Wilma Maxine Hickam

HICKAM Wilma Maxine Hickam, age 92, of Independence, Mo., passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 She was the only daughter born to Otto Martin Lademann and Elisa Liebi Lademann in rural Moniteau County on October 30, 1925. As a child she walked with friends the nearly two and one-half miles each day, one way, to attend the one-room Norman School. Upon completion of the eighth grade, she was privileged to ride the bus into town to attend Aurora High School, graduating in 1943. When that class holds its 75th reunion next month, her chair will be empty. She had so looked forward to that occasion. Her dream to attend the Warrensburg Teachers College and major in music was not realized; but, music remained near and dear to her all her life. Immediately following high school, she began employment at Heck Saddlery as a bookkeeper and the sole female employee. In May, 2017, when the iconic display horse, Heck, returned by and to the Moniteau County Historical Society totally restored, Maxine was honored as the only surviving employee of the historic company. Louis M. Hickam, her only love, took Maxine as his bride on November 25, 1950. They were blessed with two daughters, Patricia Jo and Linda Sue. Moving to north Moniteau County near Lupus in 1955, she devoted 46 selfless years to her family and their acreage. Even after relocation to her home in California, Mo. in 2001, her heart remained at "the farm". Her final months were spent in Independence, (Jackson County) Mo. at the home of her surviving daughter, Linda, and husband, Timothy Krickle, who always loving called her "Mrs.". Maxine is preceded in death by her husband Louis; her daughter: Patricia Jo Hickam (Larry) Epps; her parents; five brothers: Oscar (Toby) Lademann, Herman (Humpy) Lademann, Edward (Slim) Lademann, Lawrence (Pope) Lademann, and infant Adolf Lademann. Maxine loved deeply and unconditionally her husband, daughters and their spouses, granddaughters Megan Krickle Melchert (Chris), Rachel Epps (Patrick Bauer) and Emily Krickle Hohenberg (Joshua), her great-granddaughters Ashlyn and Brooklyn Hohenberg. Included as survivors are a brother-in-law, Hubert Hickam, Jamestown, Mo., many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. When the active years of farm work finally slowed down, she spent hours pouring over family genealogy. She loved accuracy and details, writing, music, the Liebi family reunions, Mizzou mens' basketball, good neighbors and her Lord and Savior. As an American patriot, she was a proud and active member of the VFW Auxiliary to Post 4345 belonging 71 years since its charter in 1947. As a life-long member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, California, Mo., funeral services were held Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Evandro Kopper officiating. Interment was in the Walnut Grove Cemetery, Boonville, Mo. Memorials are suggested to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Radio Ministry. Pallbearers were: Harold Hickam, Marty Lademann, Gary Cline, Lonnie Cooper, Steve Liebi and Mark Oerly. Justin Martin was an honorary pall bearer. Arrangements were entrusted to Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services.