David A. Hicks
September 28, 1938 - January 20, 2021
Obituary
OREGON-On Jan. 20, 2021, David Arthur “Dave” Hicks passed away at the age of 82 surrounded by his family at home. Dave was born on Sept. 28, 1938 in Boaz, Wis., the son of George and Minnie (Bailey) Hicks. He graduated from Madison East High School. Dave married Shelly Rasmussen on Dec.15, 1979.
A patient and brilliant man, Dave battled a neurodegenerative disease that took his stride but never the twinkle in his eye. He enjoyed the simple things: a good cup of coffee, a well-balanced gin and tonic, a game of cards, and time in nature. Dave loved life and swapping stories with people. A veteran, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a humble man with an honorable work ethic, he lit up the room with his smile. Dave was a magnet to small children and tail-wagging dogs. He could spot an asparagus spear in the ditch while cruising down the highway and always knew the best places to pick morels. Dave was an avid Cribbage player, the best Euchre partner and always up for an adventure. He had traveled to the Arctic Circle and captured a photograph of a single flower poking through the snow. Dave also lived in Costa Rica and embraced the “pura vida” life that included fishing, snorkeling, and conversing with locals. Without fear and without the need for a plan, Dave would take Shelly by the hand and say, “Just trust me,” and she did. Dad, we are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with you. Your warmth, sense of humor, and the ability to make every day into something worth talking about will never be forgotten. Your grandchildren will find comfort in knowing you are free from the body you wore out.
Dave is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shelly; children, Tina Marshall, David (Sheri) Hicks, Dustin (Jane) Hicks and Jana (Billy) Mauldin; grandchildren, Luke (Jesica) Marshall, Seth (Tracy) Marshall, Kimberly (Michael) LaCount, Matthew (Lydia) Hicks, Rachel Hicks and Bradley, Leah and Abigail Mauldin; great-grandchildren, Crystal, Cade, Caleb, Christian, and Sophia Marshall and William LaCount; and sister-in-law, Jan Hicks. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, June Schoenauer, Robert Hicks and Janice VonAllmen; son-in-law, Darryl Marshall; and brothers-in-law, Boots Schoenauer and Wally VonAllmen.
A celebration of life will be held at HEADQUARTERS BAR & GRILL, 101 Concord Drive, Oregon, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.
Thank you to Margaret for the years of care and adventurous stories, Dr. Montgomery and his team at the VA and Chuck for weekly Cribbage visits. Thank you to Ken and Cheryl for coffee visits and for all those who came to visit in his final weeks. Thank you, Jeri, Larry, Joni, Jim, Scott and Penny, for helping Dave continue on his adventures. "Leave no man behind," meant everything to us.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Hwy. 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590
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Memories
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Chuck Stephens
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To the best cribbage player ever. Dave, I miss our weekly games. You taught me many things about the game and about life. Here's to one of the strongest men I have ever known and may a few "29s" come your way in upcoming games. Cheers, Chuck Stephens
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Pat Multhauf
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Shelly, Dustin, Jana and family Losing a loved one is never easy. But I do know that you have a life time of loving memories to hold on to! Your family is great at making memories! I added a couple pictures of Dave giving my grandkids scooter rides at my Jenny's wedding. Look how comfortable they are! They didn't know him before that day. Dave was just fun to be around, he always had a smile! Dave, you will be dearly missed. Make sure you send him with a deck of cards so he can continue to play euchre. I bet he will find a few more friends from Boaz to start up a game. Love and hugs to all of you.💞 Pat & Kevin
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Robin Gorman
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Shelly & Family, So sorry to hear about the passing of Dave. You know he's at Peace now . What a great Obituary & it sounds like he had a wonderful Life & lived it to it's fullest. He was definitely Loved! I have memories of meeting him at Longbranch & remember thinking that Shelly was Lucky to have such a good looking boyfriend. LOL! Embrace each & everyone & remember the Great memories.
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Nan Diedrick
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condolances
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Nan Diedrick
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Our sympathy to the family of this much loved man. The Diedrick family
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Billy Mauldin
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I will never forget the first day that Dave and Shelly welcomed me, Bradley and Leah with open arms, kindness and love. I am very blessed and honored to be part of the Hicks family. I am also fortunate to have Dustin as my brother-in-law who has been wonderful to me and a great brother to Jana. Dave was an awesome handyman and taught me a lot about home renovations. He was always there when we needed help with our house. He was a wonderful grandfather who would attend every sports competition, dance recitals, plays and birthday parties. Our children would always look to see if he was there and smiled when they saw him watching. One of my favorite stories is when he and David took me ice fishing for the first time. It was the spur of the moment so we didn't bring a lot of equipment. Dave and I were sitting on plastic buckets on the ice trying to catch fish. I was really cold but didn't want to give up to prove my toughness :) Finally, after a few long hours and a few very tiny fishes, we went home. Years later, I discovered that Dave was also cold but didn't want to give up in front of me! I've watched Shelly take care of Dave the last few years and I saw how much love, dedication and caring between the two of them which taught me a lot on how marriage is supposed to be - whether in health or sickness, we must be there for each other. I am very lucky to have Jana as my partner in life and I have so much respect and love for her in showing the strength, compassion and love that she showed for her father during the final weeks. My final whispered words to Dave was that I will take care of his daughter and Shelly. Love, Billy (son-in-law)