Obituary of Thomas J. Hickey

Thomas J. Hickey, 91, formerly of Bettendorf, and Dubuque, died Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 AM Saturday, May 30, 2015, at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bettendorf, Iowa. Interment will be held at a later date at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the funeral home on the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Thomas Joseph Hickey was born April 19, 1924, in Dubuque, the son of Frank and Mae (Beaver) Hickey. Following graduation from Loras Academy in 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country with honor and respect during WWII, serving in the Sea of Japan. Returning to Iowa he married RoseMarien Boyle on July 11, 1949, in Chicago. They made their home in Dubuque, where they raised their three children. Thomas became partners with Frank Hickey in Hickey Reality of Dubuque, which they owned and operated for over thirty years before retiring. Upon retirement, Thomas and RoseMarien moved to Bettendorf where they have continued to reside. Thomas believed in his God, his family and his country. He has spent his lifetime active in his church, the past 20 years at St. John Vianney in Bettendorf. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, member of the American Legion, VFW and the Dubuque Men's Association. But near and dear to his heart was his family, especially as the grandchildren and great-grandchildren began to arrive. Survivors include his wife, RoseMarien; son, David and his wife, Linda Hickey of Tucson, AZ; daughters, Susan Hayakawa and her husband, Mitsuru of Japan; and Mary Beachler and her husband, Jim of Cedar Rapids; 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and his brother, Jack Hickey and his wife, Velma in Tucson. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Frank and David Hickey; and his sister, Mary Eleanor Kalinowski. Memorials may be sent to Knights of Columbus or any injured veterans organization.