Michael “Mike” J. Higgins, age 69, a lifelong resident of Whitewater, passed away May 13, 2025, at home. He was born May 15, 1955, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Merwyn “Mert” and Mary Ann (Krause) Higgins. He attended Whitewater schools and was a long-time mechanic at Fero’s Auto Repair, enjoying lunches at Rick’s at his reserved table. He retired after many years of service of the Whitewater Fire and Rescue Departments as Chief. He enjoyed spending time up north at his property hunting.

He leaves behind long-time love of his life, Jody Buckingham and kids, Sherry (Al Jr.) Lemke and Mandy (Paul) Ebbert, and Andrew Buckingham; grandkids, Hannah, Emma, and Grace and Madison and Mason; and his beloved dog, Lucy; his mother, Mary Ann; his sister, Kristy (Dan) Malone; brother-in-law, Ted Kraus; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Mert; his brother, Rex; his sister, Ann; and his grandparents.

A visitation for Mike will be held, Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI. A service in his honor will be held at the funeral home at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Humane Society of Jefferson County or to the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department.