Thomas John Hickey

Thomas John Hickey, 74, was suddenly called to heavenly rest on Wednesday, Feb. 21. While grieved by many, we find comfort in knowing Tom is wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus and has been reunited with his beloved wife Kay L. Hickey (1951 to 2010).

  Born Oct. 16, 1949, in Evanston, Ill., Tom was adopted by adoring parents Edward and Elizabeth Hickey of Logansport, Ind..

With his younger sister Mary Ellen, Tom’s childhood was one of joy, adventure and all things Notre Dame. It was then that Tom’s lifelong love and commitment to Irish football began — an unbreakable passion and bond he would eventually share with his son.

  As a young adult in the 1970s, Tom grabbed life by the horns. With a perfectly manicured mustache and hip-hugging jeans, Tom sought every opportunity for adventure. From off-roading to drag racing to endos, Tom’s daredevil spirit was charged by loud engines and the enchanting scent of fuel. This zest for life, and handsome good looks, soon caught the gaze of Mari (Steven Heyden). The two were married in 1976, and together they welcomed daughter Loren and son Ross.

  Tom’s purpose was solidified in his children. He was a beaming father who celebrated and supported his children’s interests no matter what they were. This was evident as he admiringly looked on to Loren’s original song and dance arrangements or to Ross’s coffee table racetrack played to the incessant sound of vroom, zzzz, bam!

  In addition to being a constant for his family, Tom was steadfast in the community. For 56 years, he worked tirelessly in the automotive industry and inevitably created long-lasting relationships with his customers.

In his faith community, Tom was a dedicated member of Cornerstone Church in Grafton.

  The Mequon-Thiensville Cardinal Football program was yet another way he touched the lives of so many. Tom coached for over a decade, leaving long-lasting, meaningful impressions on his young teams. To this day, former Cardinals continue to recount their favorite Coach Tom memories.

  After lovingly parting ways with Mari, Tom met Kay and was quickly drawn to her deep faith and devotion to Jesus. In 1999, Tom and Kay united in marriage.

Devastatingly, Tom was widowed in 2010, but his unwavering dedication to their union never ceased. Now, eternally united in paradise — what a reunion to behold!

  Tom is survived by children Loren (Peter) Janssen and Ross (Holly) Hickey of Mequon and step-children David Wiley of Cedarburg, Laura (Michael) Cullen of Beloit and Michelle (Timothy) Stewart of Missouri.

He is further survived by grandchildren for whom he was the most doting and proud, Miles, Ryker and Vincent Janssen, Rose and Beryl Hickey, Judas, Phineas, Elijah, Autumn and Skyler Wiley, Kristen, Brooke, Connor and Joshua Cullen and Faith, Paisley, Addison and Myles Stewart; sister Mary (Charles) Neman; and nephew and niece Chaz (Sarah) Neman and Melissa (Deryk) Engelland.

Tom was preceded in death by parents Edward and Elizabeth Hickey and his wife Kay.

  Funeral services will be held at Eernisse Funeral Home in Cedarburg, 1167 Washington Ave., on Thursday, March 14. The family will accept visitors from 4 to 6 p.m. with a service  at 6 p.m. by Pastor Chad King.

Tom will be laid to rest alongside Kay at Immanuel Cemetery in Cedarburg on Friday among immediate family.

  In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Tom’s legacy through donations to the Mequon-Thiensville Cardinal Youth Football program. Contributions may be made payable to “MT Cardinal Football” and either left at the service or mailed to:

Cardinal Football

P.O. Box 655

Thiensville, WI 53092

  Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.