Ficken, Victor William

Victor William Ficken, 79, of Tyler, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, surrounded by his family. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories in Cedar Rapids with Pastor Paul Scheidt officiating. The family will receive friends after 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the chapel. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Tyler under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louella Ficken; and sisters, Verona Schmidt and Elfrieda Folkmann.

He is survived by his “angel,” Joan Schneider of Tyler; sons, Charles (Joan) Ficken of Belle Plaine, Mark (Candy) Ficken of Palestine, Texas and Mark Oetting of Pinetop, Ariz.; daughters, Lynda Haddy of Cedar Rapids and Karen (Tom) Brown of Tyler; sisters, Lillian Johnson of Martelle and Venita Muller of Clarinda; brothers, Edgar Ficken of Williamsburg and Carl Ficken and Bill Ficken, both of Cedar Rapids; 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

Victor was born May 21, 1930, in Williamsburg, Iowa, to the late William and Mary Steinke Ficken. He served in the U.S. Marines, was employed by Ozark Airlines for 25 years and was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Tyler. He lived life with dignity even though he suffered and lived every day with chronic pain. Vic was known for his excellent carpentry skills. He enjoyed reading and spending time with his family and grandchildren and taught them about commitment to family, love for God and one another and how to live life simply. 

He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 4900 Kinsey Dr., Tyler, TX 75703 or Trinity Lutheran School, 1361 Seventh Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.