Wilson K. Hickerson (2009)

HICKERSON, NOEL, REYNOLDS, ANDERSON

Posted By: Ida Morse (email)
Date: 2/15/2010 at 14:31:52

Des Moines Register, September 27, 2009
Des Moines, Iowa

WILSON K. HICKERSON
Des Moines

Wilson K. Hickerson, 96, passed away peacefully September 26, at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines, IA.

A private service and internment will be at Resthaven Cemetery in Des Moines.

Wilson was born March 17, 1913, in Winterset, IA to Glen K. Hickerson and Edna (Noel) Hickerson. He was raised on the family farm in Seymour, IA until moving to Des Moines in 1929, where Wilson attended North High School. He was a member of the swimming team and was also a diver.

He married Roberta Reynolds of Marengo, IA and they settled in Des Moines where Wilson joined Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, and AT&T, and experienced a career lasting 42 years, eventually becoming a lobbyist in their Public Affairs Department working both in Des Moines and Washington, D.C. Wilson and Roberta were married 60 years and raised three sons; Tom K. Hickerson of Okoboji, IA, Ken (Andrea) Hickerson of Mission Hills, KS, and Michael (Leslie) Hickerson of Three Lakes, WI. They had nine grandchildren: Steven K., Mark, Mary, Jay, Megan, Matt, Adam, Dan, Tanner and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Roberta in 1998. Wilson remarried to Jeanne Anderson of Des Moines in 1999. Jeanne passed away in 2006. Also preceding Wilson's death were brother Richard, a U.S. Army aviator killed during WWII, and sisters Helen and Pauline.

Wilson was a member of several civic organizations including among them the Masonic Temple, the Roosevelt High School Riders Club, and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. He enjoyed many years of retirement at the family lake home in northern Minnesota, where he was able to participate in golfing, fishing, gardening, and visiting with the many friends and family who joined them during summer vacations. Moving eventually to Okoboji he again enjoyed an active lifestyle in the Iowa Great Lakes area prior to returning to Des Moines.

Wilson is survived by his sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roosevelt High School Foundation, 4419 Center Street, Des Moines, IA 50312, in loving memory of Wilson and the Hickerson family.