Robert E. Bicking

Robert E. Bicking, 73, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2011 at home with his family by his side. He was born on November 11, 1937 to Carl A. & Hildegarde B. (Pertler) Bicking in Minneapolis, MN. They predeceased him in death. He grew up there and attended Minneapolis Public Schools. He graduated from the University of Minnesota where he earned a Bachelor'™s and Master'™s degree in Electrical Engineering. Robert joined Honeywell and spent his entire career at Honeywell in Engineering Research & Development, retiring after 37 years. Robert worked in various offices, including locations in Minneapolis, MN, Clearwater, FL, and Freeport, IL. He was awarded eleven patents and authored over thirty technical papers including several that were presented at international symposiums. Robert also contributed chapters to two books on sensors. He was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for over 30 years, serving as Council President at one time. Robert married Elaine B. VandeGrift on June 20, 1964 in Austin, MN. He is survived by his loving wife; son Stephen (Maria) of Lakewood, IL; daughter Susan (Brian) Broga of Elkhorn, WI; grandchildren Patrick & Daniel Bicking and Sarah & David Broga; and a brother Charles (Heidi) Bicking of Prior Lake, MN. Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother who was very outgoing and always quick with a joke. He was very dedicated and devoted to his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Hobbies included amateur radio (W9RB), which Robert first obtained when he was in high school and continued to be actively involved in. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, cheering on the grandkids at their sporting events, bicycling with his wife, racing bicycles for a period of time, and motorcycling (American Motorcycling Association life member). Robert was the Trials Director for Illinois for five years and rode many motorcycle competition events, including hill climbs, enduros, and trials. In the years following retirement, he liked traveling with his wife, grandchildren, and his dog Sunny in their RV, spending winters in Dunedin, FL, and researching genealogy. All of the time spent researching genealogy resulted in Elaine Bicking becoming a certified member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A funeral service will be held Monday, January 31st, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freeport at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Luepke officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home and Monday from 9:30 A.M. until time of service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be given in memory of Robert Bicking to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.