Barbara Ann Bicker

After struggling with Parkinson's Disease and dementia, Barbara Ann Bicker of Fish Creek, WI, formerly of Kerrville, TX, Olympia Fields, IL and Freeport, IL, passed away on April 1, 2025. She leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Keith Bicker and their daughter, Alison DuCharm of St. Charles, IL. Their son, Andrew, passed away in 2018. Barbara is also survived by five grandchildren: Georgana DuCharm, Amelia DuCharm, Lilah DuCharm, Sofia Bicker and Nolan Bicker.
Barbara was born on July 25, 1943, in Freeport, IL to Walter and Marion (Hardacre) Engels. After graduating from Freeport High School in 1961, Southern Illinois University (Bachelor's) in 1965, and Govenor's State University (Master's) in 1970, she began and ended her 34 year teaching career in Park Forest, Illinois.
Throughout her life, Barbara had a deep devotion to five things: children, education, baking, her ornaments, and travel. As a Mom, Grandmother, Teacher, and Reading Specialist, she dedicated her life to inspiring a love of learning, especially reading, in children whether they were her own children, her grandchildren, her students, children of friends or children that just needed a little extra love and support.
Before retiring, Barbara lovingly designed and hand-sewed felt Christmas ornaments that adorned plates of her homemade Christmas cookies and were delivered, each year, to the homes of friends and family. After retirement, these ornaments would be sold at craft fairs with proceeds donated to the Fish Creek Library. Her donations purchased $26,540 in children's books. These books, stamped with her name, are read every year by local and visiting children to Door County, Wisconsin.
Barbara's love of travel led her to visit, first with her family and later in retirement with Keith, 49 states and 34 countries. Even after dementia had set in, she still had vivid memories of visiting, among other places: Europe, Scandinavia, South America, Australia, Russia and China.
We invite family and friends to gather Saturday, May 10 to share memories of Barbara during a Celebration of Life. It will take place, from 1:00-4:00 PM at The Fish Creek Village Hall, 4176 Maple, Fish Creek, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fish Creek Library. For more information, please call (630) 975-1022.