John Higareda

John Higareda, 89, of Galesburg, died at 8:40 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2011 at Rosewood Care Center, Galesburg. John was born on October 27, 1921 in Galesburg, the son of Manuel and Maria (Castro) Higareda.  He married Hortense Cortez on March 30, 1944 in Chicago.  Hortense preceded him in death on January 17, 1995.  John is survived by his 4 daughters, Victoria (Jerry) Toland of Galesburg, Irene (Jaime) Ponce of Galesburg, Rosa Heredia of Chicago, and Julie (Les) Hunter, of Galesburg; a brother, Joseph of Fresno, CA; and a sister, Sophia Gonzalez of Clive, IA.  He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Lisa (Bob) Smola, Gregory Toland, Jeffrey (Nancy) Toland, Mark (Barb), Aaron (Ulla), Edward (Amy), and Cheri Ponce, Theresa, David, and Daniel Heredia, John and Kyle Hunter, and 14 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Lalo, Lupe, Robert, and Dan; 2 sisters, Catherine Higareda (his twin) and Sheila Mullins, and one granddaughter, Erica Hunter. During WWII he was a gunner’s mate second class in the US Navy serving on LST 932.  He was in the Atlantic, Asiatic, Pacific, Philippines, and European theaters.   John worked for the C.B. & Q. for several years.  He then worked for Maytag for many years, retiring in 1979.   He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he was a longtime usher.  John helped build the L.U.L.A.C. Club in Galesburg, He was chairman for the L.U.L.A.C. annual scholarship parade for many years.  He was a member of the Hispanic Latino Resource Group and received the Outstanding Citizen Award in 1997.  He served as an interpreter for many Mexicans in the community and helped them attain their US citizenship.  John was a member of the Human Services Commission.  He gave many presentations to local schools and colleges and annual presentations to LGG (Leadership Greater Galesburg) and received the distinguished leader award from LGG in 1998.  He was a tour guide for Maytag.  John was a member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, US LST association and the Illinois LST association. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Rev. William Miller will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery with military honors being conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 Honor Guard.  Visitation will be Sunday at Watson Funeral Home from 3-6 p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 6:30 p.m.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church; Hispanic Latino Resource Group – Erica Hunter Scholarship Fund; and Relay for Life.