Gilbert Neil “Big Lick” Lickiss, 87, of Cherokee passed away on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Accura Healthcare in Cherokee.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee. Burial was held in Oak Hill Cemetery at Cherokee. Military rites were performed by L.A. Wescott Post #2253 and the Cherokee American Legion. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Neil was born on July 27, 1938, to Murl and Winona (Jackson) Lickiss at Woodland, Calif. He attended Cherokee schools, graduating from Washington High School in 1956. He volunteered for the United States Army in January 1957, and served as a Specialist 4th class, stationed in Germany until July 1960. He received an accommodation for his sharp shooting skills with carbines and rifles. While stationed there, he met Anna Maria Haitz, his Cupcake. They were married on Feb. 27, 1960 at Karlsruhe, Germany.
Neil spent the last 20 years of his working career in the maintenance department of the Mental Health Institute until he retired in 2000. Prior to that he worked for Duane Forest Construction and Bob Ament Construction building homes around the Cherokee area. For every construction project he was involved in, he signed his name in a strategic, hidden place. Even in retirement he remained active, installing signs for Denny Holton and delivering cars for Holzhaur Motors. His greatest focus, however, was always supporting his children. When his sons were in school, he took on extra shingling jobs, specifically so the boys could help and earn money for themselves. He also dedicated his time to his daughter and son-in-law, hauling grain during harvest. Simply put, there was nothing he would not do for his family and friends.
He was a member of the V.F.W. and affiliated with the Church of Christ.
Neil enjoyed going for drives in the country looking for wildlife. He was the luckiest card player; winning the most hands of cribbage, no matter who dealt or cut the deck. He loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers and watching western movies. Neil loved going to all of the children's activities. He taught them how to hunt and fish, which were two of his passions. Another favorite thing to do was going camping. All family vacations involved a tent and a fishing boat. His children were his pride and joy. He also felt lucky to have a granddaughter whom he dearly loved. Neil was devoted to his Cupcake and it showed in everything he did.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Murl Lickiss and Winona Lickiss Driggs; stepfather Clyde Driggs; mother-in-law Frieda Haitz; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Charlene Lickiss; stepbrother and sister-in-law, Chuck and Helen Driggs; and sister-in-law Rita Neidlein.
Neil will lovingly be remembered by his wife Annemarie; children: Craig (Kim) Lickiss, Carmen (Darwin) Henke and Chris (Peggy) Lickiss; granddaughter Katherine (Daniel) Martin; also many nieces and nephews.
