John William Higgins

John W. Higgins, age 96, of Spencer, formerly of Galva passed away on June 17, 2026 at Cobble Creek Assisted Living of Spencer. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery of Holstein. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Dibbern Post #454 of Galva. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Spencer.

A beloved husband, father and friend, John Higgins, was born at home on April 4, 1930, to Charles and Linnie (Horrel) Higgins in Early, Iowa. He grew up in Sac City, Iowa and received his education from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Early Iowa. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in March 1951. After returning from the military, John began farming in Odebolt, Iowa while attending Iowa State University and Buena Vista College with a degree in Mathematics and Physics.

On June 6, 1959, John married Diane E. Bengford in Odebolt, Iowa. They first made their home in Odebolt before purchasing their farm and moving to Galva, Iowa, on April 5, 1966. Their union was blessed with four children: Catherine, Tim, Jim, and Paul.

How to remember John Higgins: 

Married the love of his life, family came first, strong faith in God, Navy Veteran, lifelong farmer, and friend to everyone. The happiest man alive, always positive, quick witted, loyal, had the greatest memory ever, overflowing with common sense and human “calculator.” John would try and do anything, when asked. Loved everything about farming or helping others on the farm, his tractors (most notably his “4020” John Deere), golfing, snowmobiling, tractor rides, woodworking, building anything, “Mr. Fix It”, puzzles of all kinds, the outdoors, attending or watching ALL sporting events (he knew every player by name), and spending time with family and friends. 

Favorite foods include EVERYTHING, Sisters Café for breakfast, biscuits and gravy, hot roast beef, and vodka for his health. John was a member of several local organizations, including church-related events and boards (even the Mayor of Galva) and Iowans for Life Board. John raised his family with faith, education and hard work as a cornerstone. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. John Higgins’ laughter, chuckles and smile will truly never be forgotten. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his son Jim (Tammy) Higgins of Spencer, Iowa; his two living sisters, Margaret DeGarmo of Storm Lake and Edna Miller of Des Moines; his brothers-in-law, Raymond Drey of Ida Grove and Pat Bengford of Sioux City, Iowa and his many nieces and nephews. 

John is preceded in death by his wife, Diane; children, Catherine, Tim and Paul Higgins; parents, Charles and Linnie; infant sister, Theresa Higgins; sisters, Mary Dahm and Frances Drey and his brother, Charles Higgins.