Michael Jay Higgins 91, of Rochester passed away Wednesday, Dec 14th at Seasons Hospice, he was in the company of family.

Michael was born on August 21, 1920, to Mike and Susie Higgins, grew up in Rochester and graduated from Rochester High School in 1939.

During his youth Mike involved himself with boxing in Rochester and the upper mid-west. In 1941 he fought for the team that won the NW Golden Gloves team trophy in Minneapolis. After his days in the ring he coached golden gloves teams to multiple championships.

In 1945 he married Lois Hanson originally of St. Paul. Together they had five boys. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing and took his young family on numerous camping trips. Mike worked as a printer for many years and retired from Quality Printing in 1985. In 1991 he and Lois moved from Rochester to their cabin on Upper Hay Lake, where they enjoyed many beautiful years on the lake with family and friends.

Mike and Lois were founding members of the Resurrection Catholic Parish in Rochester MN. Mike involved himself intricately with the Resurrection Rodeo during the 1970's. Mike and Lois also helped found the Upper Hay Lake Association. Mike initiated environmental efforts to improve water quality throughout the Brainerd lakes area.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Marlys Abbott and Mary Higgins, is survived by his wife Lois of Chatfield, MN and his five sons and their spouses: Jay (Peggy) Higgins of Rochester, Tim (Judy) Higgins of Sun City AZ, Jeff (Diane) Higgins of West St. Paul, MN, Matt (Mary Ann) Higgins of Lake Geneva, MN and Kevin (Nita) Higgins  of Rochester as well as eleven grandchildren: Jennifer Stankey, Brian (Susie) Higgins, Christine Higgins, Amie (Aaron) Williams, Russ (Courtney) Higgins, Sean Higgins, Thomas (Angie) Higgins, Patrick Higgins, Liam Higgins, Fionna Higgins and Brianne Higgins and eleven great grand children: Ashley Stankey, William Stankey, Mary Beth Higgins, Heather Higgins, Michael Higgins, Ben Higgins,  Kristina Higgins, Andrew Higgins, Alex Williams, Irelynd Williams, Jacob Williams & Charlie Williams.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  A memorial Mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 20 ^th at 11:00 A.M.  Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Contributions in Mike's name may be made to Season's Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.