Funeral arrangements have been set for 90 year old Michael James Higgins of Parkville, MO. Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Meyers Northland Chapel, 401 Main in Parkville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NW Highway 9 Kansas City, MO 64152, Fr. Joseph Cisetti presiding. Military Honors will be presented at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Resurrection North Cemetery in Kansas City, MO, followed by a Committal Service and burial.
Our beloved patriarch, Michael James Higgins of Parkville, MO received his wings on Friday May 5, 2023, when, in the early morning hours God took him into His arms forever. Mike passed in the comfort of his home with multiple family members around him. Born December 29, 1932, in Montrose, NE, Mike was the sixth of nine children born to Joseph and Gertrude Higgins.
Mike was a devoted husband and father of twelve children. He had a quick wit to the very end, a trait appreciated even by his caretakers in recent months. He was always kind, considerate and charitable to all that he met. Mike served in the U.S. Army (1953-1955) and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. After finishing his military service in 1955 he married Ella Marie Thomas in August in Omaha, NE. He attended Creighton University, earning a degree in Accounting in 1959. He was recruited by the US General Accounting Office in Kansas City and worked for the GAO for over 31 years, retiring at the early age of 58 in 1991. Over the next 20+ years he devoted much of his time to volunteering at St. Therese Church and The St. Vincent de Paul Society. He had a passion for helping those in our community who are food and housing insecure and inspired this same compassion and sense of responsibility in his children. He was an excellent cook and griller, but smoking meats was truly his forte. Standing rib roast was a favorite at family functions. The loss of Mike is immeasurable for all who knew and loved him. He set a splendid example for all of us in his love of God, his strength of character and devotion to his family. We can only strive to follow in his footsteps.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Therese Church, Parkville, MO.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Robert Higgins, Lavonne Tighe, Gene Higgins, Patty MacNeil, Roger Higgins, Dan Higgins, and Bob Higgins, and by his infant grandson Jeremey Michael Higgins (1977), son Jon Michael Higgins (1957-1981), daughter Maureen Kay Higgins (1971-2021), and infant great-grandson Rico Elihu Champion II (2022).
Mike leaves behind his beloved wife, his brother Joseph Higgins (Omaha, NE), and 10 children: Patrick J. Higgins (Christina) (Kansas City, MO), Michelle A. Lyon (Parkville, MO), Mark A. Higgins (Jefferson City, MO), Lisa M. Harris (Kansas City, MO), Jennifer L. Brown (Irving) (Cincinnati, OH), Juliane L. Hamilton (Parkville, MO), Michael J. Higgins (Audrey) (Kearney, MO), Maria A. Ezell (David) (Lathrop, MO), Terese R. Jones (Tracy) (Ashburn, VA), Tara J. Higgins (Kansas City, MO); and 59 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren including one on the way.
Mike was a friend from the first day I met him. He was that way with everyone. It was a blessing and privilege to know him.
My heart goes out to the Higgins family. So sorry for your loss
Always enjoyed staying with the family on my way to or from Minnesota & Arizona. Especially the smile on Mike’s face when I was able to bring his favorite pie from Mankato. I think it was Sour Cream Raisin or something like that. Mike was always very welcoming and making sure that a person was going to have a very nice time. He will be missed. Sorry to not be able to make it from Arizona for the services.
Mike was so friendly and generous. He will greatly missed.
Many memories of my dear neighbor and children growing up together. Blessings on all of the family.
I am so sorry about the loss of your beloved Mike. May your sweet memories bring you comfort. Mike was a very special man. My prayers are for you, now.
Beautiful picture, wonderful person. Our hearts are with you.
Praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this time.
I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss.
May you find peace in knowing that he is at peace himself.
God bless you all!
Dear Higgins Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mike was truly one of a kind, an inspiration to all who were fortunate to know him. I always enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor. May your wonderful memories bring you all comfort and consolation and may Mike’s soul rest in peace
I worked with Mike for several years. He was fully devoted to his work and his family. We missed him when he retired. He has his place in heaven.
May Mike rest in peace. Whomever he touched was better from having known him.
I worked with Mike at GAO. He was so uplifting and friendly. His smile was so warm and he showed his faith daily. He has obtained his reward.
Mark and family. So very sorry for the loss of your father.
I would say I’m sorry but I know that’s the last thing you want to hear… love you and praying for peace and comfort at this difficult time… hugs to all of w🙏🏻
Uncle Mike, we will miss you so much! I will always remember your graciousness and kindness; how welcoming you and Ellie were and all the good times we had together especially with my dad. Sorry we will not be there for the funeral, but we will be thinking of you all and praying for you and Aunt Ellie and all the family.