Vicki Bechik Hickman

On August 21, 2022, Vicki Bechik Hickman went to dwell in the house of the Lord. Vicki was born on a truly special day, May 8, 1945, in St. Paul, MN, to Anthony and Florence Bechik.

Vicki married her All American sweetheart, Bard Sr., on August 19, 1972. The two celebrated 50 years of marriage shortly before her passing.

Vicki will be remembered for her fierce independence and incredibly strong will. Vicki graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado where she enjoyed downhill skiing and exploring the great outdoors. Professionally, Vicki took tremendous pride in reaching the role of Vice President in the lending division for the First National Bank of Chicago. Vicki’s favorite client was commercial food giant, the Sara Lee Corporation, and she loved telling stories of working with senior leadership at the company.

Vicki enjoyed traveling the world including all corners of North America and Western Europe. Vicki was an avid golfer and achieved six holes in one, including two in the same week, during her distinguished career. Vicki was also President of the Nine Holers at Inverness Country Club for five years. Off the links, Vicki was known for her exceptional talents with a needle and thread and tending to a meticulously manicured garden. Most of all, Vicki was a voracious reader across many authors and genres. Following her retirement, Vicki was generous with her time and volunteered for a number of organizations including her parish, Epworth United Methodist Church, and her son’s alma mater, St. John’s Jesuit High School.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Michael Bechik and Andrea (Bechik) Plaugher. Vicki is survived by her loving husband, son Bryan (April) Hickman in Bowling Green, four grandchildren; Bard Jr., James, Esmé, and Fox, along with nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation in tribute to the Anthony Bechik Memorial Scholarship Fund; 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55444, or to the charity of your choice.

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 4-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623 (419-841-2422). A memorial service will be held during the visitation beginning at 7 p.m.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to all the caregivers and staff at The Grove at Oakleaf Village in Sylvania for their extraordinary care and compassion for Vicki over the past three and a half years. The family would also like to thank Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice for their diligent care and compassion in her final days.