A funeral service for Kenneth Dwayne Hickey, 71, of Gregory, South Dakota, was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Berean Church in Gregory with Jason Nebola officiating. Casey Harrison read a poem during the service. Janeen Hlavka accompanied congregational hymns on piano, and some recorded selections were also played. Flower attendants were Angelique Hickey and Christina Hickey. Tracy Vomacka and Lily Vomacka were in charge of registration. Casket Bearers were Chase Hickey, Dillon Hickey, Stephanie Hickey, Marlin Rodriquez, Mark Hickey, Alix Hickey, Skylur Vomacka, Eric Hickey, Ian Hickey, and Kris Hickey.
Interment was at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory following the service. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ken was born on October 12, 1955, in Chamberlain, South Dakota, to Kenneth Egbert and Evelyn Marie (Kodet) Hickey.
Ken attended Gregory High School and graduated in 1973. He met Nola Vomacka during high school, and they were married on July 22, 1972. Together they had two children, Kenneth W. and Rhiannon. Ken was also later married to Barbara Parker.
Ken was a jack of all trades. Throughout his careers he worked as a dry waller with his dad and brothers, carpet installer and general handyman at Laprath’s Hardware Store, manager of the warehouse and lawnmower repairman at Cenex in Gregory and worked in customer service and the seed warehouse at Pharmco in Winner. He retired from Pharmco in 2020.
Ken’s hobbies included gaming, collecting, shooting, and teaching and passing along life lessons. His greatest joys were his grandkids and spending time with family and friends.
Throughout his life, Ken was known for his outgoing and witty personality.
Kenneth Dwayne Hickey, 71, of Gregory, passed away peacefully in his home on August 7, 2026. He was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and nephew and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ken is survived by his children Kenneth W. (Nicole) of Platte and Rhiannon Cordell (Bryan) of Harrisburg; grandchildren Kenneth IV “Chase” (Olivia Denning), Emily (Foster Tegethoff), and Dillon (Tyanne Franks); brothers Calvin and Charley; aunts Evelyn Rezac and Pat Kenzy; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Evelyn Hickey and various aunts and uncles.
