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Ervin Wickey, age 87, of Burr Oak, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, October 15, 2025 at his home.
He was born on August 21, 1938, in St. Joseph County to the late August and Pauline (Miller) Wickey.
In his early years, Ervin attended Babcock Country and Colon Schools. He was a devoted member of Locust Grove Church in Findley, Michigan, where his faith and fellowship were a guiding part of his life.
Ervin’s life was marked by hard work, and perseverance. An accomplished welder by trade, he also worked in construction and the recreational vehicle industry. Known for his reliability and skill, he was a trusted handyman to many and farmed 40 acres of land for 39 years.
Whether at his job or in his daily life, he possessed an inventive mind and fierce determination, always seeking solutions and never resting until the job was done. His work ethic, discipline, and commitment left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
A man with an impressive mind and deep curiosity, Ervin had a lifelong fascination with geography and world affairs—an interest nurtured by his beloved World Book Encyclopedias and extensive National Geographic collection. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge and insight with his treasured Sunday School class, where his thoughtful understanding of current and global events enriched many discussions.
Even as his memory of recent years faded, Ervin delighted in recalling and retelling stories from his earlier days. He was well known for his athletic abilities, particularly his fast-pitch softball career, which earned him recognition in the Sturgis Journal. He was a skilled hockey player, enjoyed golf, and loved to talk about his travels in the US and abroad.
Ervin’s quiet generosity and compassion were among his most defining qualities. Though he seldom spoke of it, he could rarely pass by anyone in need. Whether offering a ride, lending a hand, or keeping a full gas can in his truck for stranded motorists, his acts of kindness were countless. Even now, stories continue to surface of the many ways he touched lives through his selflessness.
Ervin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Phyllis (Miller) Wickey, and by his children: Kim (Ward) Zerbe of Palm Coast, Florida; Kendra Schwartz of Sturgis; and Julia Hovarter of Sturgis.
He took great pride in and deeply loved his ten grandchildren: Ryan (Jamie) Zerbe of Leesburg, Virginia; Brent (Alexa) Zerbe of Leesburg, Virginia; Laura (Ryan) Menicucci of St. Petersburg, Florida; Andrew (Hannah) Zerbe of Charleston, South Carolina; Henry III, M.D. (Anna) Schwartz of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; Heidi (Clayton) Musolff of Sturgis; Kassandra (Braden) Weber of Sturgis; Alissa (Caleb) Oxender of Sturgis; Austin Hovarter; and Kelli Pratt of Kalamazoo. He is survived by his ten great-grandchildren: Sierra and Lilly Menicucci; Emmett Zerbe; Adaline and Henry IV Schwartz; Zariah; Kendall Oxender; Gabriel; Londyn; and JJ Pratt. He is also survived by his two brothers, Edwin Wickey and Joe Wickey.
Ervin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Jane Eichorn and Barbara Hochstetler; brothers, Chris, Bill, John, and Paul Wayne Wickey; and his son-in-law, Henry Schwartz.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., Monday, October 20th at Locust Grove Church, 29525 Findley Rd. in Burr Oak where funeral services celebrating the life of Ervin Wickey will begin at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Oct. 21st. The Rev. Matt Yoder will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Locust Grove Cemetery.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Yasoka Kwagalwa Children Foundation, c/o: Locust Grove Church, 29525 Findley Rd, Burr Oak, MI 49030 or Youth for Christ/Campus Life, PO Box 382, Sturgis, MI 49091
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
