Mike Higgins Obituary, Death – Michael John Higgins, 46, of Lincolnshire, IL, died on November 21, 2022. He was born on May 27, 1976, in Des Plaines, Illinois, as the youngest of four children to Robert and Marianne nee: Rose Higgins. Michael was adored by many people as a son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, teammate, and friend. Chance, his Golden Retriever, was an ever-present companion and source of happiness in his life. We are thankful that Michael’s favorite hobby was spending time with family because it has provided us with so many wonderful memories.
He had a great sense of humour and could always make us laugh. He adored and treasured his nieces, nephews, and great nephews, with whom he had a special relationship. Michael loved to travel and was always looking for new places to hike, scuba dive, golf, and downhill ski. He was a fan of Chicago sports, particularly Cubs games, and was always up for a good concert. On a more personal note, if you had the good fortune to meet Michael, you will remember his gentle and kind soul for the rest of your life. Making the world a better place was always important to him, and he worked tirelessly to achieve this goal. Others would frequently tell us how he had made a significant difference in their lives. He was one of those people you never forgot once you met him.
Michael, a devout Catholic, went to St. Gilbert Elementary School. In 1994, he graduated from Grayslake High School. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science (CLC/SIU) and a bachelor’s degree in Safety (CLC/SIU) (ISU). DePaul University awarded him a master’s degree in International Entrepreneurship. Michael spent 26 years with the Grayslake Fire Department, rising through the ranks to Lieutenant and Battalion Chief by the end of his career. Michael was deeply committed to the community he served and was passionate about using innovation and new technology to improve rescue outcomes.
Advocate Condell Hospital, the Lake County Special Response Team, the Lake County Dive Rescue Team, the Medical Officer, the E.M.S. Chief, the Fire Department Incident Safety Officer, the Fire Prevention Officer, the Department Infection Control Officer, the St. Baldricks Coordinator, and the Lake County Health Department all used him as a liaison. He also assisted the Lake County Health Department with the administration of the COVID vaccine. He formed many close friendships with his coworkers during his time with the Grayslake Fire Department.
Michael’s legacy will live on in the many lives he saved as a firefighter/paramedic and in the hearts of all who knew him. His life will be remembered as a constant reminder to us to live boldly, do good in humility, and love deeply. Though we mourn him in this life, we are comforted by the Lord’s promise of eternal life and the prospect of seeing him again in God’s heavenly kingdom. Michael is survived by his loving parents, Robert Sr. and Marianne, Nee; Rose Higgins, his three siblings, Robert Jr. (Kim) Higgins of Lake Villa, IL, Christine (Andrew) Konopacki of Minnesota, and Marianne (Stephen) McDermott of Grayslake, IL, nieces and nephews, Zackery Higgins, Payton Higgins, Anastasia (Sam) Gagliardi, Katya. Thank you, especially, to the Grayslake Fire Department and Advocate Condell Hospital for your help.
On Friday, December 2, 2022, visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030, with a fire department walkthrough at 7:00 p.m. St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030, will host a Resurrection Mass on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow at St. Mary’s Fremont Center Catholic Cemetery for family and friends. The funeral mass will be streamed live on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@stgilbertlive2337. Please call Symonds Funeral Home at 847-543-1080 for more information. In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family has established a memorial fund in his honor to accept donations for life-saving equipment. Please visit the GoFundMe page linked below. http://www.gofund.me/d77f3d4b