David "Dave" E. Higgins

David Ernest "Dave" Higgins, 69, of Peoria, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born on January 7, 1953, in San Francisco, California, a son of Robert Joseph and Doris Elizabeth (Davis) Higgins. On August 25, 1976, Dave married the love of his life, Connie J. Kellerstrass. She survives.

He is also survived by his two daughters, Kelli (Michael) Zurek of West Peoria and Kori (Kevin) O'Connor of Peoria; five grandchildren, Amelia and Isla Zurek, and Raina, Meleah, and Bryson Paul; brother, Ricky (Debbie) Higgins of Marquette Heights; sister, Bobbie Polite of Macomb; bonus mom and best buddy, Shirley Kellerstrass of Peoria; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members and friends who loved him fiercely; and his faithful friend, Charlie, who was always by his side.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Melvin F. Gillard, whom he also considered to be his father; and his faithful friends, Duchess, Sparky, and Jaxon.

Dave was a proud Vietnam Era veteran and served his country in the United States Army as a medic in Germany. He credited the US Army for making him into the man he became on his life's journey.

Dave retired from Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669 in 2009 after 30 years of service. He took pride in working for his union in many capacities and especially enjoyed his time working as an organizer.

A self-described free spirit, it was important to Dave to positively influence the lives of others. He volunteered for Heart of Illinois United Way, the NALC food drive and was an American Red Cross blood donor and volunteer.

He was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at age 56. He accepted his diagnosis with courage and humor, and his great love of family and music helped him to endure the impossible. His unconditional love as husband to Connie, dad to Kelli and Kori, and Papa to his grandchildren gave him his greatest joy and his strength will continue to inspire and comfort those that knew him and loved him.

Dave's celebration of life gathering will be from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. There will be no service. His inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Heart of Illinois United Way at www.hoiunitedway.org/make-a-donation/.

Online condolences may be shared with Dave's family at www.davison-fulton.com.