Andrew Kari Wicks, 67, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Aurora, Colorado.

On August 9, 1958, Andrew Kari Wicks was born in Belle Fourche, SD to Ray (Chummy) and Florence (Tiny) Wicks.   Ray and Florence purchased a ranch in 1959 and moved to Red Owl, SD.  Andy attended grade school at Winchell, Stranger, Red Owl, and Enning, and graduated high school from Sturgis Brown High in 1976.  Throughout his grade school and high school years Andy made many lifelong friendships.

After graduation Andy went to work for Dick Richter at Richter Construction until August of 1980 when he broke his back in a ranch work accident and spent the next 45 years as a paraplegic.    It was Andy's resilience and faith that he was able to accept this challenge with grace.  He continued his life as if nothing had ever changed, he didn't let his physical state define who he was.  After his accident he attended Black Hills State University and Western Dakota Vo-Tech. He was a member of the Rodeo Club for BHSU.

After college Andy worked at refinishing furniture until 1985 where he began work at the Fort Meade Veterans Hospital and continued to work until his retirement.

Andy never knew a stranger and never forgot a friend.  He loved to spend time with family and friends old and new alike.   He loved concerts, listening to bands, watching rodeos, driving through the country, and all things associated with friends & family.  He attended many sporting events of friends and family. Andy was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Sturgis, SD.

Andy leaves behind a brother, Zane (Mary Jo) Wicks; sister-in-law, Amy (Travis) Wicks-Richards; nieces Emily Escott, Abigail (Cayden) VanVugt, Josie (Shane) Forster, Mya Wicks; and nephew Christopher Dean (Kara) Herman; and great-nephews Conor, Oliver and Benjamin Herman, Kase Escott; and great-nieces Teighlor and Charlotte Herman.  Special Friend and Nurse/Caregiver Jill Phillips as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Florence Wicks, brother Daniel Wicks, Maternal Grandparents, Ernest and Florence (Atteberry) Kari and Paternal Grandparents, Rayfield & Louise (Thybo) Wicks.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ALS Association in memory of Andy.

https://www.als.org/ways-give