Dickey, John

John Dickey, 81
June 7, 1931-Oct. 4, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published online 10:04pm Monday, October 8, 2012

Dickey

 

John F. Dickey, 81, of Niles, died at 12:40 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at his home following a long battle with cancer.

He was born June 7, 1931, in Niles to Tracey and Ruth (Franz) Dickey, and served in the U.S. Navy. He was employed by Cass County Road Commission, retiring in 1993.

John was a member of the Niles American Legion, and had been active in the Niles Moose Lodge. He enjoyed repairing tractors, farm machines and anything with a motor. He was a member or the SWM Shuffleboard League, and former member of the Fruit Belt Pony Pullers Association.

On April 30, 1988, John married Betty Helfrich, who survives. John is also survived by his daughter, Connie Purucker of Niles; son, David (Sandy) Dickey of Niles; stepson, Randall (Julie) Helfrich of Tempe, Ariz.; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; his sisters, Elaine Shipe of Lavonia and  Eleanor Thayer and Mary Knoll, both of Niles.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara M. Saratore, on July 29, 1986.

The funeral services for John Dickey were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles by Mr. Randall Helfrich. Committal rites followed at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with full military honors.

The family received relatives and friends from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of John may be made to Hospice at Home or Relay for Life.