Roger Higgenbottom, 52, went on the ultimate motorcycle ride to meet Jesus on Wednesday March 25, 2015. A lifetime resident of Racine, he was born July 8, 1962 to Lenora (nee: King) Higgenbottom and Roy Estes. Roger was a proud graduate of Park High School. On October 10, 2010, Roger married his “love of his life” and his best friend, Diana Anderson. To Roger and Diana and all who knew them it was “the greatest love story ever told”.
Roger was employed by Poclain Hydraulics as a CNC Machinist for nearly 15 years and he never missed a day of work until his second round of chemo last summer, his work ethic was exemplary. He loved his job and especially all of the friends, which he considered family, he had made along the way during his employment at Poclain. Roger also, was an independent DJ (HiggyBaby Productions), he provided so much music to so many people at so many events. If he was there spinning music he was the life of the party! He loved being the MC at weddings, but he truly loved and looked forward to the Tuesday night RADD dances.
Roger worked for the F.A.S.T program (Families and Schools Together) for nearly 15 years. He loved working and connecting with the families who participated in the program. He beamed with pride when he was out in public and when a F.A.S.T family remembered him from the program. He was well-known within the NA, CA, and AA recovery communities. He was proud to proclaim more than 23 years of sobriety.
Roger was a proud National and Local HOG (Harley Owners Group) member, and loved everything about the riding community. His 2013 Street Glide was his pride and joy, always keeping it as clean as when it rolled out the showroom. He loved the freedom of riding, the comradery, and especially all of his fellow riders he had met along the way. Roger was a good bowler and had played on many leagues around Racine. Most recently he was the president of the Thursday Night – Knights of Castle bowling league. He loved all of his teammates and all of his fellow bowlers. His laughter and infectious personality filled the bowling alley on any given Thursday. All you had to do was meet Roger once and he would instantly love you and consider you a friend, if not family. His smile and laughter was infectious and once you received one of his signature hugs, you never forgot Roger.
Roger leaves behind to carry on his legacy and cherish his memory, his wife Diana of Racine, his daughters, Nicole Cronk, and Danielle (Alex) Monfeli both of Racine; his sons, Nathan Higgenbottom of Racine, and Derrick Higgenbottom of Milwaukee; and a step son, Mitchell Pedersen of Kenosha. Roger also is survived by a grandson, Noah, whom Roger “Gampa” loved and adored, and another grandbaby due in September. Roger is also survived by his older brother of whom he was so proud of and looked up to, Les (Linda) Higgenbottom; 2 sisters, Marylin Higgenbottom and Peggy Higgenbottom and a very special sister-in-law, Stacy Schroeder Busby; and brother-in-law, Doug Schroeder of Kenosha. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was “daddy” to his cat “Ava” and his precious dog friend, “Ruth”. Roger was preceded in death by both his parents Lenora and Roy; his sister Sandra Higgenbottom; his brother Steve Higgenbottom; and niece Desi Griffin.
A celebration of his life will be held in the funeral home on Monday, March 30, 2015, 6:00pm. Visitation will be from 3:00pm until the time of the service.
Diana would like to express her deepest gratitude and love to Dr. Michael Mullane and his staff as they treated Roger with love, kindness and respect and most importantly, laughter and hugs.
nicole pattison says
Such a great man!!! He was so wonderful to us as he was our dj for our wedding. Always a great smile. Prayers to his family
Linda Neal says
You will be missed by all who new you. You were always a special part of my life. My sympathy to Diane and the kids for the loss.
Linda
Joan (Friend) Jansen says
Roger was a good friend many years ago. Always laughing always smiling. Did a great job as DJ for out school dances recently. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Michael Anderson says
All I can say is roger will be surely missed by many. I thought the world of him. He could always make me smile even when I didn’t feel like it. Thanks for all you gave to all of us at castle lanes roger. We love you pal!
John & Julia Gonzales says
Our deepest sympathy to Diana and the entire Higgenbottom family. Roger was an awesome individual…always smiling…never letting anything bring him down. He will be missed but never forgotten. Thought and prayers are with all of you.
ben cornell says
God gained an Angel be blessed and RIH Roger
Lesli DeFaut says
Roger was always happy (we grew up together) – he will be missed a lot! Condolences to the entire family.
LORI WILLIAMS says
I pray that God gives you all the peace that you need. He was so special, and touched so many lives.
