Ronald (Ron) Hickman of Gold Canyon, AZ, passed away on December 28, 2020 in Mesa, AZ.
Ron was born in Warren, MN, to Lester and Evelyn Hickman on July 14, 1950. He graduated from Warren High School and attended St. Cloud State University, where he majored in Accounting. His degree would take him to Estherville, IA, where he taught accounting at Iowa Lakes Community College. He opened his own CPA firm and later worked for Cycle Country in Milford, IA. He married the love of his life, Lesly, on May 31, 1996, and they shared four children: Kelty, Grant, Andrew, and Aaron. While living in Northwest Iowa, he enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Big Spirit Lake, the place he always claimed to have the greatest sunsets in the world. He liked to spend time on his boat with Lesly and his children, which eventually he was able to do with his grandchildren as well. He never turned down the opportunity to pull someone on a tube or kneeboard, or to perform his famous sailor dive off the boat. He was truly the epitome of a family man, being the greatest husband, father, and grandfather to those who looked up to him. He spent the last portion of his working life in the Des Moines, IA, area prior to retiring in Gold Canyon, AZ, with Lesly. He was always quick to make friends with anyone he met and had a story (or song) for anything that he could recite on command. He loved exploring Arizona with Lesly through hiking and traveling around the country in their RV. His wisdom, stories, and humor will undoubtedly live on through his children and grandchildren. Most importantly, Ron was a man of great faith. He grew up in a Christian home and shared his faith with all those around him. He most recently was a member of Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, IA.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Evelyn Hickman, son Andrew, and sister JoAnn Menk.
Left to cherish in his memory are his wife Lesly, children Kelty (Brian) Rome of Forest Lake, MN; Grant (Christy) Hickman of West Des Moines, IA; Aaron (Caryse Brodersen) Hickman of Gold Canyon, AZ; grandsons Cael & Devin Rome and Everett & Dominic Hickman, granddaughter Isly Hickman, siblings Jerome (Janet) Hickman and Betti (Bill) Dowling, brother-in-law Ron Menk, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Due to gathering restrictions, a celebration of life service will be held on a later date.
Memorials may be sent to: Mountain View Funeral Home, Attn: Ron Hickman Memorial, 7900 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207
My condolences on the terrible loss.
I can hear God and the angels laughing and singing along with the greatest Uncle that ever lived. Uncle Ronnie, I will miss you until I see you again. Hug Grandma, Andrew, and Aunt JoAnn for me. I love you so much.
I love you muchly! Amber
Ron was always a Happy Go Lucky Guy! Always had a smile on his face. It was a privilege to know him. Ron will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Lots of Hugs and Kisses to the whole FAMILY!!Love Jim and Judi Rome XOXO
Met Ron upon his graduation from St Cloud State, He has always been a great friend and mentor. I will miss him. He’ll always be in my thoughts and prayers. Dan Sweeney
Sending prayers and thoughts your way. Ron was always so full of life and fun. You have so many wonderful memories to make these difficult days easier.
Shocked to hear of Ron’s passing. My condolences go out to Lesly and family. I was in Ron’s first accounting class. He was a great teacher; made class more enjoyable and his wit and wry smile made him special. Until we meet again.
Darial and I want to express our sincerest sympathies. Ron was a great person who would do anything for you. Ron and I shared our love and exasperation with the Vikings. Again, our prayers go out to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ron was a great guy. Kenny enjoyed having another Hawkeye fan at the lake!
My Thoughts and Prayers are with You Lesly and Family
Ron , for me, was a bit of a happy lifeline to a reality that was uncertain. So very kind and accepting, he welcomed me into to something pretty beautiful! Ron was real and kind and simple. I was inspired by that simplicity! Go’s bless you Ron, may you rest in His living arms, until we meet again❤️
Such an amazing man! My life was eternally touched by the kindness, joy, love and much wisdom always exuded by one of the truly great people that have graced my life! Love that guy! Will be immensely missed.
Will always cherish your smile,,. No matter what he was always sharing the smile. Will miss you as we pass your home in the mornings. Big smile and a wave!
Hola, no tuve la suerte de conocerle pero por las palabras que le dedicáis, debió ser una persona muy querida por los suyos, Descanse en paz
We will miss Ron in Arizona, one of the kindest sweetest guys ever! We feel privileged to know and love both Ron and Lesly. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for Lesly and the family
The Heldt / Laszczak family are sending our deepest condolences, what a beautiful human Ron was. I will always remember his contagious bright smile and love of life and his fierce love of his family. Sending hugs and prayers to you all.
Lesly,
We are all keeping you in our prayers. Ron was a man of great joy, and we always looked forward to our visits with him when you would be in town. Peace be with you, and the whole family, as you hold in your hearts this next phase of life and loss.
