Norman D. Dicks
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 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.
Oh Norm, how you struggled to make a comeback from this recent setback, but it was not to be. Our children and grandchildren still laugh just thinking about ALL of YOUR “ONE OF A KIND” SAYINGS”. LIFE, AS THEY SAY, WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU! This time the saying means more. You were a loyal husband and a good son, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and we love you. CARRY ON, as best you can! Love always, Pat
Our sincere sympathies to the entire Dicks family on the passing of Storming Norman. I always got a honk and wave from Norman when he came down the street in his truck, likely coming back from fishing. Norm was always a pleasure to be around, he will be missed. RIP Norman, GOD Speed.
Phil and Nancy Featheringill
I worked with this guy at Gardner Denver Company, he was so much fun and full of life. I remember on Friday’s coworkers would bring in food for lunchtime. Norman comes walking into the room and proclaimed “ It smells like a restaurant in here” ! A great group of guys to work with. My deepest sympathy to the family. ☮️❤️
I met Norm through a mutual friend, later worked with him at GD and Titan. His personality I will always remember.
Want to extend my sympathy to Norm’s entire family and close friends. I worked with Norm at Gardner Denver and was Ron Schildt’s Admin in the 80’s until he left GD. My Uncle Dick Terwelp had land across the road in Meyer years back. My Uncle passed in 2004, so been a couple decades. My uncle and Dad gardened on his land in Meyer. My cousin and I would go up to help them garden and then we would get to go to the tavern for a soda . It was called “Ownies and Bonies” (?spelling?) at that time. Those were the days. Also enjoyed times with Norm at Charlie Nell and Larry Herman’s annual fish fry. Norm was a character, but he made our work life fun and the life of a party. Fond memories. Thoughts and prayers to y’all.
Pam (Terwelp) Laaker
I can only imagine how heartbroken Danielle (and Norm’s family) is feeling right now. Here is a saying I hope will help.
“ Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a MEMORY that no one can steal.” By Robert Burns
What a great guy; we go back to the days Emerson grade school all the way to Quincy Senior high. His obituary defined him to a tee! my husband agreed with him in the fact that he would go back to his navy days in a heartbeat. thanks for bringing so much joy to so many. May you rest in peace
Pat
You have our deepest sympathy
Clive and Mary
I knew him my whole life he was a character to say the least. Great man with a great view of life quick with a smile and a joke in is pocket if you needed a laugh. I later in life got to work with him at titan wheel when I was a production manager there , he knew my dad Larry Goehl very well and always had a hunting or fishing story to share about the 2 of them . Wonderful man will be missed greatly.
Norm was a great friend and mentor in hunting and fishing for me growing up. Me being a bit younger then some of the more seasoned guys in the feild or the blind he never failed to keep up!! Taught me alot about the river bottoms and always treated me like family,not just friends!! Always willing to help or take on a project to help out the best he could. The duck blinds wont be the same with out his strong humorous antics!! The memories made with him will last another life time with me!
Whats a great friend and mentor in the outdoors!! Always treated me as family not just a friend. For taking me in with some much seasond hunters was a blessing.. the knowledge,lessons and stories could not be duplicated!! To my young friend..i can only hope the sky’s fill with ducks for us both!
Deepest sympathy to the family. Went all the way in school from kindergarten at Emerson to graduating class of QHS. Class of ‘60’ . He and his friends would play baseball in Emerson school lot and I lived right across the street. Always had water for them if they got thirsty.Wonderful memories all thru our school years. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
PAT AND DICK SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Anita, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace for the family.
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I REMEMBER HIM AS A GREAT MAN! REST IN PEACE, NORMAN
JAMES AND JANICE (SIPEK) BIRCHALL FROM JACKSONVILLE
One of the most fun persons I ever knew! My grandpa and my dad farmed that land for many decades. Starting at age 11, I joined the duck hunting crew north of Meyer. Norm was always upbeat, with a funny story every time. Even one of my sons hunted with him years later. My dad, Don Hemming loved to describe Norm as “the only man I knew who was born with a shotgun in one hand and a duck call in the other!”