Joseph L. Hickson

Joseph L. Hickson, 85, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly on Thursday January 25, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center surrounded by family.

Gathering of family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 29th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. with Deacon Bill Hickson officiating.

Joseph was born March 19, 1932 the son of Frank and Edna (Martin) Hickson. He attended St. Lawrence Catholic Grade School in Otter Creek and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1949.

He married Ruth Cunningham on September 17th, 1955 and together shared 62 loving years. Joe worked at Celotex Corporation as a maintenance supervisor for over 30 years.  

He was a longtime member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Joe was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Iowa Hawkeyes and loved attending games over the years. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and his dog Smokey.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth; children, Rick (Regina) Hickson of Bumpus Mills TN, Pat (Kathy) Hickson of Dubuque, Karen (Steve) Conrad of Epworth, Ellen (Bob) Sarazin of Dubuque, and Jolene (Fiancé Rich Reinhardt) Arensdorf of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; Brothers, Robert (Rosie) Hickson of Bellevue IA, Raymond Hickson of Otter Creek IA; Brother-in-law David (Linda) Cunningham of Windsor Oregon, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edna Hickson; Father-in-law Francis Cunningham,; Mother-in-law Cora Kratz; and Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Naomi (Ray) Polsean.

A special thank you to Dubuque Fire Department, Dubuque Police Department and Mercy Emergency room staff for their kindness during this difficult time.

A memorial fund will be established at later date. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.