Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
William "Bill" Hickok
William "Bill" Hickok
Obituary
Guest Book
William "Bill" Hickok Obituary
Bill was born March 20, 1941, to Thad and Lois Hickok in St. Paul. Bill graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1959 and received bachelor's and masters' degrees from St. Cloud State, "the Harvard of the Midwest." Bill began his teaching career in Cleveland, OH and later taught special education in Hutchinson, MN. He also coached countless students in multiple sports - volleyball, basketball, and tennis. His claim to fame was coaching WNBA star, Lindsay Whalen, when she was in middle school; he always said that she had all the talent even back then.
Unable to slow down after retirement, "Mr. Hicky" was a favorite substitute teacher, coach, referee, and umpire. Bill especially loved helping others and was known for his generosity of spirit and playful sense of humor. He enjoyed walking around Lake Nokomis, "wheeling and dealing" at estate sales, going to the cabin on Leech Lake, attending Lynx games, and spending time with his loved ones.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Gary; sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Tom Langlois; and brother-in-law, Ivan Prediger. Bill is survived by his daughter, Chandra Roth; sisters Joan (Rich) Brown, Judy Prediger, and Louise Milke; his brother, Mark; sister-in-law Marijo Hickok; honorary daughter, Kendal Orgera; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church (535 20th Ave, South St. Paul) on Saturday, January 14th (visitation at 10AM, funeral at 11AM).
In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate to Kids In Need Foundation, kinf.org, an organization that supports both students and teachers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Elmer vorlicek
June 7, 2023
He is a role model to me and I will miss him
Travelle Evans-Vann
May 29, 2023
To the Family of "Wild 'Bill'":
I had the pleasure of officiating with "Wild Bill", as I call him, as his partner many times over the past several years. From our first meeting, we hit-it-off and behaved as if we were longtime friends. I will always remember his positive attitude in the face of his health adversities and it was encouraging to see him continue to officiate and as he always stated: officiating provided him with opportunities to get out of the house and interact with of other officials and school communities--including South Saint Paul High School, his alma mater I believe, where we paired to officiate several volleyball matches.
He was an original; and I shall miss his infectious sense of humor!
My condolences to his family on their loss.
Mary Ricker
January 14, 2023
Bill taught me to drive , good memory
Patty (Kirchberg) TenEyck
January 13, 2023
Bill was a gem! I was lucky enough to rent from him mid-90´s and again early 2000´s. His generosity, kindness and goodwill will never be forgotten. His big heart extended to all in his teaching, coaching, helping neighbors, making me laugh after a tough day, and his good humor were just a few highlights of his love for life and others, especially kids in need. Such an active man in community and spirit, and so dedicated to keeping his awesome home on Smith St well maintained. He loved that place, and certainly shared that joy with family & friends. Always a project, a tennis or ball game to coach, a positive attitude and a non-judging friend! The gals who wrote the obituary did such a nice job, bringing tears, laughter and sweet memories. I am forever grateful for having met and spent time with him. Until we meet again dear man, rest in peace! Love Patty
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Tom Imhof
January 13, 2023
I was Bill's volleyball reffing partner twice this year and a number of other times over the years, as well. Bill was very knowledgeable and was always a student of the game. He got along well with the coaches and the players and was fun to work with. He was always substitute teaching somewhere and then racing across town to ref a match. He was very dedicated and I will miss his many coaching and teaching stories. God Bless him and his family!!
Patty (Kirchberg) TenEyck
January 13, 2023
Bill is truly top of the list as most generous, non-judging, kind, good-humored, life-loving person I’ve known. I rented from Bill mid 90s and again early 2000’s. His obituary brought back awesome memories of his treasured life hobbies, playful humor and highlights in his career and life. He never failed to cheer others up whether good days or bad. His love, appreciation and dedication to his awesome home on Smith Ave, his teaching and coaching activities, not to mention his true joy of estate sales and fixing things up to give away to anyone in need, especially kids, makes him one of the most admirable people anyone could know. I will forever treasure these memories, and SO pray that he is enjoying a special place in Heaven for his dedications, generosity, commitment and love to those fortunate enough to have been in his life here on earth! Thank you, Dearest Bill, for showing so many of us how to model our lives in the absolute best ways with the gifts we may not have even know we were blessed with! I know we’ll see you again!✝❤ Until then, Thank You again, Bill
Danielle Christensen
January 13, 2023
Mr. H was my favoritex500 teacher. He was so positive, funny, bright, and encouraging. I was still really hoping to run into him again someday, but it looks like that reunion will have to wait a bit longer. He seriously was the best and touched so many of our lives in a very unique way. We will miss you, Mr. Hicky!!!
Ashley rettke
January 12, 2023
I am so sad and hurt. I was a student of his at simley . He was my favorite, and I always looked forward to going to school because of him. After high school, I would always run into him and we would catch up. He met my little boy ! He always said how much of a sweetie I am, and he would always love me. He´s so caring . He showed up at my graduation party and surprised me !! I will never forget that !! I will forever love and miss him always !!!! Prayers to the family !!!!
Hap LeVander
January 12, 2023
Bill was 7 years old, and I was 8 years old when the Hickok family moved into our 15th Avenue North neighborhood. Bill and I became lifelong friends. We played endless tennis on the 15th Avenue courts, and we played football, baseball, and hockey on the vacant lot across the street from the Schumacher house. We weren´t above some neighborhood hijinks either, i.e ringing neighbor door bells at night, throwing snowballs from the bluff above Concord St., and releasing the dogs from the cage in the back of the city dog catcher´s pick up truck! Bill was good guy and a faithful friend. I will greatly miss him. Hap LeVander
Sharon Walsh Thompson
January 12, 2023
He was a great Uncle to have. Always in your corner, and would do anything for you. Sold my 1st husband Carl and I a car that he had bought and fixed up, for I´m sure, well below what he payed for it. He hosted over the top Xmas parties and always had a gift for every child present. He will be missed. He´s off to the Big Know, May he find a team to coach and some nice sunsets to photograph.
Pictured with Gary and Jon, on Gary´s last birthday.
Destiny and Miguel Lopez
January 12, 2023
Wow you will be truly missed. You were an amazing spirit to be around. The whole class would be so excited if you were there that day. I will always cherish our conversations.
Carl Madsen
January 11, 2023
Bill was a good man who was a father figure for my niece Chandra her entire life. He was an avid collector and spent a lot of time at various estate sales, always looking for something that would make one of his friends or family smile. For years he lived in a grand house on Smith Ave in St Paul, a real beauty that he was very proud of, and he rented out rooms and threw an amazing Christmas party every year. Chris and Chandra lived in one of those rooms for a few years and they remained life-long friends, with Chandra taking care of Bill in his final years. He loved the northwoods and enjoyed his time away from the city. He always called me Uncle Carl, and it became a term of endearment. Chandra said he called me Uncle Carl as late as last week. I will miss you Bill.
Perry Coonce
January 10, 2023
Knew Bill since SSPHS where he was the first girls varsity volleyball coach hired by Pete Veldman. Neither him (admittedly) or Veldman knew the sport but both treated it seriously and learned . Officiated with Bill in one of his last matches this fall at St Croix Lutheran ( formerly Brady) where Bill also served as the head coach . Bill was always very friendly and enjoyed being involved in the competition and learned to know and love the games he coached . Will miss you Bill, along with your officiating brethren where you were always willing to help out !
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in William "Bill" Hickok's name
How to support William "Bill"'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William "Bill" Hickok's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
