Ronald Donovan Higgins

Ronald Donovan Higgins, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday afternoon, April 4, 2026. Born in Brattleboro, Vermont, on August 15, 1932, Ron was the son of the late Beatrice (Boyle) Higgins and Jubal Higgins.

He graduated from Hinsdale High School, Class of 1950, as class valedictorian.

While still in high school, Ron showed his entrepreneurial spirit by starting a chicken business—ordering 100 chicks through the mail and successfully selling the eggs. That venture came to an end when he received notice that he had been drafted during the Korean War. Determined to choose his own path, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During basic training a small group of 10-12 were offered specialized schooling and Ron was one of them. He went to University of Southern California and when finished he was stationed at O’Hare, back in the 50's O'Hare Airport was O'Hare Field USAF military base. Staff Sergeant Ronald D Higgins served as an aircraft crew chief with the United States Air Force 62nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron where he was responsible for the final inspections and launch of fighter aircraft. Ron shared stories that he had his own plane that he was responsible for and at night he would sleep under it along with his tool box and rifle. His responsibility grew to being in charge of a squadron of 4 or 5 planes and eventually an entire unit. Ron was very proud of his time with the USAF.

Ron met the love of his life, Patricia Jones through friends and they were married Saturday October 22, 1955. Ron and Patti decided together that it would be best for Ron to leave the military as they wanted to have a family. The military made monetary offers and even offers to travel the world but life on the road, stationed here and there with children was not what they desired. Ron and Patti built a home in Racine, WI on Echo Lane and shared 56 years of marriage together before Patti's passing in December of 2011. Together they raised four children and were blessed with several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ron found work after leaving the military in Racine where Patti had grown up. He worked as a machinist at first and then found longer employment with Scan-O-Matic as a tool and die maker and foreman. He later joined Modine Manufacturing, where he had a very successful career working in the tool room for over 28 years before retiring in 2008.

A farmer and outdoorsman at heart, Ron found great joy in working in his yard and tending his vegetable and flower gardens. Having grown up on a farm, he carried that passion throughout his life, instilling in his children a love for growing and nurturing plants. His gardens were meticulous and widely admired, and he took great pride in maintaining one of the most beautiful yards on his street. Even in later years, he continued to garden and generously shared his harvest with family and friends—earning him the affectionate nickname “Farmer Ron.”

Among the things he valued most was time spent with family at their beloved “Trails End Camp,” where he dedicated many years to improving the land and setting up a beautiful camping space. Initially with a tent, then a few campers and eventually the cabin. An outdoorsman, Ron did enjoy many years deer hunting with his son, grandsons, and friends. He also enjoyed fishing and ice fishing, often sharing stories about the one that got away. A keen observer of the weather, he always kept an eye on the sky. When indoors, he enjoyed classic westerns, especially films starring John Wayne.

A natural artist, Ron’s creativity complemented his work as a tool and die maker, as well as his skills as a mechanic and carpenter. Ron had a deep love of music, filling his home with it, and singing along wherever he was. He was also an accomplished musician, playing both the trumpet and baritone.

Above all, Ron will be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his family.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Cheri (Ed) Richardson, Sue Higgins, Sean Patrick (Barb Decorah) Higgins, and Katie (Chris) Rosene; his grandchildren, Heather Richardson (fiancé Matt Lowe), Ryan (Rachel Tucker) Richardson, Erin (Eric Graham) Zickus, Mike (Shawna Fischer) Zickus, Sean James Higgins, Trevor (Yvette Boudreaux) Higgins, Nicole Higgins, Brittany Dunk (fiancé Collin Chapman), and Torri Rosene; his great-grandchildren, Trinity Garrett, Jaylen Garrett, Sierra Garrett, Jaxson Pumphrey, Sam Richio, Eve Richio, Trevor Higgins, Keller Richardson, Lane Richardson, Raelynn Filbrandt, and Callie Chapman; his sister, Bertha Higgins Rocray; and his partner in later years, Evelyn Vanderheyden.

Private funeral services, with full military honors, will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.