Stan Earl Hickerson

Stan Earl Hickerson "walked on" in Rockford, Illinois, on February 9, 2026, just shy of his 70th birthday, and two years after his diagnosis of glioblastoma.

"Stan the Man" was born in Decatur, Illinois, on March 10, 1956, to Emma Lou and Earl Wallace Hickerson. He was the third child and only boy in the family, surrounded by his feisty sisters, Vicki (Steve) Johnson, Beverly (Owen) Johnson, and Toni (Joe) Bellino. Stan's family moved around often with Earl's job in TV sports announcing, from Oklahoma City to Greensboro, NC, before settling into Rockford, where Earl helped establish the first CBS affiliate here, Channel 23 (WCEE, now WIFR). The Hickersons were a boisterous, tight-knit family, bound together by ample love and laughter.

Stan inherited his love of music from his mother, Lou, and his love for performing from his father, Earl. From age 10, he began playing the drums and singing in bands and continued into his mid-60s, later discovering talents for songwriting, composing, recording, producing, and playing the guitar. Stan played in countless bands and genres over the decades: In Crowd (New Wave), The Screaming Yahoos (Rockabilly), Big Earl and The Falcons (Americana). He also worked with talented producers and musicians in Nashville, TN, and Minneapolis, MN.

Stan graduated from Guilford High School in 1974 and attended Rock Valley College for fine arts and music. He was also an incredibly talented drawer and painter who loved surrealism.

But the real love of his life was Juanita Paulette (nee Wacker), whom he met through his youngest sister, Toni. They were married on August 2, 1980, and lived a fun and meaningful life together for 45 years, filled with love and creativity. He adored and was forever devoted to Juanita. Stan was also a doting father of Alison Elaine (David), their only daughter. Stan instilled his love of music in her, and together they recorded many songs, from her "ABCs" on, singing in tight harmonies and even appearing on stage together in musicals - despite Stan's distaste for musical theater.

Music called Stan and his family to the Twin Cities in 1987, eventually landing in Eagan, MN, for around two decades, then a short stint working in Charlotte, NC, for part of his long tenure at Wells Fargo printing division, before finally returning home to Rockford in 2012.

Stan was loved by all who knew him. He had a magnetic, larger-than-life personality and a wicked sense of humor with a penchant for sight gags. He was the type to make up inappropriate lyrics to beloved Christmas songs, but also a softie, and a steadfast friend. He was joyful, a smartass, and a truthteller. A poetic writer, and yet, the life of the party. He was also very loved and adored by his many nieces and nephews: Matt, Luke (Cindy), Carrie (Rick), Jessie, Jeff (Abby), Eric (Jen), Ian, Rachel (Mike), and Reed (Val).

Stan lived by his father Earl's mantra, "How do you know it's bad?" - applying these wise words to whatever difficulties came his way. This was especially evident during his many leg surgeries and during his experience with cancer. Stan never asked, "Why me?"

He also processed his life through the music he wrote and would refer to many of his friends by their instruments. He longed for retirement, where he could play his guitar all day, and we are dreaming of him living out that dream as he rests in peace. We can hear him singing. The Lakota people say someone has "walked on" rather than "passed away," but we like to think that Stan is instead "rocking on."

He made us all better just by knowing him. May his memory be a blessing.

His family will hold a private celebration of his life and music for friends and family in the coming weeks, to be announced on his CaringBridge page. Ali is also building a full library of his recordings over 40+ years at https://soundcloud.com/stanearl.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the following charities if you feel so inclined: Glioblastoma Foundation, which provides support to patients and caregivers, or the Rock & Roll Institute.

Stan was able to be with us for two more years thanks to the medical care he received from:

-Neurosurgeon Dr. Mustafa Baskaya and neuro-oncologist Dr. Ankush Bhatia, along with nurse practitioners Letitia Gannon and Liza Gatley, and patient navigator Jocelyn Grendahl at UW Madison

-Oncology team at Carbone Cancer Center, including Dr. Joycelyn Speight, Dr. Fahrettin Covut, and Dr. Abdul Kahn

-Primary care physician Dr. Mohammed Kahn

-Northern Illinois Hospice team, especially: Drew, Netta, Meryll, and Mallory