The Reverend Monsignor John J. Hickel, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Monsignor Hickel was born on July 29, 1929 in Saint Louis, to the late William J., and Alice C. Hickel (nee Slevin); dear brother of the late William J., Gerald J. and Thomas G. Hickel. He is survived by his sister-in-law Antoinette “Toni” Hickel (nee Verde) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
His education included, Cathedral Latin School, St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, Kenrick Seminary, Saint Louis University and ordained to the Holy Priesthood on March 26, 1955 by then-Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter
Monsignor served the archdiocese in many areas which included, Assistant pastor, St. Patrick Parish in St. Louis, 1955-61, Teacher, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis, 1955-60, Administrator, Rosati-Kain High School, 1960-61, Administrator, Duchesne High School, St. Charles, 1961-75, Part-time assistant pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Cottleville, 1964-65, Part-time assistant pastor, St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish, Bridgeton, 1965-70, Part-time assistant pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, St. Charles, 1970-75, Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, St. Charles, 1975-96, Pastor, St. Paul Parish, St. Paul, 1996-2013, and retiring in 2013. Msgr. Hickel was the founding pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. He served as dean of the St. Charles Deanery for two terms, from 1989-95. He has served as archdiocesan coordinator of the St. Louis Marian Conference.
Msgr. Hickel was a member of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, he was an avid Golfer and had a love of travel.
The private Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Monsignor Hickel with burial at Resurrection cemetery. A public memorial mass will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Priests Mutual Benefit Society, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Mother of Good Counsel Home or the charity of your choice.
