Roma Fickert, 90, of Rockford, died at 10:47 a.m. April 6, 2009, at Colonial Nursing Home, Rockford.

He was born Nov. 9, 1918, in Mercer County, to Otto and Frieda Schaadt Fickert. On July 12, 1941, he married Helen Louise Case, who died Dec. 4, 1984.

Surviving are a son, Dick (Gini) Fickert, Rockford; two sisters-in-law, LaVera Fickert, Decatur, Ind., and Lorraine Fickert, Celina; two grandsons, a stepgrandson and a stepgreat-granddaughter.

Deceased are four brothers, Raymond, Homer, Ralph, and Lloyd Fickert; and five sisters, Alvina Trafcer, Doris Jean Gerber, Lorretta Bollenbacher, Esther Noack, and Betty Carter.

He worked for Maurer's Hatchery and the Berne Hatchery and Feed Mill, both in Chatt, for 14 years. He also raised hogs and chickens, in addition to farming, and was the first chicken farmer in the United States to have caged chicken houses. He served in the Air Force in World War II. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford.

Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Catherine Costello officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to service Thursday at the funeral home.

Condolences can be left at www.ketchamripleyfh@embarqmail.com.