Dorothy R. Wickkiser, 93, of Kempster, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Autumn Lane in Birnamwood.
Dorothy was born on November 27, 1932, in Mattoon to Henry and Marion (Clauss) Wickman. She graduated from Mattoon High School and later moved to Milwaukee, where she worked at AC Spark Plug.
On February 18, 1956, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Casson Sr. While Kenneth served in the United States Air Force, the couple was stationed at several bases in Europe. They returned to Racine in 1958 and lived and worked on King Ehrlich's horse ranch. In 1959, they purchased a dairy farm on Red River Road near Mattoon. In addition to helping manage the farm, Dorothy worked at the lumber mill in Birnamwood, the Mattoon Veneer Mill, and on Alan Andrus's farm. Kenneth preceded her in death on October 22, 1968.
On January 1, 1971, Dorothy married Raymond Wickkiser Sr. Together they later enjoyed retirement in Kempster on beautiful Kimball Lake. Raymond preceded her in death on February 12, 2009.
Dorothy found great joy in her family, gardening, canning, and breeding AKC German Shepherds. She also cherished her beloved kitty, Nala. She was a faithful member of St. Matthew's Church in Deerbrook.
Dorothy is lovingly survived by her daughters, Deb (Tom) Kessen of Birnamwood and Mary (Dennis) Dewey of Bryant; her sons, Kenneth Casson Jr. of Bowler and Raymond Wickkiser Jr. of Kempster; her son-in-law, Daniel Fandrey; and two stepdaughters, Linda and Nancy and their families.
She is further survived by her grandchildren: Rabecka (Mike) Saal, Melissa Fandrey, Amy (Tyler) Casson, Jenni (Kyle) Kessen, Jazmyn (Steve) Wickkiser, Natalie and Shantel Dewey, Donna (Bob) Casson, Laura (Todd) Wildenberg, Jamie Casson, Jason Casson, Shawn Casson, Makayla (Ryan) Waldvogel, Olivia (Adam) Wickkiser, and Alex (Jade) Wickkiser; great-grandchildren, Dakota Witz, Patrick (Amber) Witz, Henry Frahm, Baby Cruz (Jazmyn and Steve), Case, Cash and Cadence Wildenberg, Dominick Silva, Emery and Jovie Casson, and Lilyanna, Callum, and Finley Casson; great-great-grandchildren, Mason Witz-Staubs, Hayden Witz and Baby Witz; along with many other relatives and friends.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Marion Wickman; her brother, Robert; two sisters in infancy, Iris and Rose; her husbands, Kenneth Casson Sr. and Raymond Wickkiser Sr.; her daughter, Rosemarie Fandrey; her son, Joseph Wickkiser; her stepson, John Wickkiser; her great-grandchildren, Richard and Genevieve Witz; and her great-great-grandchild, Renezzmay Rose Willums Witz.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Chet & Emil's Hall in Birnamwood, with a luncheon to follow. Rev. Clifford Kessen will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the hall. Burial will take place in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery in Mattoon.
Dorothy's family would like to thank the staff at Autumn Lane and ADRC Home Health Staff for the wonderful care they provided.
In honor of Dorothy's love of gardening and perennials, the family kindly asks that memorial tributes include sending or bringing perennials.
