father, Richard Payne; step-brother, Richard Payne Jr.; Mary's brother, Mickey Dzikowich and brother-in-law, Richard Farris.

The family would like to thank dear family friends, Helen Simon, Randy (Mary) Blau, Leonard (Janice) Blau, a great many more Blaus and Rich (Jodi) Lanis. They are also grateful to the staff at Home Health United, SSM Hospice of Baraboo, Dr. David Gregory, Dr. Lisa Lepeak, and all who helped care for Dick.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 309 W. Cook St., Portage, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Burial will follow at St. Camillus-St. Mary of the Pines Cemetery at Durward’s Glen, WI. Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, Home Health United of Baraboo or SSM Hospice of Baraboo.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.