Jennifer Bucholz says
Roger – I am a better person for knowing you . Your smile was infectious as well as your laughter !
Heidi Sheckles says
Roger was a unique guy. His laugh, his smile, and his love of people was so infectious. He was just fun to be around! I’ll never forget Bike Night two years ago when I really got to know him and Diana. I could see how deeply he loved her as well as Danielle. That love will be the most precious thing to hold on to. Gone too soon, but we’ll all be together one day!! I send so much love to you Diana and Danielle, as well as the whole family. He’ll be missed, but never forgotten!!!!!!
Linda Neal says
You will be missed by all who new you. You were always a special part of my life. My sympathy to Diane and the kids for the loss.
Linda
Andy and Lisa Kirchmeier says
Andy and I adore Roger and Diana and will miss him dearly. His smile, laugh and hugs were unforgettable. The world has lost a wonderful man. Prayers to his family and Diana for strength in this difficult time of loss. God Bless
Les & Mia Wald says
Going to miss you Roger, was very proud and honored to have called you friend and proud to have bowled with you on Thursday night’s. Thing’s won’t be the same without you my friend, We all will miss you
Becky and George Muffick says
So sorry for your loss. Wish we could have had a chance to meet Roger. Looks like he was a great man and will be missed by many.
Bryan J Kizer - Pastor says
I knew Roger only a short time through my time at Club Breakaway. I am sad to find out the news of his passing this way since I’ve been out of the area for 5 years. I enjoyed many of the dances that he DJ’ed there and got to know him well. I am only sorry that I won’t be able to be there in person.
I know he’s home with Jesus, and that I’ll see him again.
Blessings & Grace;
Bryan J Kizer – Pastor
Christlike Ministries NWA
Larry Boyd says
Will miss you for a while Roger. Say hi to Lamar for me. Thanks for being a great example as a believer and a friend in my recovery!
Larry Boyd says
Will miss you for a while Roger. Say hi to Lamar for me. Thanks for being a great example as a believer and a friend in my recovery!
Teresa Gleason says
i went to Park High School with Roger and also worked with him at Taco Bell many years ago. Roger always made me smile and laugh and was known to prank people at Taco Bell. I’ve have not seen Roger in many years but always hot updates from friends. He left this world a much better place and I am proud to have known him. Prayers to his family during this difficult time.
Teresa
Paul Kaprelian says
My deepest condolences goes out to the Higgenbottom family. For some reason this one really hurts. I knew Roger only casually at Park. What I remember the most is what many people have said about him and that was his infections smile and laugh. He was a great guy to be around and I am happy that he lived such full life, even though he died so young. I regret that I did not get to know him better. God will treat him well, I am sure.
Debra Estes-Booker says
My dear cousin will be truly missed. Roger’s kind and loving spirit has always given me a blueprint by which to guide my own life. Although sad, I am comforted by the fact that I know Roger is in God’s hands.
Jay Brehm says
Sorry for your loss.
Ron Therkelsen says
I knew roger for about 40 years and he was a great friend and a great guy and could always make me laugh.I havn’t seen him in over 10 years and very sad that i didn’t get a chance i see him again , i’ll miss you brother
Mark & Amy Connelly says
We will surely miss Roger but only for a short time. You led by example brother .. certainly you heard the words of … well done my good and faithful servant .. With you I am well pleased ..
Donna Bertoni says
Dear Diana,
my deepest sympathy.
Your friend,
Donna
Della Buckley says
My prayers are with the family. Now Roger is at rest with his dear precious mother. RIP Roger, gone but never forgotten.
Jamie Worrell says
Diana,
My deepest sympathies to you and the family. Roger was a great man and always a pleasure to take care of (kenosha aurora DTC). Wishing you all the best! So happy you guys were able to take that trip to NY.
Pam Warzala says
Dear Les and Family,
My deepest condolences to you all. Roger sounds like an amazing person. I suspect he is a lot like his brother. You are in my thoughts during this most difficult time.
Truly,
Pam Warzala
Lance & Paula Pauley says
We are blessed to have gotten to know Roger. He was absolutely a bright spot on any given day. A beautiful person that will be greatly missed.
Belinda Mullins says
RIP Uncle Roger, thanks for giving me my rhythm and teaching me how to skate. You were a great person and I will
miss u.