Higgins, Daniel Joseph 1900-1977

HIGGINS, MURPHY, DONOVAN, FARRELL, ONEIL

Posted By: Janet Schuldt Schuldt (email)
Date: 1/27/2019 at 11:09:54

Ruthven Zipcode, Ruthven, Iowa, Thursday, May 12th, 1977 Page 2

Funeral services for Daniel Joseph Higgins, 76, pioneer resident of Great Oak Township, were held Saturday, May 7 at 10 a. m. from Sacred Heart Church in Ayrshire. Mr. Higgins died May 2 at the Emmetsburg hospital following several years of declining health.

The deceased was born in Great Oak Township on the farm which was owned by his parents, Joseph and Mary Higgins, early day settlers, and where he lived his entire life. He was, accordingly, one of the longest continuous farmers in the county.

The Higgins farm was an early day landmark in the Ayrshire area. Widely known as a warm and hospitable home to all of the residents of that part of the county. Dan, as he was widely known, continued the reputation of his parents as a popular host for the community and social gatherings throughout the southwest county territory. Literally, hundreds of town and country folks enjoyed the hospitality and friendship of the popular farmer and his wife.

Mr. Higgins was one of the organizers of the Ayrshire Company, later serving as director and president. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, William, Gerald and Walter; and two sisters, Mrs. Donald Murphy, and Sister Mary Domina, B. V. M.

Rosary was recited on Thursday afternoon and evening, May 5, at Martin-Bails Funeral Home. On Friday, the body lies in state at the Higgins home.

Survivors include his wife, the former Anastasia Donovan, whom he married on April 16, 1952; and three sisters, Aileen Higgins, Mrs. Vernes Farrell, and Mrs. J. N. O’Neil.

Casket bearers will be nephews of the deceased, Joe O’Neil, William Farrell, Joe Higgins, Arden Prentice, John Sweeney, and Dan Degnan. Honorary pallbearers were directors of the Ayrshire Telephone Company