Orville Frederick Hicks

Orville Frederick Hicks, 94, passed away on July 27, 2013 in New Richmond, WI. He was born on September 29, 1918 in Chicago, IL to Frieda (Dohse) and Henry Hicks.

Orville grew up in Chicago, IL and graduated from Amundson High School in 1936. After high school Orville worked in Chicago then joined the U.S.Navy at the start of World War II. He met his wife, Betty Thompson, at a U.S.O. dance and they married on June 24, 1944 in Chicago. Orville graduated from the X-Ray Technician program at The Norwegian American Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.

Orville and Betty moved to La Crosse in 1950. Orville worked at the La Crosse Hospital and the Gundersen Clinic until his retirement in 1980. Orville was involved in many organizations in La Crosse. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Y.M.C.A., P.T.A. and several groups at the Masonic Temple. He was active with the Masons, Scottish Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, Jobs Daughters and the Firehouse Jesters Shrine clown group. His clown name was Big O. His happiest days were spent marching in parades, entertaining elementary school children and clowning at the Shrine Circus.

Orville will be remembered by his family as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son Frederick Hicks of Lodi, CA; daughter Phyllis Hicks (Dave Schleh) of Stillwater, MN; grandchildren Jason Hicks, Jamie Robillard (Brian); Caroline Schleh and great-granddaughter Eleanor Robillard.

Orville was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, and his brother Elmer.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 2thndth, 2013 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, La Crosse. Pastor J. Taylor Haley will officiate. Family and friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of services with a Masonic Service at 10:45 AM. Committal services will be held in the Calvary Cemetery, Cobb, WI.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children-Twin Cities. 2025 E. River Pkwy Minneapolis, MN 55414.