All our love,
Eric, Elena, Soren, and Nicolo
My prayers & thoughts are with you
Sincere condolences to his wife Lesly as well as his children and extended family. I had the pleasure of sharing good times with Ron as a teenager growing up in Warren MN, including high school chorus and musicals, football team, student government, and more. We were confirmed in the same confirmation class at First Lutheran Church/ Warren MN. I remember how Tom Kimball would do funny things just to hear Ron’s enormous laugh. His smile and kind nature were always pleasant. We also sang together in Boys Quartet and he had a wonderful tenor singing voice and was musically gifted. Although I did not meet up with Ron often after high school graduation, I was saddened that he and Lesly could not attend our 50th class reunion in 2018. We stiil held out hope our paths would cross again but it was not to be. Again, we extend our sympathies to all of Ron’s family and friends over Ron’s untimely passing.
So sorry, Lesly and family to hear of Ron’s passing. I remember one of my kids practically living at your house here in Estherville. Such good memories. You and Ron were so nice to both of us!
My thoughts and prayers to Kelty and family on the loss of your father. Know his legacy and love carries through each and everyone of you🙏🏽
I was sorry go hear of Ron’s passing. He was a good accountant for me and I appreciated his knowledge. Sincerely, Alan Robinson
So sad to see that Ron sadly died last year, a man I had lots of respect for and cherished the times I had with both him and Lesley. What fun we had , loads !
To Lesley and Ron’s family, please accept my deepest sympathies and love
Phil UK
My condolences on the terrible loss.
I can hear God and the angels laughing and singing along with the greatest Uncle that ever lived. Uncle Ronnie, I will miss you until I see you again. Hug Grandma, Andrew, and Aunt JoAnn for me. I love you so much.
I love you muchly! Amber
Ron was always a Happy Go Lucky Guy! Always had a smile on his face. It was a privilege to know him. Ron will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Lots of Hugs and Kisses to the whole FAMILY!!Love Jim and Judi Rome XOXO
Met Ron upon his graduation from St Cloud State, He has always been a great friend and mentor. I will miss him. He’ll always be in my thoughts and prayers. Dan Sweeney
Sending prayers and thoughts your way. Ron was always so full of life and fun. You have so many wonderful memories to make these difficult days easier.
Shocked to hear of Ron’s passing. My condolences go out to Lesly and family. I was in Ron’s first accounting class. He was a great teacher; made class more enjoyable and his wit and wry smile made him special. Until we meet again.
Darial and I want to express our sincerest sympathies. Ron was a great person who would do anything for you. Ron and I shared our love and exasperation with the Vikings. Again, our prayers go out to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ron was a great guy. Kenny enjoyed having another Hawkeye fan at the lake!
My Thoughts and Prayers are with You Lesly and Family
Ron , for me, was a bit of a happy lifeline to a reality that was uncertain. So very kind and accepting, he welcomed me into to something pretty beautiful! Ron was real and kind and simple. I was inspired by that simplicity! Go’s bless you Ron, may you rest in His living arms, until we meet again❤️
Such an amazing man! My life was eternally touched by the kindness, joy, love and much wisdom always exuded by one of the truly great people that have graced my life! Love that guy! Will be immensely missed.
Will always cherish your smile,,. No matter what he was always sharing the smile. Will miss you as we pass your home in the mornings. Big smile and a wave!
Hola, no tuve la suerte de conocerle pero por las palabras que le dedicáis, debió ser una persona muy querida por los suyos, Descanse en paz
We will miss Ron in Arizona, one of the kindest sweetest guys ever! We feel privileged to know and love both Ron and Lesly. Our deepest sympathies and prayers for Lesly and the family
The Heldt / Laszczak family are sending our deepest condolences, what a beautiful human Ron was. I will always remember his contagious bright smile and love of life and his fierce love of his family. Sending hugs and prayers to you all.
Lesly,
We are all keeping you in our prayers. Ron was a man of great joy, and we always looked forward to our visits with him when you would be in town. Peace be with you, and the whole family, as you hold in your hearts this next phase of life and loss.
All our love,
Eric, Elena, Soren, and Nicolo
My prayers & thoughts are with you
Sincere condolences to his wife Lesly as well as his children and extended family. I had the pleasure of sharing good times with Ron as a teenager growing up in Warren MN, including high school chorus and musicals, football team, student government, and more. We were confirmed in the same confirmation class at First Lutheran Church/ Warren MN. I remember how Tom Kimball would do funny things just to hear Ron’s enormous laugh. His smile and kind nature were always pleasant. We also sang together in Boys Quartet and he had a wonderful tenor singing voice and was musically gifted. Although I did not meet up with Ron often after high school graduation, I was saddened that he and Lesly could not attend our 50th class reunion in 2018. We stiil held out hope our paths would cross again but it was not to be. Again, we extend our sympathies to all of Ron’s family and friends over Ron’s untimely passing.
So sorry, Lesly and family to hear of Ron’s passing. I remember one of my kids practically living at your house here in Estherville. Such good memories. You and Ron were so nice to both of us!
My thoughts and prayers to Kelty and family on the loss of your father. Know his legacy and love carries through each and everyone of you🙏🏽
I was sorry go hear of Ron’s passing. He was a good accountant for me and I appreciated his knowledge. Sincerely, Alan Robinson
So sad to see that Ron sadly died last year, a man I had lots of respect for and cherished the times I had with both him and Lesley. What fun we had , loads !
To Lesley and Ron’s family, please accept my deepest sympathies and love
Phil UK