Obituary of Nelson Pepper Hickman III

Nelson Pepper Hickman III went to “The Spirit in the Sky “on May 14th, 2025. He was 70 years old. Nels died peacefully in his sleep, at his Shakopee, MN home.

Nels was born on April 18th, 1955 in Flint Michigan to Nelson Pepper Hickman II and Ida Helena Hickman. His family moved to Golden Valley, Minnesota. He graduated from Armstrong High School in Plymouth MN. Nels earned a Bachelor of Arts degree by attending the University of Minnesota, and Metro State University. He also completed some post graduate work and earned several certifications.

In high school, he met his future wife, Kathleen Benson. They fell in love and were married for over 47 years. Together, they had 3 children: Victoria, Nelson and Nicholas. Nels was incredibly proud of his children and loved them more than life itself.

Nels’s career eventually took them to Elgin, IL, where the family made several fond memories. They returned to Minnesota where Kathie and Nels enjoyed watching their children grow and start families of their own. They have 4 grandchildren that Nels worshiped: Henry, Charlie, Maddie, and Wes. Every day he thanked God that he lived long enough to meet and spend time with them.

Nels had a wicked sense of humor and loved to tell stories, particularly to his grandchildren. He enjoyed reading, riding his e-trike and solving puzzles, especially Sudoku.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen Hickman, children Vickie Cegla (Adam) , Nelson Hickman IV (Emily) and Nicholas Hickman, siblings Sallee Nelson and Jon Hickman (Renee), grandchildren Henry, Charlie, Maddie and Wes, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson Pepper Hickman II and Ida Helena Hickman.

Visitation and Mass will be held

at Marystown Catholic Church in Shakopee, MN on Tuesday, June 3rd.

Visitation will be from 10am-11 am and service from 11am-12 pm.

All are welcome to have lunch at the house afterwards.

MARYSTOWN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 15850 MARYSTOWN ROAD, SHAKOPEE, MN 55379

HICKMAN HOME, 13741 LOUISVILLE RD, SHAKOPEE, MN 55379