George E. Wicks, age 81, a resident of Warrenville, IL, died Wednesday, July 27, 2020 at his home.

On March 12th, 1939, George Wicks was born at Morris Hospital, and grew up on a family farm south of Lisbon, IL. He attended Scott School a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade, then graduated from Newark High School in 1957.  The family farm taught him a strong work ethic, a readiness to help others in need, a love for the outdoors, and affection for animals. George was especially fond of the sheep he raised. George also loved baseball, and was a standout left handed pitcher who was drafted by two major league teams - the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox.

George spent his career working in the home building and lumber business. He was manager of the lumber yard for Wicks Lumber, Maher Lumber, and finished his career with Moser Lumber.

In 1960, George married Cathy Vanden and they had two daughters, Shelley and Tamara. While working at Wicks Lumber, George and Cathy built several homes and sold them while they lived in Yorkville and Plainfield.

George remarried in 1986 to Ruth Wicks, and the two of them enjoyed a happy marriage for 31 years. They were especially close companions, and among their favorite activities were short day trips to Galena and White Pines State park, plus longer trips around the country to different baseball parks. They also attended Willowcreek Community Church, and enjoyed concerts at Wheaton College and Moody Church in Chicago. They were parents to 3 Shih Tzu dogs - Jackson, Jefferson, and Quincy who was by George's side when he passed.

George will be remembered for his devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, his leadership and pursuit of excellence throughout his career at work, and how friendly he was with everyone who encountered him. He was quick to strike up a friendly conversation sprinkled with generous amounts of humor with his neighbors who knew him and loved him. He will also be missed by his workout buddies at the health club, and with the regulars at the local Panera Bread. He loved drinking iced tea, loved the White Sox, was a proud Norwegian, and rode his bike nearly everyday, especially enjoying the Fox River bike trail and biking through Fermi Lab.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelley (Matt) Loechl of Woodridge, IL, grandson Ryan, and granddaughter Casey; his daughter Tamara F. Walcavich of Madison and grandson Gunnar;  his niece Sharon Swanson of Sandwich, IL; his niece Beverly (Ed) Smith (Sandwich) and their 3 daughters: Jackie (Kevin), Laura (​Andrew), and Michelle.  He is also survived by his step-daughter, Judy (Jeff) Gottesman of Murchison, TX; his step-son Stephen (Karen) Hess of Aurora, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Alvina (Tweet) Wicks; and his sister Burdell (Roger) Clark.

On August 1st, 2020, a graveside service will be officiated by Pastor Stephen Strong at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.  In the evening of the same day, a neighborhood celebration of his life will be held by family, friends, and neighbors

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Moody Bible Institute,  820 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, IL 60610-3284. www.moodybible.org