Daniel V. Hickey, age 86, of New Auburn, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Dove Rutledge Home in Chippewa Falls, under the care of Lily Hospice.
Dan was born on March 24, 1940, in Tomahawk, WI to Vernon and Helen (Mason) Hickey. He attended Rhinelander High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. On December 27, 1986, Dan married Connie Demick in Bloomer, WI.
He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. After his service, Dan attended college at UW-Milwaukee where he ran track and earned a degree in physical education and geography. Upon graduation, Dan pursued an international career that took him to many places including Taipei, Taiwan and Cairo, Egypt, where he served as teacher, coach, athletic director and administrator.
Upon return from overseas, Dan settled in New Auburn in 1979. He served as principal, then superintendent for the New Auburn School District for over 20 years. Additionally, Dan founded the New Auburn Syndrome Rugby Club where many people got to know him as a teammate, coach and mentor.
Dan was a lifelong athlete, passionate about martial arts and rugby. Dan enjoyed sharing his passion for athletics with others, always bringing the same enthusiasm and commitment to every team and student. Upon retirement, Dan coached the UW–Stout Girls Rugby Team. He also had a keen interest in collecting firearms.
Dan is survived by his wife: Connie Hickey; four children: Heather (Dan) Matthews of Florida, Kimberly Hickey of South Carolina, Don (Karen) Demick of Madison and John (Kerri) Hickey of Germantown; siblings: Patricia Donkle of Cambridge; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Vernon and Helen Hickey; and two brothers: Jerry and John Hickey.
A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Bloomer Veterans Memorial, 1200 Veterans Memorial Dr. in Bloomer, with a time of sharing starting at 3:00 PM. A private interment will be at the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw, WI. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com
