Donald L. Hicks

Donald L. Hicks, 87, of Aitkin, passed away Monday, November 6, 2023 in Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin.  Don was born March 19, 1936 in Killarney, Manitoba, Canada, the second son of Leslie and Frances (Hammond) Hicks.  Don grew up in Ninga, Manitoba where he attained a high school education.  He was also a member of Ninga United Church.  After high school, he worked with his father on the family farm for several years.  In 1961, Don and brother, Gordon took over the family farm, renting at first, then purchasing it in the early 70’s and changing the partnership to the corporation, D and G Hicks Ranch Ltd.

Donald was always active in the community.  He was the 4H leader of the Ninga Beef Club for 23 years.  He was also President or Vice president of the Ninga Community Center for center for 10 years.  Don also coached one of Ninga’s minor league hockey teams for many years.

In January, 1976, Donald took a southern vacation, spending one week in Florida and 10ne week on a Caribbean cruise.  During the cruise he met his future wife, Jean Anderson of Wayzata.  They married on July 23, 1976 at the International Peace Garden.  Don gained an instant family of wife, Jean, three daughters, three sons-in-law and two grandchildren.  Don and Jean built their home in Ninga.  In 1986, Don retired from D and G Hicks Ranch Ltd. For health reasons, selling his shares to brother, Gordon.  In 1990, the Hicks’ sold their home in Ninga and moved to Aitkin.  Donald became a U.S. resident on October 1, 1990 and on November 1, 2002 was sworn in as a U.S. Citizen.  Don has always enjoyed training and working with horses.  His hobbies include travel, photography, painting and woodworking.  He and his wife, Jean enjoyed living with nature at their home on Cedar Lake.  Don and Jean were members of St. Johns Lutheran Church of Cedar Brook

Don is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents; daughters, Sheryl Menge and Victoria Anderson; brothers, Gordon, Larry and Graeme “Curly” and sister-in-law: Mary Ellen Hicks.

Don is survived by daughter, Sandra (Wayne) Soboy; grandchildren, Andrea (Darin) Tysdal and Eric Menge; great grandchildren, Elliot and Lydia Tysdal; son-in-law, John Menge; brothers, Stanley (Mildred) Hicks, Glen (Doreen) Hicks and David (Barb) Hicks; sisters-in-law, Noreen Hicks; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services will be Saturday, November 11 at 11 AM in Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home, Aitkin.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in St. John’s Cedarbrook Cemetery.