John J. Hickey

Date of Birth

Jun 13,1938

Date of Death

Dec 17,2006

JOHN J. HICKEYAge 68, of Maple Park, IL, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2006 at the DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Battling cancer through the past year, the Wiltse and Hickey families deeply appreciated the care and support they received from caregivers that came into their lives. BORN / EARLY YEARSHe was born, June 13, 1938 in DeKalb, IL, the son of Francis E. "Ike" and Mary Jane (McCullen) Hickey. He grew up in Maple Park, IL where he and his cousin, Jerome "Red" Wiltse bonded like brothers. Following graduation from Maple Park High School with the class of 1957, John began farming with "Red" and the two continued as partners throughout the lives. Though "Red" passed away in 1986, the bond he shared with John continued, and John farmed with his Wiltse cousins to the day of his death. . In the early years, John and "Red" had dairy cows but changed to hogs and cattle in the fifties and to grain in later years. An outdoorsman and hunter at heart, John was always fond of the field work. For him, there was nothing more beautiful that his view across the fields. Atop the tractor in the Spring, preparing the ground for planting, and gathering the grain in the fall, there was a feeling that never failed to call him to the labor he loved. John had a quiet demeanor that matched his steady, dependable character. Those who knew him well, however, knew that John had a great sense of humor and his feet loved to dance. Whether at the Blue Moon in Elgin, family weddings or community dances, you could be sure, John would be doing "the Twist". SURVIVORSJohn is survived by:One sister, Josephine Hayward of DeKalb, IL Two brothers:Larry (Kay) Hickey o f Malta, IL Pat (Ann) Hickey of DeKalb,His "farm family"Marie, wife of the late Jerome "Red" Wiltse and her children:Debbie (George) Bullard of Hinckley Mary (Jim) Simpson of DeKalb, IL Patty (Jeff) Marco of Sandwich, ILKate and Joe Wiltse, both of Maple Park.Other relatives include: Joanne (George) McNeal of East Moline, IL;Mike (Kathie) Coulter of DeKalb andTom (Karen) Johnston of Rockford.In addition he leaves a large family of cousins, nieces and nephews and a community of friends.PRECEDED In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Leona Hickey, and his "cousin-brother" Jerome Wiltse. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in John’s name to benefit the DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and the DeKalb County Hospice. Memorials checks may be made to the John Hickey Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information, call 800-8-CONLEY or visit www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2006 from 5-9pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL where a liturgical wake service will be held at 6:30pm. Visitation will continue Wednesday morning at the Church of St. Mary, County Line Road, Maple Park, IL from 9am until 10:15. The Rev. Fr. Joachim Tyrtania will officiate. Mass will follow at 10:30am.

Interment will conclude at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Maple Park.

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