Ross P. Klicker passed away after a long courageous battle with cancer on August 26, 2017. Ross was born January 5, 1933 in Chicago, the third child of William and Marie (Brink) Klicker. He married Joanne Gillette, his college sweetheart, in 1954. Together they raised their four children Keith (Jacqueline) Klicker, Joy (Erich) Kocher, Paul (Julie) Klicker and Ross C. (Elizabeth) Klicker in Arlington Heights.
Ross spent many years, from the late 60’s through the mid 80’s, coaching baseball for the AHPD, ice hockey for the RMPD and football for the MPPD. He was also involved in the Des Plaines YMCA Indian Guides.
Professionally, Ross began an apprenticeship in 1952 with Pipefitters Local 597 and subsequently helped build many of Chicago’s landmark buildings. Ross was a financial trustee with the Pipefitters Union 597 from 1974 until his election to the post of Business Agent in 1983. In 1991, Ross took over as the recording secretary and in 1996 was elected Financial Secretary and Treasurer of 597. Ross was the Illinois Pipe Trades Golf Chairman from 1986 to 1991 and then assumed the additional responsibilities of Secretary Treasurer of the Association until his retirement in 2002.
Ross is survived not only by his loving wife of 63 years, their four children and 14 grandchildren (Kevin, Elizabeth, Max, Kory, Therese, John, Kyle, Will, Jesse, Ben, Marie, Katie, Zoe and Izzy) he also leaves behind his brother Karl, 3 nieces and 2 nephews.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister Marilyn and his grandson Brian P. Kocher.
Visitation Thursday, August 31st, 3:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Rd. (at Northwest Highway) Mt. Prospect. Visitation Friday, September 1st, 10:00 A.M. until Funeral Service 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 S. School St., Mt. Prospect. Private interment.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to St. Paul Lutheran Church.