Obituary of Bennie Lee Hicks

Bennie Lee Hicks was born in Odin, IL on April 28, 1936, to Glen and Viola Hicks. He grew up on a farm along with his brothers, Lewis and Dale, and sisters, Blanche and Bernice. These years created in him a lifelong love of tractors. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jensen, on August 28, 1954, and they were married for 57 years before she was called Home. He was blessed with a second love: he married Deloris Jones on May 10, 2014, and they were married 6 years before she went Home. Family was very important to Bennie. He and Mary had 5 children: Darrell (Judy-Inverness, FL), Tom (Ruth-Grizzly Flats, CA), Mina (Tim-Maywood, IL), Merlin (Lynda-Circle Pines, MN), and Lenora (Phil-Los Alamos, NM). He loved spending time with his 21 grandchildren: Matthew, Terry, Dale, Stephanie, Mary, David, Chris, Nicole, Jessie, Junior, Andrew, Jonathan, Patrick, Kristofer, Tristan, Joshua, Jordon, Jared, Jennifer, Kaela, and Aerin. His legacy continues to grow through his 25 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. After leaving the farm, Bennie worked at Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling, IL for 32 years. For much of that time, he also worked construction jobs. Then he worked for Sterling Public schools for 10 years as well as several other jobs including Meals on Wheels, the Rock Falls Airport, and Auto Spa. Bennie enjoyed many hobbies. He collected Matchbox cars, Hot Wheels, model tractors and farm machinery of various scales. He could spend hours sharing information about each one and we loved listening to his stories. He loved music, particularly southern gospel. He and Mary encouraged their children to develop their musical talents by providing lessons, attending every performance, as well as playing and singing together at home and at church. He enjoyed traveling. This included regular family vacations, trips to visit family, attending concerts, taking bus trips, and attending grandchildren's graduations, weddings and programs. Bennie had many friends. He drew people to him with his quiet spirit, gregarious nature, entertaining stories, quick wit and sense of humor. He encouraged his children to pursue their dreams, even supporting many crazy schemes. Bennie was the uniting force in our family. While we know he is rejoicing in his eternal home, his absence leaves a gaping hole in our lives. On July 14, 2021, Bennie stepped on the shore, breathed new air and found it celestial. He woke up in Glory and found it home. He touched a hand and found it God’s. He’s finally home. (Paraphrased from “Finally Home” by Don Wyrtzen) Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Bethel Reformed Church with Pastor Grant Mulder and Pastor John Kalebaugh, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 PM at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling and from 9-10:30 AM Thursday, prior to services at the church. A memorial has been established.