Roger Thicksten, 87, of Prophetstown, IL, died Friday, June 12, 2020, at his home. Roger was born January 13, 1933, in Tiskilwa, IL, to Earl and Vora (Lawrence) Thicksten, Sr.

Roger was educated in the Prophetstown grade schools and was a 1951 graduate of Prophetstown High School. He attended Aurora College one semester, where he played football. He then returned home to work the family dairy farm as two bothers enlisted in the army.

Through the years Roger worked on his family dairy farm, milk and meat delivery, meat cutter, and painter. He and Millie were houseparents at the Advent Christian Village. Roger also worked there as a painter and in the maintenance department.

Roger was a charter member of the Prophetstown Advent Christian Church. He volunteered with the EMT, and Prophetstown food pantry. Of special significance, he was a member of the Thicksten Popcorn era, a family specialty in Prophetstown for over 100 years and still popping.

On September 28, 1952, Roger married Millie Milby of Sterling, IL. She died March 3, 2012. He is survived by Steve (Jan) Thicksten of Aurora, IL, Robin (Steve) Ruberg of Princeton, NC, and Joanie (Leo) Stewart of Prophetstown, IL. He had 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. A sister, Doris (Del-deceased) Hagin of Surprise, AZ; and brothers Lawrence (Sally) Thicksten of Decatur, IL; and Darrell (Deb) Thicksten of Blanchard, OK.