Roger Alan Hickey of Davis Junction, IL passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, at Neighbors Health Center in Byron, IL. Rog, as he was affectionately known, was surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 26, 1932, in Rockford, IL, he was the son of Francis D. and Carolyn Yvonne (Condon).

Rog graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1950. He began college in Platteville, WI, but a farming accident involving his father meant a return home, interrupting his studies. Roger was then drafted into the army, and proudly served for two years in Ft. Bliss, TX. Post service, he returned to Wisconsin State College to complete his degree in June of 1957.

After college, Rog worked for a year in Dubuque, IA for International Harvester Co. His true calling was farming, and he returned to Davis Junction to do just that. Roger met the love of his life, Mary Ann Saxe, on a weekend trip to Notre Dame, IN. Married for 67 years, they were blessed with six children. Their busy life was built around their Catholic faith, family, and hard work. Roger was committed to his "Hixome" farm and community. He was a very active member of the Ogle County Farm Bureau and the Knights of Columbus. He generously donated his time and talent to his church and community, and he served on numerous boards. Roger and Mary Ann have also been parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for over 65 years.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann; sons Patrick (Paula), Francis (Pilar), Daniel (Erin); daughters Molly (David) Forlow, Maura (Jay) Rosencrantz, Margaret (Matthew) Chlystek; grandchildren Matthew, Patrick, Sophia, Michael, and Luke Hickey, Ian and Liam Forlow, Hannah, Caitlin, Molly and Erin Rosencrantz, Luke, Maeve and Dylan Chlystek; sister Mary Ann (Michael) Walsh and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Hubert A. Hickey. Roger will be sorely missed by those he loved so dearly.

A time to gather and celebrate Rog’s life will take place on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Knights of Columbus Council #4739 will lead a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place the following day, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 220 E. 2nd St., Byron, IL 61010, with burial to follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Stillman Valley Chapter of FFA, 425 S Pine St, Stillman Valley, IL 61084 or to the Knights of Columbus Council #4739, 226 E. 2nd St., Byron, IL 61010. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com