Carol M. Hicks

Carol Marie Hawley Hicks, 88, died peacefully in her sleep at home in Beaver Dam, WI, on January 17, 2026. 

On November 10, 1937, Carol was born to Hazel Rachel Hartmann Hawley and Forrest Marvin Hawley in Madison, WI. Carol was the youngest of three sisters. She grew up in Madison and graduated from West High School in 1955. Carol worked in retail in Madison and as a billing clerk at Beaver Dam Community Hospital for 20 years.

Carol met Harold Joseph Hicks from South Bend, IN, on a blind date in 1952. Carol and Harold were married on November 5, 1955. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Together, they were proud parents of three children: Sandra Jean Hicks Koehn, Susan Elizabeth Hicks Williams, and Lonny Forrest Hicks. They raised their family in Madison until they moved to Beaver Dam in 1976. Shortly after, Lonny, age 15, tragically died in an accident, leaving a hole in their hearts and inspiring them to connect with other families navigating the loss of a child.

She and Harold valued adventure, visiting almost every state, exploring National Parks, and cruising with family and friends. They relished family vacations to northern Wisconsin in the summer. As avid Brewers fans, Carol and Harold followed every game, even traveling to Arizona for Spring Training. Carol enjoyed keeping up with family and friends on Facebook and eagerly posted the scores of each Brewers game.

Carol loved and supported every member of her family. She and Harold encouraged all of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren through their various activities throughout life. She had the gift of hospitality and loved feeding people. If you came through her door, she greeted you with a hug and made sure you had something to eat.

She loved her church family at Grace Presbyterian Church, where she was called to serve as an Elder and sang in the choir. Carol had a servant heart, a welcoming spirit, and her smile radiated her love of life. She will be missed by many.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Hazel Hawley; son, Lonny Hicks; sister, JoAnn Hawley; and brothers-in-law, Donald Behnke and Steve Sayer. Surviving Carol are her beloved husband, Harold Hicks; daughters, Sandra Koehn, and Sue Williams (Carrot); sister, Elaine Behnke; grandchildren: Paula Koehn (Ronald Kirby), Jessica Koehn, Rachel Williams, Angela Tyler-Williams (Adelyn), Nathaniel Williams (Kelsey); great-grandson, Austin Koehn; and sister-in-law, Jeaneen Shaefer. She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews.

The Celebration of Life Service will be 12:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Grace Presbyterian Church (215 Gould St. Beaver Dam, WI, 53916). Family will receive visitors at 11:00 AM, and a luncheon will follow the service.

Memorials may be sent to the Music Ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church at 215 Gould St. Beaver Dam, WI, 53916, or to Iglutheca, an organization providing a pathway for homeless Lakotas out of addiction and poverty, at P.O. Box 5005 Pine Ridge, SD, 57770.