Allen J. Higley, 77, of Davenport, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Al’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, May 15 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, with a prayer service to follow. Additional visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass in the gathering space at St. Anthony’s. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Window Fund or the Iowa Donor Network.

Allen John Higley was born on November 14, 1948, in Algona, the beloved son of Leslie A. and Lorraine (Lappe) Higley. Al was raised with strong Midwestern values of faith, family, service, and hard work—values he carried proudly throughout his entire life. He graduated from Trinity Preparatory School in 1967 before attending Loras College, where he earned his degree in Psychology in 1971. Never one to stop learning, Al later completed his Master’s degree in Adult Education from Western Illinois University.

On August 22, 1970, Al was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth E. McEnroe, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church.Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, unconditional love, laughter, and devotion to family. Their marriage of more than 55 years was an example of enduring partnership and commitment.

Al’s professional life reflected both creativity and leadership. After graduating from college, he began his career working for PBS as a director, where his love for communication and storytelling first flourished. He later joined John Deere, where he dedicated 40 years of service in a variety of impactful roles. He began in the Sales Training Department before moving into Corporate Communications, where his warmth, professionalism, and ability to connect with people made him widely respected. He concluded his distinguished career as the Manager of the John Deere Commons and Collectors Center, where he proudly shared the history and legacy of John Deere with visitors from around the world. Al deeply valued the friendships and experiences he gained throughout his career and took immense pride in the work he accomplished.

Faith was the cornerstone of Al’s life. A devoted member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, he faithfully served at Mass and lived his beliefs through quiet acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and Fishers of Men, organizations through which he formed meaningful friendships and continued his commitment to serving others and strengthening his faith community.

Al was a man of many interests and simple joys. He loved home improvement projects and was always working on something to improve the home he cherished with Ruth. He enjoyed watching movies, reading, and spending time with family. Whether sharing stories, lending a helping hand, or simply sitting together enjoying conversation, Al made everyone around him feel valued and loved. His sense of humor, wisdom, steady presence, and genuine kindness will be remembered by all who knew him.

More than anything, Al treasured his family. Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Ruth Higley of Davenport; his children and their spouses, Roxanne and James Schmertmann of LeClaire, Debra and John VandeVoorde of Eldridge, and Brad Higley of Summerville; his cherished grandchildren, Brennen and Karen Schmertmann, Sarah and Ryan McDonnell, Alexis Higley, Brendan VandeVoorde, and Callen Higley; six adored great-grandchildren; his brothers, Donald and Vivian Higley of Utah and Mark Higley and Judi Kern of Colorado; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Tim Higley; his parents, Leslie and Lorraine Higley; his in-laws, James and Jeannette McEnroe; and his sister- and brother-in-law, Karen and Mark Pfeffer.

Al’s life was marked by humility, dedication, faith, and love. He leaves behind a legacy not measured by accomplishments alone, but by the countless lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family and community. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.