The Racine community – both on and off his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycles – lost a true friend Wednesday when Roger Higgenbottom passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Roger, 52, was the beloved husband of Diana, father of four, grandfather of one and fur-dad to dog Ruth and cat Ava.
“I’m heartbroken, and I miss him, but I know he is now cancer free and he fought so hard with class and dignity,” Diana said. “I absolutely loved being his wife.”
Roger and Diana were together for ten years and married for almost five. Diana said they got married more than once to continue celebrating their love and commitment for each other.
“We married six times total,” she added. “We just kept getting married because we totally understood love and the commitment.”
In his obituary on the Draeger-Langendorf website, Roger’s love for Diana is noted.
“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,'” it reads.
Roger is described as a man with an impeccable work ethic, an infectious smile, and a deeply committed member of the Racine community who gladly donated his time and talents, including with the FAST (Families and Schools Together) program. He also supported local NA, CA and AA recovery groups and was the president of the Thursday Night – Knights of Castle bowling league.
“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,” the message reads.
Friends are remembering Roger with love and recalling his easy smile.
“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!” Michael Anderson wrote under his obituary.
Lori Gavin on Facebook posted, “He was a wonderful man!!! Remembering all the good times we shared with him at Skatetown in the late 70s are memories that will never go away. He will always be remembered as part of my childhood memories. Condolences to the family. the world has lost a wonderful person. RIP Roger; you will be missed.”
Roger will be laid to rest Monday after a police-escorted final ride from Racine Harley Davidson to Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road.
Rollin’ with Roger was organized by his good friends with the South Eastern Wisconsin HOG Racine Chapter. Anyone interested in riding should arrive at the dealership between 3:30 and 4:15. The procession will leave Racine Harley Davidson at 4:30 sharp because of the police escort.
Roger’s nephew, Dante Higgenbottom, will ride Roger’s bike to the funeral home.
Visitation for Roger will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, and services will start at 6 p.m.