Katherine "Kate" Wickens

Katherine M. Wickens peacefully passed away and went to be with the Lord on January 24, 2026 at the age of 76. Kate was born on April 15, 1949, to the late Lawrence and RuthMary Hilke in Ripon, Wisconsin. Kate married Steven Wickens in 1984, where they worked in the same field for many years. Kate worked for American Family Insurance as a claim adjuster for over 32 years. 

She enjoyed playing mahjong with her friends in Sun Prairie and Hernando Florida. Kate had a beautiful voice and sang for many weddings. She enjoyed her Wisconsin Fish Frys and a good glass of wine. She loved to travel throughout the world and loved to tell her stories when she returned. She was never afraid to try something new. 

Survivors include brother-in-law Fred Busse of Appleton, sister-in-law Caryl Hilke, stepbrother Steven Kloehn of Waukau; 4 nephews Kelly (Melissa) Hilke of Ripon, Steven Busse of Iowa, Dennis Busse of Arkansas, and Jeffrey (Meghan) Busse of Minnesota; 7 great nieces and nephews; and 3 great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Steve, her sister Mary Busse, her brother Robert Hilke; and aunts and uncles. 

Kate requested no funeral. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness, FL, is assisting the family.