Donald Higgins Obituary

Donald S. Higgins Born: April 23, 1929; In Philadelphia, PA Died: March 15, 2014; In Carol Stream, IL A memorial service for Donald Selmar Higgins, age 84, will be held on Saturday March 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, 715 Carlton Ave., Wheaton, IL. Born April 23, 1929, in Philadelphia, he died on March 15, 2014 in Carol Stream. He was the son of Selmar Alfred Higgins and Marguerite Cecilia Schick. Donald graduated from Haverford High School, where he was an honor student and member of the National Honor Society. While in high school, he was involved with various sports, including football and baseball. He was a graduate of Bucknell University, with a major in Commerce and Finance. While at Bucknell, he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, where he served as treasurer and a member of the Bucknell Men 's Glee Club. After graduation, he was employed by the General Electric Co. for 38 years in locations in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, and finally Illinois, retiring as Data Manager in the Major Appliance Division. In 1951, he married his college sweetheart, Janet Wills Mardaga. While in Wheaton, Donald was President, with his wife, of the Whittier School PTA, and the Wheaton Central High School Home and School Council. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, where he served as elder, trustee, and deacon. While employed by the General Electric Co., he was active in their Junior Achievement Program. Donald also was a member of the Wheaton Silvertones and enjoyed singing, writing, and woodworking. While taking a course at the College of DuPage, he wrote a book for his family, detailing his life and family history. He enjoyed many summer days at his second home in Ludington, MI. Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet Wills Mardaga Higgins; and four children, Martha L. Mohr, Dr. Richard A. Higgins, Barbara H. Davis (Dr. Ronald), and Dr. Donald J. Higgins; and grandchildren, Justin and Owen Davis and Kristen Mohr. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Madelyn Higgins Schillinger. Donations may be made in his memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, 715 Carlton Ave., Wheaton, or the Peoples Resource Center, 201 S Naperville, Rd., Wheaton. Information at: www.williams-kampp.com or 630-668-0016.