Forest Dean Higgins, 93, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 1, 2020.

Forest was born March 9, 1927 in Eyota Township to Carl and Cora Higgins, one of a pair of twins. Forest graduated from Rochester High School and joined the Navy in March 1944. He served for seven years during both World War II and the Korean War. Forest and Helen Wohlfeil were married on February 3, 1951 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida for two years while in the Navy. Forest joined the Rochester Police Department on June 6th, 1955 and served for 27 years, the last 14 years as a Sergeant in Communications. Forest retired from the police department in June 1982 and occupied his time working first at the Campbell Hotel, and then at Rainbow Foods until Helen's retirement in 1991.

Forest was a founding member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry and as Head Usher, and where he and Helen remain members. For 30 years Forest has been a member of the Rochester Elks and is a past Exalted Ruler. In association with the Rochester Police Department he served as an Explorer Scout Leader for 10 years. Forest and Helen founded the H & F Round-A-Liers where they taught Round Dancing for 14 1⁄2 years, as well as Square Danced for 34 years.

Forest loved spending time with his family, in the early years camping and boating on the Mississippi River; and in his retirement years, traveling around the country, visiting family and sightseeing.

Forest is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helen; his sons: William (Suzi) of Hilton Head, SC, Lawrence (Pam) of Bloomington, MN; and a daughter, Kathrine of Richfield, MN; three grandchildren: Lisa, Nicole and Justin; and one great-granddaughter, Brooke.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry and Floyd; and a grandson, William C. Higgins, Jr.

A memorial service will be Saturday, August 15 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with The Rev. Justin P. Chapman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Due to current health concerns and restrictions, please respect social distancing and the wearing of face masks both at the visitation and the funeral service. Forest's ashes will be interred in the columbarium at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Memorials are preferred to Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, Rochester, MN. Condolences are welcome to be sent to Helen via mail or phone.