J. Colene Lickiss

She was born August 28, 1926, in Chester, Illinois to William and Jennie (Wheatley) Saak. She was married to Robert W. Lickiss, Sr. for 68 endearing years until his death in 2014.

She is survived by five children, Dr. Karen (Scott) Weiss of DeLand, FL, The Honorable Monica (Stuart) Marlow of Bend, OR, Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert (Mary) Lickiss, Jr. of DeLand, FL, Retired Air Force Master Seargent Jeffrey (Vickie) Lickiss of Havana, Il, and Sandy (Michael) Isom of Germantown, TN; fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and her sister Mary Rose McBride of St Louis, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, two sisters, daughter Pamela, and a granddaughter.

Colene graduated from Chester High School in 1945 and attended Southern Illinois University. She worked as a News Reporter and Photographer for the Pekin Daily Times from 1958 -1960. She also was a free-lance journalist interviewing then-rising political figure Richard Nixon and Kennedy matriarch Rose Kennedy. She authored a series of articles published in the Peoria Journal Star chronicling her life as the daughter of the master electrician for the Menard Prison in Chester, Illinois and her experiences on prison property during the 1930’s. She ended her employment career working with her husband as an agent for CCH Computax. In later years, Robert and Colene became active investors taking pride in their successes navigating the stock markets, which provided generous resources to donate to causes important to them.

Colene was a true patriot and along with her husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, remained life-time active members of the Reserve Officers Association of America. A long-time cherished resident of Marquette Heights, she was involved in numerous community projects and improvements. Colene was a dedicated wife, mother and grandparent. She will be remembered for her tenacity and unwavering support for her children and grandchildren.

Colene enjoyed many friendships but most special was the enduring and unwavering love and support she and Robert received for more than 35 years from Nema and Scott Joesting, also of Marquette Heights. Colene’s family is eternally grateful for Nema and Scott. The family extends a special thank you to the City of Marquette Heights for issuing a Mayoral Proclamation in her honor and ordering flags flown at half-mast and to the Police Department for always making Colene feel safe. The family also thanks Colene’s loving caregivers and dedicated health care professionals, especially her wonderful team at Carle Hospice, who expertly guided our family during her final days at home.

A celebration of Colene’s life will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Liberty Hall, 100 Lincoln Road, Marquette Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Hall/Flagpole Funds, 715 Lincoln Road, Marquette Heights, IL 61554.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com