Rodney D. Hicks, 70 of Eau Claire passed away on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Dove Healthcare-West.

Rodney was born on February 20, 1947 to Hobert and Harriet (Whaley) Hicks in Superior, Wisconsin.  He graduated from Memorial High School in 1965.  He then attended the Chippewa Valley Technical College and graduated with a degree in Accounting. Following school, he enlisted in the U.S Army where he served three years, including one year in Vietnam.   He married Kathleen Jo Bailey in 1973, they later divorced.   

Rodney worked at Eau Claire Book & Stationery for ten years before taking a job with the Waupun State Prison as a purchaser for six months before transferring to the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire where he worked in housekeeping for the dorms.  He later became the custodial supervisor for all the dorms.  He was very active in hosting foreign exchange students for the University.  He was fond of camping and photography, especially flowers.  He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, his adopted dog “Shooter”, and going out to eat with his good friend Jim. 

Rodney is survived by his sons, Matthew Hicks and Adam (Laura) Hicks; grandchildren, Maxwell, Harrison, Owen, Preston, and Kellen Hicks; brother, Gregory (Shannon) Hicks; aunt, Gert Christianson; uncle, Dennis (Renee) Hicks; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; and many uncles and aunts.  

The family would like to thank the staff of Mayo Home Health Hospice and Dove Healthcare – West for their exceptional care of Rod. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel.  Private family burial will take place at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Spooner, WI. 

13 Comments

  1. Somebody said that nobody dies as long as that person lives in our hearts. You, dear Rod, were like a father to me and I am grateful for having met you. You will always live in my heart and I will always remember you in my prayers.

  2. My sincere condolences for the passing away of Rodney, a great friend. He will always be remembered for his kindness and good nature.

  3. I am so sorry for his lost! He is in a nice place by now and he does’nt suffer any more. He will be in our heart and in my mine. I will never forget him! Thank you Rod!
    Paz &fortaleza a su familia!

  4. My deepest condolences to Rod’s family and friends. Enjoyed working with him at UW Housing. He was a generous and caring man and enjoyed hosting students from around the world.

  5. Rod, you are in heaven now! And guess what? …you don’t pay taxes there! 🙂 Because of Rod, I experienced first hand that America is a wonderful place. Because of Rod, I know America has wonderful people. Because of Rod, I know the world is and can be a better place. Because of Rod, I know that barriers can be broken, bridges can be built, and then the best of human nature comes afloat. Because of Rod, I know that I have to keep writing and speaking better grammatically correct American English (I am still trying, Rod!). Because of Rod, I learned that hard works pays and that good-fun and camaraderie while working build lasting bonds! Rod was a good-natured, humble, photography-loving man that show to foreign exchange students like me the good side of this great country. America and the world needs more guys like you. THANKS ROD! THANK YOU! May God bless you always! Sincerely, Frankeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee….!

  6. My condolences to you Matt and Adam. As you know we all loved Rod. He could take a joke and give even a dirtier one right back. He was great. He was an awesome supervisor when I worked for him at UWEC and he will be missed.

    Stay strong guys. He’s for sure in a better place now.

  7. My sincere condolences to Rod’s family. Rod was kind to hire me right after I’d been in legal trouble, something others no doubt would have hesitated to do. That was something special about him; I think he saw the good in people and he believed in helping if he could. I wish I could have been in town for the visitation.

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