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Edward Fickenscher Obituary

Fickenscher, Edward R. born September 27, 1943 in LaSalle, IL, passed away suddenly on September 12, 2012. He was a devoted and loving husband, a caring father, an adoring grandfather, a loving brother and dedicated friend. Ed spent his childhood up and down the East Coast. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1965, Ed served as a naval officer for 25 years, during which he received an MBA from University of Virginia. His most rewarding career accomplishment was during his command of the Destroyer USS Ingersoll DD 990 when he rescued 28 Vietnamese refugees at the end of the Vietnam War. Later he served as the chief of staff for the commander of the USN Middle East Force. After retiring from the Navy, Ed worked for Washington University, where he became the Director of Business Development in the Department of Technology Management. Ed's family was his biggest passion. Ed is survived by his cherished wife, Marsha; children, Stephanie Fickenscher, Juli Blois (Mike), Elaine Fickenscher, Louis Fickenscher, Brooke Williams (Chris), Heidi Paul (Brian), Brandi Mason (Dave), siblings, Carol Russell (Mark), Leif Fickenscher; grandchildren, and many relatives. Preceded in death, he joins his parents and his sister, Mary Herlihy. Services: A memorial service celebrating Ed's life will be held at 1pm, Sept 21 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 9 S. Bompart. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Down Syndrome Congress, St. Louis Mid County YMCA, or the St. Louis Women's Safe House would be appreciated. Arrangements by BOPP Chapel.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Sep. 16, 2012.

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Bud Starr

September 10, 2022

Can not believe it has been ten years ....Ed was such a great person.

Greg Lumb

November 11, 2014

Commander Fickenscher was my C.O. aboard the USS Ingersoll. He was a person who conducted himself with great professionalism while at the same time making each sailor aboard the ship know they were an important member of the crew. It was with sadness I came across the news of his passing as I was honoring this Veteran's Day by visiting the history of our great ship and it's crew. His memory lives on in those who served under him.

Philip Madlem

January 27, 2014

My email is [email protected]
I no longer live in Portland Oregon. My wife and I left the US in 2002 and we are now living in Lucena City, Philippines. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about Captain Fickenscher while on the USS Ingersoll DD-990

Philip Madlem

January 27, 2014

He was my Commanding Officer on the USS Ingersoll DD-990. I was onboard when we rescued the refugees from that small boat in the middle of the ocean. It was quite an ordeal. He was a fantastic Skipper and a wonderful man. I have fond memories of him and will miss him.

January 26, 2014

Farewell and following seas Captain.........as a plankowner member of the USS Ingersoll (DD-990).....my fist ship, and the best Captain I ever served under.
DS1(SW) Dwayne "Boo" Humphries

Judy Wood

January 1, 2013

I was in Ed's graduating class at Darden.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ed's family.
Best Regards,
Judy (McDaniel) Wood

John Lamming

October 7, 2012

I was very saddened to hear this news. I knew Ed as a colleague at Washington University and enjoyed working with him on many projects over a number of years.

Chris Douthit

October 6, 2012

To the Fickenscher family -

It is with a very heavy heart I write these words. Capt. Fickenscher was our CO when the Ingersoll was commissioned. As a plankowner I was most fortunate to have known him.

He was a most honorable, honest, and caring officer. He suggested I attend OCS and was prepared to assist me. I returned to North Dakota, received my education, went into education and am now a high school principal. The inspiration and confidence he instilled in me is applied daily.

Yours is a most fortunate family having had him - Capt. Fickenscher's legacy will be secure for many, many years. I wish each of you well as you move forward.

With much respect -
Chris Douthit

Mary and Sidney Vincent

October 5, 2012

Ed's smile was constant. It was something you could always count on. In that way he reminds me of my dad. He was also the last of the great gentlemen.

Ted Cicero

September 25, 2012

I forgot to include my name on the prior post today

September 25, 2012

Ed worked for me for 10 years when I was Vice-Chancellor for research at Washington University. He not only was a good employee, but he gave me excellent advice. He was a generous and kind man and I will miss him

Jane Pendergast

September 24, 2012

Last time I saw Ed was in 1984 when my husband, his Uncle Penny died. Sorry to say I lost contact with him altho I did try to reach him and was never successful. I have nothing but fond memories of my brother's son.

Chuck, Shannon, Phillip, Peyton Ray

September 20, 2012

Marsha and family, we are so sorry for your precious loss. I know you will miss him terribly but we rejoice in knowing you will see him again. Our family will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Sure wish we were there to give you Big hugs.. Love and Prayers!

September 20, 2012

Ed was truly a caring, wonderful and intelligent man . I will certainly miss him my deepest sympathy to his wife and four children and his three step children.
Bud Starr

Sanjay Agrawal

September 20, 2012

When I was a graduate student at the University of Texas, we had to find a technology to commercialize. Ed was kind enough to help me and discuss the ropes to commercialize the tech. I'm very grateful for his kindness. My thoughts are with his family.

Jim Brasunas

September 20, 2012

My thoughts and best wishes to Ed's family. Ed was a kind and insightful man, and will be missed by many.

Garry Tobin

September 19, 2012

I enjoyed working with ED and his no nonsense approach to intellectual property. He will be missed at WU.

Lissa Johnson

September 19, 2012

The Director and staff at the Center for Social Development at WU send condolences to the family. We have worked with Ed since 1998. He was an important contributor to helping the Center launch the first ever commercial software to assist non-profit agencies in managing matched savings accounts for low income family clients. He was a great friend and colleague and we will miss him very much.

Dennis Guilliams

September 19, 2012

Ed made the world a better place. His laughter, love and positive spirit enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Becky Olsen

September 18, 2012

Ed was such a charming, loving and fun cousin. He made growing up so special with his visits to LaSalle.
Ed was a master storyteller of his boyhood stories of memories of the island and his escapades with Uncle Luke.
One of my fondest memories is sailing on his catamaran with Eddie at the helm with a big grin on his face.
He will be missed greatly and will always hold a special place in my heart.

Ron Cytron

September 17, 2012

Ed was among the first faces I met when we came to Washington University. We rented his house on Yale, so I first knew him as a landlord, but came to admire him even more as he worked with me and my colleagues on patents. He will be greatly missed, and my thoughts are with his family.

Isabel Acevedo

September 17, 2012

Ed, Thank you for being a wonderful mentor and friend. You will be missed greatly.

Bob Morley

September 17, 2012

It was heaps of fun working with Ed as our liaison to licensees of our IP in the EE Department. And Ed seemed to have an endless supply of energy and girl scout cookies. The cookies I can do without, Ed though, will be missed greatly.

debbie evans

September 17, 2012

Dear Marsha,
My deepest sympathy go to you and your family. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort and joy in the memories of the life that you shared.

William R. Schulte

September 16, 2012

Edward was the older brother I never had. I admired him greatly and will miss him terribly. He was incredibly smart and had impeccable manners.

Jane & Pat Finnigan

September 16, 2012

Eddie was a kind and generous man. He was also our dear cousin, and we will miss him very much.

Kelly Hattle

September 16, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sadness, and may your family find peace and solace.
I will miss our wonderful talks, Angel lunches and his friendship.
May the memories of his friendship and laughter be everlasting.

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