William James Higgins, age 81, died at his West Chicago residence on June 30, 2016, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born October 18, 1934, in Chicago, IL, to Harold and Loretta Higgins.

Bill served his country in the Army during the draft of 1958 for two years, and following his military service, he worked for the Berwyn Lumber Company until moving on into warehousing until he retired.

He met his wife, Lorrie Mitchell, on a blind date set up by mutual friends on Father's Day, 1956. They were married three years later on October 10, 1959, and celebrated 56 years together. Bill and Lorrie enjoyed countless hours with family at their lake house in Wonder Lake, IL. They also loved to serve God together through camp maintenance and cooking at Expeditions Adventure Center in Baraboo, WI, where they witnessed the transforming power of Christ's love shown to both adults and students for many years.

In 1994, Bill suffered from a massive stroke while at work, which left him with difficulty speaking and holding a conversation. Even when the words wouldn't come, however, he was always quick to smile, laugh, and give a hug or an "oh man!" He also loved and was eager to lend a helping hand in any way he could to his children and grandchildren and their various projects.

Bill is survived by his wife Lorrie; his children, Steve (and Lynn) Higgins of Baraboo, WI, Tom Higgins of Cotton, MN, Dave (and Beth) Higgins of Carol Stream, IL, Karen (and Steven) Dahlman of Wheaton, IL; his grandchildren, Jessica (and Clint) Hutchens, Jeremy Higgins, Ben (and Christy) Higgins, Hunter Higgins, Christian (and Renee) Higgins, Calvin Higgins, Caleb Higgins, Hannah Higgins, Elisabeth Higgins, Christopher (and Sadie) Dahlman, Kailey (and Jon) Knott, Sarah Dahlman, Matthew Dahlman, Mackenzie Dahlman, Jacob Dahlman; and his great grandchildren, William "Liam" Hutchens, Robert "Bert" Higgins, and Peter Higgins. Bill is also survived by his brother, Jerry (and Debbie) Higgins and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 3-8 pm on Wednesday, July 6th at Hultgren Funeral Home, and a funeral service will be held the following morning (July 7th) at 11 am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Expeditions Unlimited Adventure Center, www.expeditionsunlimited.com or E11844 County Road DL Baraboo WI 53913.