John K. Higley age 60 of Menomonie, died Monday March 9, 2015 at his home in Menomonie.

John was born on November 3, 1954 and grew up in Mondovi. He was the son of Eugene and Dorothy (Schultz) Higley. John graduated from Mondovi High School and the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. John then went on to Law School at Tulsa University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1980. He then began his law career in Menomonie, eventually establishing a joint practice and most recently working with Schofield, Higley & Mayer Law Offices, which represents the City of Menomonie and other municipalities.

 John was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, and surely has a fly rod in hand at this very moment. He took every opportunity to take his love of fly-fishing on the road or in the air, traveling to Ambergris Caye, Belize for many years, Baja, California, ‘middle of nowhere’, Alaska, and of course rivers and streams all across Wisconsin. Another trip was never far around the corner. Out of these adventures came lifelong friendships and more than a few tall tales that John was proud to tell. He was also an active member of the Wisconsin Clear Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited and enjoyed cooking, grilling, and entertaining for friends and family.

 John is survived by his daughter Lizzy Higley of St. Louis Park, MN; a sister Ann (Dennis) Miller of Blaine, MN, a niece Rachel Miller and a nephew, Andrew Miller, and many great friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

 Celebration of Life Services will be held from 4:00 – 7:00pm on Friday March 13, 2015 at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie.

 In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Wisconsin Clear Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited. 

Condolences

1. The Vasquez Family March 17, 2015, at 4:42pm

   We are sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one. Words don't always ease the pain when you are grieving the death of a loved one, but we hope you will find hope in Jesus' promise of the redirection hope (Acts 24:14) when he will rise up tho sleeping in death (John 11:11) restoring them back to life, on the renewed paradise( John 5:28,29; Luke 24:43) what a wonderful blessing to look forward too. Until then, may Jehovah God (Psalms 83:18) grant you peace and comfort during this grievous time. - Matthew 5:4.

2. Jimmy Blum March 16, 2015, at 7:06pm

   Oh My, I just heard today John passed. We were such good child friends when we lived in Mondovi. My Dad and Gene shared many great fishing trips and it seems that John carried on his love for fishing. I was with John when I caught my first fish. Actually, John's Dad threw a fish at me and I caught it. Gene said, you caught the fish, good job. We had childhood fun like catching birds in the old Mill Pond with a bow and arrow and going to dances at the old church by his house. All I can say is John left us to soon. He will be missed by a lot of people.

3. Linda McIntyre March 13, 2015, at 5:54pm

   Our deepest sympathy to Lizzie and John's family, colleagues and friends at such a difficult time.

4. Cathleen McCauley Mulligan March 13, 2015, at 1:23pm

   So sorry for your loss

5. Holly R Cseter March 13, 2015, at 12:42pm

   Lizzy, I am very sorry for your loss. I first met your dad when I was a part of the Tourism Commission and he was always a gentleman and very nice to me. And then connecting with him again when you and Justin were such good friends. I remember he always wanted to start a fishing business in Belize and how much he loved to fish. You will always have a special place in our hearts and know we are thinking of you. May you find peace in knowing that your dad loved you more than anything in this world.

6. Robert Swanson March 13, 2015, at 7:13am

   I first met John through Trout Unlimited. Most recently he was our guest at the state Trout Unlimited Banquet in Oshkosh and he also did a presentation for Trout Unlimited Chapter Members on fishing in Belize. Speaking for WI Clear Waters Trout Unlimited, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to Johns family. He will be sorely missed.

7. Dr. David and Ethel Frogner March 12, 2015, at 6:12pm

   We were deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Johns' passing. We sought his legal advice and knew right away that he was a winner. He was honest, honorable and a pleasure to be with. We wemre looking forward to seeing him in the future and will miss him. God Bless his family.

8. Hugh Crane March 12, 2015, at 2:04pm

   Lizzy,
   I was sadded and shocked after hearing of your Dad's passing, he was a great guy. Your Dad did something for you with Northwestern Mutual which we should discuss. Please call me at you convenience and we can discuss. Again our condolences.

   Hugh and Marcia Crane

9. Diane Moen March 12, 2015, at 1:41pm

   My condolences to John's family. I have so many wonderful memories of high school days at Mondovi. He was a kind and gentle person.

10. Tom Meyer March 12, 2015, at 11:58am

    I was very sad to learn of John's passing. I met John through my brother and was fortunate to be invited along on several bass fishing trips and to Montana trout fishing. I always enjoyed being around John, he had such a quick wit and was still always a gentleman. My condolences go out to his family.

11. Bob and Dixie Walter March 12, 2015, at 10:36am

    Our sincere condolences. We are out of the state and will not be able to attend the celebration of John's life but know that we are thinking of John's family.

12. Tim Meyer March 12, 2015, at 8:31am

    I met John when our daughters were on high school swim teams. Lizzy for Menomonie and Abby for Eau Claire Memorial. We connected again through Trout Unlimited and realized we both loved to fly fish for anything that swam. I didn't get to go to Belize with John but that was in the planning stages. We did travel to Montana and always made a trip or two to our local rivers to float and fish for smallmouth bass. john was a good friend and fishing partner. We will all miss him.

13. Rosemary E Carlisle March 12, 2015, at 6:10am

    Dear family, My sympathy on the loss of your beloved John. I knew him in a professional association, as Clerk of Circuit Court (Pepin County) ( Retired). He was an excellent attorney.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

14. Steven Swanson March 11, 2015, at 9:15pm

    I was sad to hear of Johns passing. He was a good buddy from the Mondovi days. My sympathy for Johns family.

    Swanny

15. Crystal Dow March 11, 2015, at 2:07pm

    Very sorry about John's death---he was a great guy, and I respected him very much. I was a client of his a few years ago, and he handled the matter with great advice and understanding. He will be missed.

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