Ryan Douglas Hicks

Ryan Douglas Hicks, 37, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 4, 2021.  Born July 7, 1984 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Doug and Connie (Westfall) Hicks. 

Ryan honorably served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army. Trained as a mechanic, Ryan completed tours in Afghanistan and Haiti. He graduated Phi Theta Kappa from Waukesha County Technical College. Ryan was a skilled IT Specialist for Rescue Dog Technology, fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing team.  

Ryan's greatest accomplishment and joy were his twin sons, Douglas and Daniel. He focused on making life-long memories every summer with his boys. They loved fishing, tubing, amusement parks and arcades. They were especially thrilled to work alongside their Dad this past summer as IT interns at Rescue Dog.

A ghost hunting enthusiast, Ryan investigated paranormal activities with the WHIPIT group. He also enjoyed playing mud volleyball with friends and spending time with family, traveling home every weekend with his sidekick, Zelda.

Ryan will forever be remembered for his kind heart and infectious laugh. He was always there for his family, lending a hand without hesitation, helping his mom with holiday decorations, hanging Christmas lights for his sister and never missing a special event for his nieces and nephews. Ryan would give you the shirt off his back. His folks would tell you he was loved more than Dr Pepper and Diet Coke!

Ryan is survived by his beloved sons, Douglas and Daniel (13); and their mother, Kendra Garrao; parents, Doug and Connie Hicks; siblings, Shannon Love, Rachael Guess; sister-in-law, Sarah Doyle; proud uncle to Jacob and Jackson Doyle, Mackenzie and Madison Hicks, Gabriella Guess; and he will be forever missed by his special pup, Zelda. Ryan was predeceased in death by his brother, Shane Doyle and brother-in-law, Freddie Guess.

There will be a visitation for Ryan on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL.  Celebration of life immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to establish a trust for his sons, Douglas and Daniel.

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