Fred Wicks

Fredrick Eugene Wicks, 89, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026. He was born on November 5, 1936, in Gary, Indiana, to Lyle and Evelyn (McKay) Wicks.

Fred married the love of his life, Barbara, in 1978, and together they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, family, and cherished memories.  He attended South Beloit High School and began his career with Ingersoll Milling Machine Company on January 2, 1954. Fred dedicated more than 44 years of service to the company before retiring on October 6, 1998.

A man devoted to both his faith and community, Fred was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church. Throughout his life, he generously gave his time in service to others, serving as a Boy Scout leader, volunteer firefighter and captain, member of the South Beloit City Council, and member of the Ingersoll Milling Machine Company Retirees Association. In his free time, he enjoyed cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs, remaining a loyal fan throughout his life.

Fred is survived by his wife, Barbara Wicks; his children, Rodney (Eve) Wicks, Curtis Wicks, Laurie (John) Swanson, Lesly (Darlene) Wicks, Rhonda (James) Wicks, Thomas (Tammy) Hancock, and Curtis (Tina) Hancock; his brother, Laurie (Patricia) Wicks; his sister, Diana Schroeder; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Evelyn Wicks; infant daughter, Trudy Wicks; sisters, Geraldine Cliffe, Gwendolyn Visgar, and Eleanor Hammer; brothers, Lyle “Bud” Wicks, Glenn Wicks, and Garth Wicks; stepfather, Newell “Tex” Stewart; brothers-in-law, Francis Cliffe, Richard Schroeder, Berley Visgar, and Clair Hammer; and sister-in-law, Roseleen Wicks.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Other funeral arrangements are pending.  

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