Mr. Hicks, entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist, was born November 23, 1914 in Chew Magna, England. Mrs. Hicks (Vorwek) was born March 20, 1911 in Loganville, Wisconsin. Both graduated from Madison, Wisconsin Central High School. Nelson went on to attend Madison Business School and Vera pursued further education at the University of Wisconsin. The future Mrs. Hicks was also employed as a department manager and buyer for the Manchester’s Department Store of Madison. She married Nelson Hicks on February 11, 1944.
In 1946 the Hicks moved to Beaver Dam at which time Mr. Hicks co-founded Metalfab, Inc. He as a member of the Board of Directors of the Farmers State Bank from 1958 to 1985. He was elected bank president in 1962. During his term of office with the bank, the merger with Marine Corp took place. He retired as bank president in 1977 but retained position of Chairman of the Board of Directors until his retirement in 1985. He passed away February 19. 1991 after being preceded in death by Vera in 1987.
Mr. Hicks was active in both civic and community organizations. He was past president of the Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Elks Lodge 1540 of Beaver Dam.
The Hicks were also active members of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Beaver Dam and generously supported many charitable causes throughout their lives. That tradition live on today through the establishment and administration of the Nelson and Vera Hicks Charitable Foundation.