John Gerard Hickson

John Gerard Hickson was born in May of 1961 and died in his home on November 9, 2020. A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends at a later date. John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Joan and James Hickson, as well as his son, Dylan Hickson. He is survived by 1 grandson, and two daughters Caitie (Sam) Douglas and Payton Hickson. He is also survived by 5 siblings and a cousin who was like a brother to him, Mary Lou (Greg) Rorah, Linda (Steve) Mask, Carol (Doug) Boyler, Lisa (Steve) Clark, Chris (Heather) Hickson, and David Hickson. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and their children. John enjoyed his retirement by playing golf with friends and family. He spent time caring for the animals on the farm, and he was a proud grandparent to his first grandchild and namesake, Barrett John Douglas. His nieces and nephews loved to visit him at his home, and kids were always drawn to him. Despite his unwillingness to pronounce his soft spot for kids and kittens, his propensity for fun voices and tendency to bring the sick animals in from the cold gave him away. John was connected to his little piece of the world, and his peac...[more]

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as there on the farm in Otter Creek where he lived his entire life. John's presence was constant and magnetic, and he was a part of what we all found comforting and familiar. Family gatherings were scored with his laughter, a sound we've all come to know and expect and will surely miss. John had an affinity for mischief and a contagious sense of humor. Be it a wooden (St. Louis) cardinal nailed to a tree, a suggestion to his kid brother to test the spark plugs by grabbing them, or purchasing a photo of a missed patch of soy beans to taunt his brother-in-law, John didn't miss opportunities to share a laugh and inspire friendly banter. John was generous and would offer anything he had to help someone important to him. He had a remarkable pride in his family and punctuated sentences by spelling H-I-C-K-S-O-N. He brought a light-heartedness to a world that sometimes feels too heavy, and his life and laughter will be missed dearly by all who knew him. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.