Obituary of Willis Richard Wickham

W.R. Dick Wickham Newton Dick Wickham, 84 passed away Friday, evening, October 24, 2014, at Newton Health Care Center, in Newton, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Dick was born in Kewanee, Illinois on December 9, 1929. He was raised in Sheffield, Illinois and lived his adult life in Newton, Iowa. He proudly served his country with United States Army in the Korean War. Upon return he was united in marriage to Laura French on May 13, 1956, in Prairie City. To this union two sons Greg and Doug were born. Dick worked for thirty plus years at Maytag as an industrial engineer, retiring in 1994. Dick enjoyed Hawkeye football, basketball, and the Chicago Bears. He also enjoyed watching horse racing, playing golf and completing the New York Times crossword puzzles. Dick is survived by his wife Laura, a son Doug (Angie) of Ankeny. He is also survived by his sister Saundra (Will) Hoerr of Millstadt, IL. and their son Bruce. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son Greg, and niece Kristy. Family services will be at a later date. Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the arrangements. Dick showed his toughness and resiliency to the very end. In lieu of flowers memorials in Dick's name may be designated: to the Salvation Army in his honor.