Dale Hicks

Petty Officer First Class USNR-R Dale Finley Hicks reported for duty at Heaven’s Gate on December 24, 2023, under the care of Iowa River Hospice and his family by his side.

He was born on September 27, 1928 to Finley Dale and Berniece (Worley) Hicks in Marshalltown. He was educated in the Marshalltown schools and after graduating enlisted in the U.S. Navy, Serving during WWII and the Korean War.

Upon his discharge he was employed by Fisher Controls. At the same time, he continued his navy career in the reserves. On April 8, 1951 he married Zelda Cline which ended in divorce. To this union, one son Jon Hicks was born. On June 26, 1970 he married Marilyn (Vileta) Fricke. Together they raised Marilyn’s four sons and their son David. Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years; bowling and fishing all of his life. He spent many hours fishing off the dock or in the boat at Lake Ponderosa. He enjoyed baking, with cookies being his specialty. He canned quarts and quarts of garden produce. His sweet pickles were the best! He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Naval Reserve Association, Fisher 25-Year Club and the Iowa Korean War Veterans Association.

Dale is survived by his wife Marilyn, son David (Alyson) Hicks, step sons, Michael (Laura) Fricke of Marshalltown, Morris (Cindy) Fricke of Gilman, Mitchell (Deedee) Fricke of Lake Worth, Florida, Matthew (Lyna) Fricke of Marshalltown, daughter April Long of Marshalltown and son Jon Hicks of Colorado Springs, Co., brother Richard (Judy) Hicks of Mesa, Arizona, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step mother Irma Hicks, sisters Jean Carson and Carol Crouse and brother Jerry Hicks.

Funeral services for Dale will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2023 beginning at 11:00 A.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Attendees should dress casually in blue jeans wearing patriotic colors in honor of his naval career. Burial with full military honors will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown.

-Lovingly written by the family