C. Jo Blickem, 79, of Knoxville, Illinois died at 2:25 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2023 at Courtyard Estates in Knoxville with her daughters by her side.
Jo was born May 25, 1943 in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of William Martin and Dorothy Adelle (Churchill) Dawdy. After graduating from Galesburg High School, Jo married Norman Lee Blickem on June 23, 1961. Their marriage brought three daughters, Angela J. (Stuart) Hickerson of Williamsfield, Illinois, Julie R. (Brian) Johnson of Gilson, Illinois and Nicolette Fox of Knoxville; She is also survived by two sisters, Patricia Godsil of Galesburg and Janet (Steve) Ritter of Normal, Illinois. Jo is also survived by her beloved 10 grandchildren, Ursula (Darin) Ganci of Normal, Illinois, Ceara Hickerson (Neftali Noguera) of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Aubra Hickerson (David Tomecek) of Chicago, Illinois, Clayton Hickerson of Williamsfield, Tara (Josh) Brownlee of Gilson, Dane Johnson(Meghan Scott) of Gilson, Luke Johnson (Rylie Yoho) of Gilson, Paige Fox (Jesse Wenger) of Fairview, Illinois, Saylor Fox of Knoxville, and Teagan Fox of Knoxville; and eight great grandchildren, August and Ethan Ganci, Gabriella and Gracelyn Johnson, Mackenzie Brownlee, Rynlee and Reese Johnson, and Jameson Wenger. Jo and Norm were blessed to be married for 60 years. Norm preceded her in death on October 2, 2021. She was also preceded death by her parents and a sister, Marilyn Boone.
Jo enjoyed being a homemaker, keeping an immaculate house, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, and will be remembered for her talents in the kitchen, both baking and cooking. Jo was a talented artist and enjoyed painting. She had a passion for knowledge, including learning how to play guitar. While living at Courtyard Estates, Jo enjoyed the many new friendships she created and participated in nearly all the activities. She loved to play solitaire, solve puzzles and crosswords, and watching old westerns and game shows on television.
Cremation has been accorded. A celebration of life for Jo and Norm is planned for Sunday February 5, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knoxville American Legion, 749 Henderson Rd., Knoxville, Illinois 61448 Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made in Jo’s memory to Hospice Compassus. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
