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Alice Ann Hickey, age 86, of River Falls, Wisconsin, had her eternal promises fulfilled on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at River Falls Area Hospital. Alice was born on December 16, 1938, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the daughter of Edward and Alice (Weiss) Phelan. She was raised in Menomonie and graduated from high school in 1957, where she enjoyed participating in the forensic team and school plays. She furthered her education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics- a skill she would master throughout her life.
During her college years, she met a young, aspiring industrial arts student, Michael Hickey, and the two quickly formed a deep connection. Their love story blossomed, and they were united in marriage on December 31, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Menomonie. Their union was blessed with four children: Denis, Liz, Joe, and Tim.
Alice embraced her role as a wife and mother with love and devotion. She created a warm, nurturing home filled with laughter, faith, and unwavering support. Growing up, she shared a special bond with her father, who had a knack for entertaining- a trait she undoubtedly inherited. She was always at the center of a gathering, bringing joy and laughter to those around her. Her love for people was evident, especially when she had the chance to highlight her children and grandchildren, as her pride in them knew no bounds. Once the children were grown, she worked in different areas such as a paraprofessional, social worker, and sales clerk at a jewelry store.
Whether it was school friends stopping by, a lively game of cribbage or 500 with close friends, or hosting her husband’s business colleagues for a five-course meal, Alice thrived in the kitchen. Her deviled eggs, chicken and biscuits, and sweet pecan caramel rolls were legendary.
From an early age, Alice developed a passion for sewing. She lovingly sewed clothes for her children, from prom dresses to beautiful quilts. One of her greatest joys was crafting Liz’s wedding dress- a true labor of love.
Summers were spent making cherished memories at Big Winnie Lake and the Four Seasons Resort. Alice wasn’t shy about casting a line herself, as she loved the taste of fresh walleye. When she wasn’t busy tending to her family, she found solace in reading poetry and historical literature. Her creative spirit extended to drawing and painting, especially in watercolors.
Yet, above all, Alice’s greatest source of strength and comfort was her faith. A devoted prayer warrior, she never missed the opportunity to say her rosary- often twice a day- along with her devotionals and novenas.
Life brought Alice immense blessings, but also deep sorrow. She endured the heartbreaking loss of her sons, Denis and Joe. In true Alice fashion, she turned her grief into a source of comfort for others, becoming actively involved in Compassionate Friends, offering support to those who had also lost a child.
Alice will be forever remembered by her children, Liz (Tom) Gunderson of River Falls and Tim (Sherry) Hickey of Neillsville; daughter-in-law Diane Buller of Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren Megan (Ben) Hagar, Molly (Dustin) Bune, Devon (David) Moser, Brennan Hickey, and Bryan (Chante) Hickey; step-grandchildren Michael (Ashley) Kren, Matthew (Tiffany) Kren, Adam (Mindy) Kren, and Rev. Alex Kren; great-grandchildren Liam, Brielle, Aidan, Rylee, Hattie, Brooke, Joey, and Hunter; step-great-grandchildren Scarlett, Skielynn, Jasmine, Kennedy, Kayson, Reagan, Clayton, Keenan, and Kashton; and her sister Mary (Gary) Rients.
She was joyfully welcomed into heaven by her husband, Mike; sons Denis and Joe; and brothers John (Jackie) Phelan and Jim (Ginny) Phelan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, February 21, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will take place at a later date at All Saints Cemetery in Reedsburg.
Memorials in Alice’s honor will support causes dear to her heart: the Denis P. Hickey Scholarship in Political Science and Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For further details, please see www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, or give us a call at 715-425-5644.
