Michael “Mike” Jon Hicks, age 78, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at his home with his wife Kay by his side.
He was born March 4, 1946 in Sheboygan, son of the late John P. and Georgine E. (Rautmann) Hicks. Mike attended Sheboygan North High School, graduating with the class of 1964. Following High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy. On August 20, 1994, Mike married Kay Schwake Franz. He was employed with Hayssen in Sheboygan for over 20 years, and then with Weyerhauser in Manitowoc, retiring after 25 years of service. Mike was a member of the American Legion and other veteran groups. Mike was a lifelong diehard Packer fan and proud Green Bay Packer shareholder. He had an extensive collection of Packer memorabilia and enjoyed hosting Packer parties during games. Mike was once featured in the Herald Times Reporter for the impressive collection of Packer items in his home. In addition to the Packers, he was a fan of other Wisconsin sports teams, including the Badgers, Brewers, and Bucks. He also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, but above all he loved spending time with Kay as well as his neighbors, family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of over 30 years: Kay A. Hicks, Manitowoc; his step-son: Jeff Franz, Middleton; three sisters: Sheila Klabechek, Dianne (Gary) Kegler, and Trudie (John) Hechel, all of Sheboygan; brother-in-law: Dean Bogenschuetz, Sheboygan; his beloved cat: Skeeter; as well as many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: John and Georgine Hicks; his son: Ryan Hicks; brother-in-law: Gary Klabechek; sister: Susan Bogenschuetz; brother: Steve (Martha) Hicks; one nephew: John Kegler; good friend: Chewy; and his beloved cat: Po.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc. Following the service, Mike will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon will be held for family and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Mike’s name.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Hicks family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Manitowoc First Responders and Officer Brixius of the Manitowoc Police Department for the care and compassion they have shown Mike and Kay the night he passed. Also, a thank you to RN Tanya, nurse Kayla, and Dr. Kaufman (Mike’s MS Doctor) for the medical care given to Mike over the years. There were also many neighbors, friends, and family that helped Mike through his illness, including: Kim, George, Angelina, Julie, Lee, Maureen, Nan, Jenny, Krysta, and Jack as well as Dianne, Marge, Deb, Richie, Tina, Denise, Gail, Hollie, Julie, and Nancy. Also, a special thank you to Dianne (Germany) for the continuous texts and phone calls. All of the love and support from everyone is greatly appreciated. Mike was loved by all his friends and family and will be greatly missed.
To Mike: I just want to let you know how proud and happy I am to have you as my husband and to tell you how wonderful you’ve made my life. Did I tell you that I love you today? I still do and always will. “This day I will marry my friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, Love.” – Love, Kay.
