Long time Platteville Wisconsin resident Tom Hickey died Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023.
The son of Thomas Patrick Hickey and Cecilia Schwehr Hickey, Tom was born on March 29, 1940 in Pierre, South Dakota. His parents were school teachers on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Agency. The Family moved to Jamestown North Dakota where Tom attended St John’s Academy, graduating as Valedictorian of his class in 1958.
Tom earned his Bachelor’s degree in English from St. John’s University, Collegeville Minnesota, and his Master’s Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1963. He also did further graduate study at Madison.
Tom began teaching English at Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology (later UW-Platteville) in the Fall of 1963 and taught freshman composition, as well as upper division literature for 42 years, specializing in British Literature, especially drama and the novel.
He was delighted to tell his two sisters, a former student said he was “cool”.
Tom sang for over 20 years with the University Singers and was a charter member of the Platteville Chorale adult Choir. While singing for over 30 years with the Chorale he served as president of that group and later secretary of the Chorale Board. He was a Director of the Grant County Historical Society for several years and performed for over 12 years in many university opera and theatre productions.
Tom was active in the Platteville, Community; he sponsored 2 of the large colored “bump out” windows in the new library and 2 of the statues of Veterans in the City Park Memorial.
Platteville became the perfect sized place for Tom to live and teach; he was often seen walking in the down town area.
Tom gave generous monetary gifts to the university College of Liberal Arts and Education, Humanities Department writing awards, and established the musical theatre and theatre performance award scholarships. He earned a Hall Fame Award, Friend of the College Award and a Distinguished Service Award. Tom was a member of the University of Wisconsin Platteville Foundation Cornerstone Society.
Tom was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen in 2020.
Tom is survived by his sister, Roseann and brother-in-law Don Pepe, Jupiter, Florida. The 4 Pepe children, James (Alison), Theresa, Jean (Kelly) and Diana; grandnieces Katie and Christy, and grandnephews Nicolas and Vincent all of Florida. He has several surviving cousins.
Memorial Service for Tom will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville, Wisconsin in June 2024, date to be determined
Memorials for Tom may be made to the UW-Platteville Foundation to support English, Music, or Theatre programs.
Graveside Service – 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, ND.