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HIGDEM, Arnold Palmer (6027)

Birth

  • Born on February 25, 1911 in Bagley, Clearwater Co., MN

Death

  • Died on February 02, 1998 in Bagley, Clearwater Co., MN
  • Buried in Bagley City Cemetery in Bagley, Clearwater Co., MN

Marriages

Children

Notes

  • Military Service: WW2 US Marine Corps Tech Sergeant
  • Occupation: Employee of US Postal Service
  • Obituary: Arnold Palmer Higdem, 86, passed away February 2, 1998, at his winter home in Mesa, Arizona. He was born February 22, 1911, the oldest son of Arnie J. and Pauline Higdem. He had three sisters, Ida Ponds of Santa Rosa, California, Alice Gackle of Kulm, North Dakota, Florence Emoff of Garden Grove, California; and one bother, Lyndon Higdem of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War II and operated "The Best Military Branch Post Office on the West Coast of the U.S.A.," which was a quote of Chief Inspector of the Post Office. He was NCOIC of the operation of over 120 individuals during his stay in the U.S.A. He received the following awards: Purple Heard, Expeditionary Medal of China Campaign, Good Conduct Medal. After his transfer to the Pacific Theater in the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force, 1st Marine Division, he contributed to the was effort on Okinawa as well as being a part of the occupation force during the China Campaign. He was a member of the American Legion and served as Commander and Adjutant of Irvin Blix Post 16, Bagley, Commander of the VFW and Commandant of Marine Corps League. He served as president of Inter Community Council, and organization of 3 1/2 countries; member of Mid West Development Corp of Counties Organization and received a plaque for participation; secretary of Viking Land USA, organization of 17 counties in northwest Minnesota of business and tourism, received two plaques for service; president of Faith Lutheran Church Council for two years and on the Board of Trustees for four years. He was the president of Clearwater County Historical Society for 25 years and assisted in the organization of the same. He was president of the Rotary Club of Bagley. Arnold organized Bagley Alumni Association in 1930 and was chairman of the organization in later years. He was president of Itasca State Park Advisory Board for four years, a member for more than 25 years and just recently resigned as the secretary and treasurer. He received a citation from Gov. Al Que on two separate occasions. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society and a member of two state committees as well as president of Clearwater County American Cancer Society for several years. Arnold was chairman of the committee that integrated ideas that built the Bagley Kiln in west Bagley that has created a million dollar payroll per year. He had been active in the U.S.A. Scouting program, serving for 20 years to include the position of Scout Master. Prior to World War II, about 30 percent of the Scouts who participated during his tenure became officers in the military during World War II. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service following 41 years. He worked for many years at the front window and then moved to the rural route. He ha many young friends while on the route as he always had Tootsie Rolls under the seat for when they would come out and get the family mail. He was also a retired member of the Bagley Fire Department. Arnold always stressed the importance of service to country to his sons, and between them they have combined military service of 59 years. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Myrtle Grover Higdem; three sons, Thomas Walton of Ely, Minnesota, Allyn Hugdem of Albemarle, North Carolina, and Brenton Hugdem of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by three sisters and a younger brother. Interment and memorial service will be conducted in Bagley following Myrtle's return from wintering the remainder in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Sources

  • US Social Security Index: Bagley City Cemetery

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