Verne O Hickok

Verne O. Hickok, 92, of Cairo died Friday, August 15, 2025, at CHI St. Francis Medical Center. Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dannebrog with Pastor Sheri Lodel officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 Tuesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Verne Oren was born on September 8, 1932, to Eugene Vernon Hickok and Roxy Mildred (Doughman) Hickok in Atkinson, NE. He grew up in the Atkinson area, attended country school, and graduated from Atkinson High in 1950.

Verne joined the army when his friend was drafted during the Korean War. He served stateside during this time. After leaving the army, he worked in Bassett, NE, Monday through Saturday at a general store. He would take the train early Monday morning and back home Saturday afternoon. Here is where his love of trains began!

In August of 1958, Verne married Jeanene Johnson of Atkinson. They lived in Denver, Colorado, where sons Darian Bruce Hickok and David Thomas Hickok were born. While in Colorado, Verne worked for the Burlington Railroad. In February of 1961, they ventured back to Atkinson and moved out to the ranch. They welcomed their only daughter, Shana Algean Hickok, to the family. During this time, Verne worked as a part time mail carrier under his dad, while also working as a welder at Goecke’s Machinery. After moving to town in 1968, he added another job working for the city as the pool and park manager. They welcomed their youngest son, Donn Kyle Hickok to the family.

During the next decade, Verne continued to work at the post office in Atkinson. He was appointed postmaster in 1981, which was a title he held proudly. He retired after 25 years in the postal service. After separating from Jeanene, he moved to Lincoln to be closer to his kids. In 1993, he earned a new title of Grandpa, which became one of his favorite titles to hold. While in Lincoln, he worked for the Ramada Inn and discovered his love of bike riding. This passion of his started late in life, but carried him through to his late 80s. He also worked for Samson Construction and apartment maintenance during these years.

In 2003, Verne moved to Grand Island to be closer to his grandchildren. After riding his bike few times a day back and forth from Grand Island to Cairo, he bit the bullet and made his way back to small town living. He resided in Cairo the remainder of his life. Verne took on several more jobs and titles after his move to Cairo. He helped at his son’s restaurant, Aces and Eights, joined Our Saviour’s Lutheran church and served on the board, and made several appearances as Wild Bill Hickok and Santa Claus in the community.

He was an active helper at the Senior Center in town, helping with delivering Meals on Wheels to the “old people” in the community, many of whom were decades younger than him. Also, facilitating several of his famous root beer float days. Verne was the biggest cheerleader for his grandkids, whether it be an athletic or musical event, he was always sitting front row and made his presence known. It didn’t take long for him to quickly be coined as Centura’s Grandpa. He was recognized in the community for his uplifting and encouraging spirits through several different spirit awards. In 2024, Serve Nebraska recognized him as a Senior volunteer for being such a pillar of the community.

He is survived by his sons: David and Donn (Vikki) Hickok; grandchildren: Emily (Cody) Hickok, Jake Hickok, Paige Hickok, and Madison Hickok, and several nieces.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Eugene and R. Mildred Hickok; brothers: Lauren (Lorraine) and Wayne (Hazel) Hickok; sister, Algean Hickok; son, Darian Hickok in 1994; and daughter, Shana Hickok in 2024.