Norman L. Blickem, 81, of Knoxville, died on Saturday October 2, 2021, at OSF Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Galesburg.
Norman was born on September 5, 1940 in Chicago. Norman grew up in Bement, Illinois and in 1957 his family moved to Knoxville where he graduated from Knoxville High School in 1958. He married C. Jo Dawdy in Knoxville on June 23, 1961, she survives.
Norm is also survived by his three daughters: Angela (Stuart) Hickerson of Williamsfield, Julie (Brian) Johnson of Gilson, and Nicolette Fox of Knoxville; 10 grandchildren: Ursula (Darin) Ganci of Bloomington, Ceara Hickerson of Winter Park, Florida, Aubra Hickerson (David Tomecek) of Chicago, Clayton Hickerson of Winter Haven, Florida, Tara (Josh) Brownlee of Gilson, Dane Johnson of Gilson, Luke Johnson (Rylie Yoho) of Gilson, Paige Fox (Jesse Wenger) of Fairview, Saylor Fox of Knoxville, and Teagan Fox of Knoxville; six great-grandchildren: August and Ethan Ganci, Gabriella and Gracelyn Johnson, Mackenzie Brownlee, and Rynlee Johnson; his sisters: Mary (Bill) Higgins of Knoxville, and Linda Feely of Galesburg; and several nieces and nephews. He is Preceded in death by his parents: D. Wanda (Brown) and Vernon Joe Blickem, and his brothers: Vernon Joe Blickem Jr., and William E. Blickem.
Norm was a pipefitter/welder for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #25 for over 30 years. He had also worked as a contractor out of Local #25 in nuclear power plants in Cordova Illinois, Alabama and Maryland, and had retired in 1998. Norm Enjoyed going to classic car shows, and working on classic cars. He had restored a 1957 Pontiac Super Chief and had begun working on his dream car, a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. Norm enjoyed watching old westerns, being outdoors, and was an avid dog lover. He had the ability to master and perfect anything he set his mind to. He enjoyed following the KHS football team and attending games when family members played, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society, or to Guardian Angels Humane Society. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is Honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
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