ROGER THICKSTEN, 87, of Prophetstown, IL, died Friday, June 12, 2020, at his home.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a private family graveside service in the Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown, officiated by his son-in-law, Rev. Steve Ruberg. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown is assisting with arrangements. A memorial has been established to the Advent Christian Church in Prophetstown.
Roger was born January 13, 1933, in Tiskilwa, IL to Earl and Vora (Lawrence) Thicksten Sr. He was educated in the Prophetstown grade schools and was a 1951 graduate of Prophetstown High School. On September 28, 1952 he married Millie Milby in Sterling, IL. She died March 3, 2012. Roger worked at Alfalfa Dairy and then co-owned and operated with his father, Earl, the E & R Super Value in Prophetstown. He also worked at Rock River Provision as a meat cutter, managed the Prophetstown Locker Plant and later went back to Sullivan’s Super Value in Prophetstown. Roger and his wife, Millie, were house parents and helped with painting and maintenance when they resided at the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, FL. After retirement, Roger was self-employed as a painter. He was a charter member of the Advent Christian Church in Prophetstown. He was a volunteer EMT and also volunteered at the food pantry in Prophetstown. Roger enjoyed playing card games. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially his grandchildren’s. He was a member of the Thicksten Popcorn era.
Survivors include two daughters, Robin (Rev. Steve) Ruberg of Princeton, NC and Joanie (Leo) Stewart of Prophetstown; one son, Steve (Jan) Thicksten of Aurora, IL; ten grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; one sister, Doris Hagin of Surprise, AZ; two brothers, Lawrence (Sally) Thicksten of Decatur, IL and Darrell (Deb) Thicksten of Blanchard, OK.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Millie; one brother, Ronald E. Thicksten Jr.

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