Kelly James Wicks peacefully soared to heaven on March 27th, 2025. Let's not forget to speak his name with extra emphasis; he was proud of his name, reminding us of its Irish origin meaning "warrior." And a warrior he was, gracefully fighting his final battle during five weeks of hospitalization with kidney and liver failure. He is deeply missed by many here on Earth.

Kelly's strong spirit was evident from the very beginning. His mother knew it when he stubbornly refused to arrive on his birth date. It wasn't until three weeks later that the doctor had to intervene, using forceps to pull him. Weighing in at over nine pounds, the family always joked that Kelly was "well cooked" in first day of life! Instead of a birth at the start of the month, Kelly made his grand entrance on June 22, 1977, right in the heart of summer solstice.

That same strong will and unwavering determination shone through his passionate support for the Minnesota Vikings. He was their steadfast defender, always holding onto the optimistic vision of that ultimate Super Bowl victory. But, his love of the Purple and Gold was only surpassed by his profound adoration for his wife, Tracy Wicks, and their cherished space on Circle Lake in Fairbault Minnesota. Together, they embraced a life filled with the joys of the outdoors, from the tranquility of lake life to the thrill of adventures on their Harley Davidson, and the simple pleasure of long walks with their beloved pets.

Kelly was truly unique within his family, blessed with a sparkle in his beautiful blue eyes, enviable long lashes, and a smile that could illuminate any room he entered. His dry wit, his deep well of kindness, his compassion for all creatures great and small, and his unwavering support for the underdog – these are the qualities that will forever live on in the hearts of his family, especially his parents, Paul & Susan Hilla and Keith & Pam Wicks; his siblings, Aleah Wicks, Shawn Hilla, Jeremy Hilla (predeceased), Abby Wicks, Lindsey Wicks, Killian Davis, and Kiefer Davis; and, most of all, through his beloved wife, Tracy Wicks.

The family warmly invites you to join them for an outdoor festivity filled with food and fun as they Celebrate Kelly's Life on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at Living Waters Church, located at 22222 Dodd Blvd, Lakeville, MN 55044, from noon to 4 pm.