Norman D. Dicks, of Quincy, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Blessing Hospital on January 24, 2026 — or as peacefully as Norm did anything. Norm was born on June 28, 1942, the second of four children to Alfred “Butch” and Jean (McIntyre) Dicks. He attended Emerson Grade School and then Quincy Junior High, where he met his future wife, Anita. He went on to Quincy Senior High School, graduating in 1960. While at Quincy High, Norm proudly played football and enjoyed many successful seasons — on a team that was later inducted into the Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame. Before graduation, Norm enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1960 to 1964. He was a Vietnam-era veteran who served aboard the USS Esteem, a minesweeper that cleared dangerous waters to protect other ships. He often said he’d do it all over again without hesitation. A proud American and patriot, Norm wasn’t shy about his opinions — he was a Republican and a longtime Trump supporter. One of the highlights of his later years came in 2019 when, after surviving a serious leg injury, he healed just in time to travel to Washington, D.C., on a Great River Honor Flight, accompanied by his daughter, Danielle — a trip he was extremely proud to make.
Norm was an outdoorsman through and through. If it had fur or feathers, he would hunt it. His land in Meyer, Illinois, was one of his greatest joys and he knew every trail and tree like the back of his hand. His camp, the Haulk Hotel, was his second home. The “Dicksville Duck Club” and his goose pit, were legendary. Norm could always be counted on to blow a duck call, cook a “bustin’ ass breakfast” and crack jokes for the hunters. Many relatives and long-time friends shot all sorts of wild game with him in Meyer. He could drive his truck so skillfully it might as well have driven itself and probably should have sometimes. And he somehow, he managed to get his tractor stuck more times than anyone could count. Fishing was one of Norm’s greatest passions, a love he shared with his children and grandchildren, who will never fish without thinking of him. He enjoyed frying his catch and sharing it with family and friends. His fishing adventures took him from local ponds to the Mississippi River and Mark Twain Lake, and even to Canada, Florida, and North Dakota. He was often accompanied by his son, brother, and other relatives and close friends including his lifelong friend, Ron Schildt, who passed almost 5 years to the day of Norm.
He worked many years at Electric Wheel, then Gardner Denver, and later at Titan Wheel, where he retired in 2006.
Norm was a character. He lived life on his own terms — always frugal, opinionated enough that everyone knew exactly where he stood, and unapologetically himself. He was never short on words, never met a stranger, and could always be counted on to cheer for the New York Yankees, the Boston Celtics, and the Quincy Blue Devils, sometimes in the same breath. His feisty, unforgettable personality will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, Anita Ellis Dicks, of nearly 62 years; his son, Derek (Tara) Dicks; his daughter, Danielle (Adam) Koch; and his three grandchildren, Logan Dean, Bailey Dean, and Caleb Koch. He is also survived by his older sister, Pat Wentura (Dick); his younger brother, Mike Dicks, and his younger sister, Bobbette Rottmann (Dan); all of Quincy, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 1:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 11:30 until the time of the services at 1:30. Inurnment will be held at Greenmount Cemetery with military rites at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Great River Honor Flight or to Quincy Blue Devil Football or Basketball. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
