Gene Hickey, 89, of DeKalb, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Oak Crest Retirement Center.

He was born January 27, 1937, in Shabbona, IL, the son of Donald and Erma (Knutson) Hickey. Gene married Myrna Voga on March 5, 1960, at St. Petrie Church in Baker, IL.

He is survived by his two sons, Troy (Lesa) Hickey of Robinson, IL, and Tal (Trudy) Hickey of Sycamore; grandchildren Mariah (Noah) Bennett, Olivia (Martin) Curtright, Megan Hickey, Connor (Paige) Hickey; great grandchildren Remi and Rori Bennett, Liam and Luke Curtright, Dean and Reese Hickey; sisters-in-law Darlene Sinnen, Nancy Jordal; and companion, Hope Willrett.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Myrna; grandson Mitchell (in infancy); brother-in-law Dennis Voga and sister-in-law Judy Bowling.

Gene graduated from Shabbona High School, where he was an outstanding basketball player. He joined the Army National Guard in 1956 and served until 1962. Gene worked at DeKalb Agriculture for 27 years. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sycamore where he played dartball for several years. He was an avid sports fan, with the Green Bay Packers being his favorite team to cheer for. He also played softball for many years with the DeKalb County Farm Bureau 35ers. Gene was a woodworking enthusiast, he dedicating countless hours to crafting cabinets, shelves, and baskets at his saw. He loved the Northwoods and a good Wisconsin brandy old-fashioned.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Crest Retirement Center, Heartland Hospice, and Home Instead for their exceptional care and compassion.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 at St. John Lutheran Church in Sycamore, with service at 11:30 and a luncheon to follow.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hickey Family, in care of Anderson Funeral Home. For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.