It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Alma Elizabeth Hickey on November 13th, 2024. She was a woman with extraordinary strength, kindness, and love whose presence brought warmth and light to everyone she encountered.

Alma was born on September 20th, 1933, in Howard County, Iowa. She was the loving daughter of Thomas and Lois (Stanbro) Felper, and she grew up on a farm near Riceville, Iowa. She dedicated her life to her family, always putting others before herself and creating a home filled with love.

Alma was a 1953 graduate of Riceville High School. Following graduation, she met the love of her life, Gene Hickey, and they were married on November 5th, 1955, in Leroy, MN and were married for 55 wonderful years. They made their home in Grand Meadow and farmed in the Ostrander, MN and Riceville, IA areas and they later moved to Orion, IL and lastly to Kewanee, IL.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Donna (Darrell) Souhrada, of Lime Springs, IA, Patricia (Donny) Loughe, Jean Ann Iams, Kathryn Bollinger, all of Kewanee, and Debbie (Mike) Leonard, of Logan, IA, grandchildren Michelle (Steve) Kluesner, Anthony (Jesell) Souhrada, Darrell David (Sarah) Souhrada, Haley (Mike) Langreck, Craig (Lisa) Brokaw, J.J. (Holly) Brokaw, Brooke (Kevin) Kelley, Annie (Doug) Thiem, Alyssa (Lance) Salzmann, Tracy (Crick) SantAmour, Nicholas (Jill) Iams, Cassie (Levi) Lempke, Lacey (Kyle) Golden, Sarah (Pete) Greenhagen, Zachary (Zoye) Bollinger, Brandon (Daci) Bollinger, Jeremy Leonard, Rodney Leonard, Jesse (Brad) Auen, 37 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, her sister Ardelle (Jim) Felper, brother Amil (Leota) Felper, sisters-in-law Mardella Felper and Donna Hickey, brother-in-law Charles (Tracy) Hickey. Her special kitty, Mr. Moo Moo, will miss the love and attention she gave every day.

Alma will be greeted in heaven by her parents, parents-in-law, husband, brothers Arthur and Arnold Felper, sister-in-law, Margaret Streightiff, brothers-in-law Louis Streightiff and James Hickey, 1 niece, 2 nephews, and 2 great grandchildren.

Alma enjoyed occasional trips to the casino, playing cards, fishing, traveling and her morning snack with Mr. Moo Moo. When she was at home you could usually find her playing games on her computer or out in her garage having a cigarette. Alma found great joy in being surrounded by family and friends and treasured the time spent with those closest to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 19 at Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee. The celebrant will be Fr. Ghislain Inai, SMA. A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Monday, November 18 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee followed by recitation of the rosary at 6:00 p.m. An additional visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the services. The burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her name for a memorial to be established.