Curt L. Hicken, 73, of Gillespie, Ill., died at his residence on Thursday, May 18, 2023. He was born Oct. 30, 1949, in Litchfield, to Neal and Mary Lucille (Keck) Hicken. He married Elizabeth Jean Clark on Jan. 1, 1999, in Gillespie. She survives.

He was a technical writer for Boeing and an outdoor writer. He was a member of the Carlinville Elks, Masonic Order Gillespie Chapter, Aglow Outdoor Writer's Group where he was also former executive director. He was a musician, avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to camp, travel and spend time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanie Hicken of Gillespie; children, Connie (Brian) Ruffini of Highland, Curtis (Svetlana) Hicken Jr. of Charleston, S.C., Jana (Mike) Richey of Springfield, Jason (fiancée, Pam Uptmore) Boehmke of Hubbard, Texas, Joshua (fiancée, Diana Garner) Boehmke of Livingston; grandchildren, Nicholas (Sarah) Ruffini, Jack Ruffini, Emma Ruffini, Corinne (Justin) Johnson, Alexandra (fiancé, Kyle Carr) Hicken, Noah Hicken, Lucas Hicken, Allison Richey, Megan Richey, Abigail (Chris) Thomas, Mason Boehmke, Quinnten Boehmke, Nolan Boehmke, bonus granddaughter, Kaylee Garner; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Kathleen (Dennis) Tarro of Gillespie. Curt was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 23, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie.

Memorials are suggested to wishes of the family or Aglow Outdoor Writer's Scholarship. Online condolences may be left at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com.