Obituaries
Obituary: Elmer D. Hickey
Elmer, a proud member of the Pipefitter's Union 597, spent his career building a reputation as a skilled welder.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Elmer D. Hickey
Elmer D. Hickey age 87, went to rest Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL. He was born in Meade County, Kansas, at his mother’s family farm.
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Elmer, a proud member of the Pipefitter’s Union 597, spent his career building a reputation as a skilled welder. When he and his family moved to Joliet, there was a welding inspector that could spot his welds from a mile away, always proving his skill in his craft. Never one to slow down, he filled his time by square dancing and bowling with his wife and fishing with family. He also liked spending time with his family and friends at the family resort, frying chicken and catfish. Always a man who enjoyed a good deal, he spent countless weekends at the flea market teaching Kelly and Greg how to barter.
In true fashion, retirement just left him more time for hobbies, teaching himself chainsaw carving in his backyard. In his chainsaw carving travels across the country, Elmer made many great friends from all over the world, like Bud Hainzinger, and was able to show his creativity through his hands and hard work. When he wasn’t chainsaw carving, he was spending time with his many grandchildren, going to breakfast with Emelia, trying to teach Ashley to carve, teaching Chloe how to drive and make popcorn on the stove, getting a helpful hand and a good conversation from Bryan at carving events, and all around being the most loving, strong, and present grandfather anyone could ask for.
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Elmer is survived by his wife, Janice Hickey (Hogg); son, Greg (Heidi) Hickey; daughters both biological and chosen, Rebecca Neighbors, Donna Sefcik, Deana (Kevin) Markley, Kelly (Steve) Miller, and Christina Rednour; grandchildren, Johnathan and Bryan Sefcik, Sarah (Patrick) Rutherford, Christina Bak, Corey (Kelly) Neighbors, Ashley (Brandon) Miller, Chloe (Jacob) Taheny, Melissa Hickey, Jesse, Haley, and Travis Rednour, Joseph Requena, and Emelia Mendez; great-grandchildren, Jena Bak, Ethan, Emma, Evan, and Esabelle Sefcik, Dominic and Evelyn Neighbors, Aiden, Hunter, and Lydia Rutherford, Corey O’Brien, Brice Bak, Luca (James) Sefcik, and future namesake Rowan Dean Taheny.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Glen and Annie Alice (Pope) Hickey; siblings, Leroy (Sonny) Hickey and Glenda Anne Weeks (Hickey); nephew, Randall Hickey, and great-granddaughter Skyler Rutherford.
A Memorial Gathering for Elmer D. Hickey will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. Joliet, IL, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. As it was Elmer’s request, cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Sam’s Hope Foundation of Montana would be appreciated.
For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
