Richard J. "Dick" Wickert

Richard James Wickert of Geneva, Illinois passed peacefully from Alzheimer's on September 26, 2025 at the age of 81. "Dick" Wickert was born in Detroit on January 11, 1944. He was preceded in death by his parents Catherine Hayes and Edward Wickert, his stepfather Richard Palonus, his sister Ann Hanson, and his nephew Keith Hanson.

He is survived by Linda, his wife of 52 years, his daughter Carrie (Dave) Buetow, son Matt (Lauren) Wickert, daughter Alleigh (Eric) Case, granddaughters Rosie and Hattie Buetow, sisters Barbara (Kevin) Johns of Bloomfield Hills, MI and Jenny (Koll) Simonds of Seattle, WA, nieces Krista, Erika, Lindsay, Julie, Diana and many cousins.

Dick grew up in the Detroit area, attending St. Mary's of Redford High School. He graduated with a BS from the University of Detroit, which is where he first met Linda. He taught math and science for a time at Divine Child High School in Dearborn. The couple soon moved to Novi to raise their family and realizing the challenges of doing so on a Catholic school teacher's salary, Dick began selling cars for Demmer Automotive in Wayne, which he did for 35 years. After the kids had grown, Dick and Linda moved to coastal Maine, a part of the country they always loved, and ran a successful bed and breakfast in Ogunquit for 14 years before retiring and eventually moving to Illinois to be closer to family.

Dick was a devout Catholic and his life centered around the faith from an early age as an altar server and later singing in the choir and serving as a lector. He will be remembered by those who loved him as genuine and lovable with a childlike nature and a heart of gold. He had a ready smile and enthusiastic greeting for everyone he met. It was those qualities that made him successful in teaching and later in sales. He was happiest when he stayed busy, usually performing some act of service, often unsolicited. Whether it was putting together Rosie's bike, reading a book with Hattie, painting the trim in Matt's restaurant, or helping Alleigh unpack and move into her first apartment, he was in constant motion. It wasn't uncommon to walk out of the house to see that your car had been detailed and gassed up. Those small gestures were at the core of who he was.

Dick loved to sing tenor in the choir and soon found himself performing on stage in the theatre run by Linda. Novi residents may recall seeing him on the stage in "South Pacific" (Billis), "My Fair Lady", (Col Pickering) and his most favorite- Sancho in "Man of la Mancha". He loved boating and water skiing (well into his 60's), air shows, trains, rollercoasters, walking his "grand dogs" and taking photos and videos of absolutely everything. He was everyone's biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. His trademarked "WOO!" could always be heard in a crowd. He will be so dearly missed by his family and all those who were lucky to have known him.

A visitation for Dick will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of the memorial mass at 11:00 am at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva with Father Ryan Nooraee celebrant. Click on this link to livestream the mass https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=bTHqUwhW2ck

Burial will follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Wheaton.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva. For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.