Bruce Pierce Bickner

1943 - 2025

BRUCE PIERCE BICKNER
Born: September 21, 1943
Died: October 21, 2025
Bruce Pierce Bickner, age 82, of Sycamore, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on October 21, 2025. Born on September 21, 1943, in Chicago, IL, Bruce was the son of Dorothy Margaret (Pierce) and Arno Adalbert Bickner. He grew up in Chicago and went on to lead a life defined by achievement, service, and dedication to his profession, his community, and his family.
Bruce attended North Park Academy and later earned a degree in political science from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. He then earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, MI, where he also served as an editor for the Michigan Law Review.
After law school, Bruce served as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) office of the U.S. Army. He was also a member of the National Guard. Bruce then continued his legal career at Sidley & Austin.
In 1983, Bruce began his 27-year career with DEKALB AgResearch. He served as chairman and CEO of DEKALB, where he championed major advancements in agricultural biotechnology, including the genetic transformation of corn to improve resistance to herbicides and pests. Bruce later served as Executive Vice President for Monsanto's global seed business after DEKALB was sold to Monsanto.
Bruce also held leadership roles at DEKALB Energy, Nicor, Inc., and Castle Banc Group, Inc. In total, he served on the corporate boards of over a dozen companies, leaving a lasting impact on each.
Bruce's civic involvement was equally impressive. He served as CEO and chairman of the board of trustees at North Park University in Chicago and was a member of the board of visitors at DePauw University. At the University of Michigan, Bruce was on the president's advisory council and chair of the campaign steering committee. He was also named a distinguished alumnus of the University of Michigan Law School Locally, Bruce was active in the Hillcrest Covenant Church, chaired the Illinois Area YMCA Swim Committee, and served as the chair of Kishwaukee Community Hospital in DeKalb, IL.
While raising his family with wife Joan, Bruce enjoyed spending time on Lake Buckatabon in Conover, WI. He cherished sharing his love for Turtle Rock with his children and grandchildren, passing down the joys of fishing and waterskiing. If it was a beautiful, sunny day he would refer to it as, "diamonds on the lake". Bruce's claim to fame was that he barefooted until he was 60, water skied and snow skied until he was 75. He was also an avid sports fan cheering on the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, White Sox and of course, the Michigan Wolverines.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Arno Bickner. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joan (Johnson) Bickner; three children, Brian (Amy) Bickner, Kevin (Marcia) Bickner, and Julie (Eric Nielsen) Bickner; and nine grandchildren: Ava, Callie, and Brooklyn Bickner; Gavin and Owen Bickner; Jocelyn and Mya Bickner; and Helena and Scarlett Nielsen.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30th at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, IL from 3-7 pm and a memorial service will be held on Friday, October 31stat 11:00 am at Hillcrest Covenant Church in DeKalb, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hillcrest Covenant Church, Kishwaukee YMCA, North Park University or a charity of your choice. Bruce's kindness will be felt for generations to come, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.