Florence S. Kennicker, 91, of  Holy Cross, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Visitation will be from 11:30 am until 1:15 pm Saturday, December 20, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rickardsville.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Florence will be at 1:30 pm Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rickardsville with Father Tyler Raymond as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville.

Florence was born April 30, 1934, in North Buena Vista, IA, the daughter of Joseph and Leona (Klein) Leick. On July 25, 1970, she married Clarence J. Kennicker at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. They were able to celebrate 51 wonderful years together. He preceded her in death on August 3, 2021.

Florence earned high honors upon completing eighth grade at Immaculate Conception School in North Buena Vista. Many years later, she earned her GED.

Prior to having children, Florence was employed at the Galena Glove Factory and St. Regis Paper Company.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who always put the needs of others before her own. Her greatest calling became lovingly spoiling her family, especially her two boys. She served as the “daycare” provider for her two older grandchildren, spending countless hours offering tender care, endless laughter, and whatever snacks their hearts desired.

Her youngest granddaughter brought her immense joy over the past nine years, during which she proudly earned the nickname “Grandma Cheese.” Nearly eleven months ago, she became a great-grandmother when baby Layla arrived, filling her heart with even more love. She cared deeply for every member of her family.

Despite enduring the loss of a child and her husband, along with recent health challenges, her joyful spirit never wavered. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Rickardsville and the Rosary Society. She took pride in her appearance, carrying herself with grace and was always classy, yet humble. Florence’s kindness, warmth, quick wit, and infectious laugh will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She taught us the importance of family, the power of a caring heart, and the joy of finding beauty in everyday moments.

Survivors include her son, Jeffrey Kennicker of West Des Moines; daughter-in-law, Darlene (Clay) Bolsinger of Rickardsville; grandchildren, Keisha (Kevin) Mueller of Dubuque, Nathaniel ( Baylee) Kennicker of Holy Cross, and Jaida Bolsinger of Rickardsville; one great-granddaughter, Layla Kennicker of Holy Cross; brother, Arnie Leick of Dubuque; six sisters-in-law, Betty Leick of Epworth, Ruth Leick of Luxemburg, Dorothy Kennicker of Holy Cross, Mary (Melvin) Barth of Dubuque, Dorothy Crews of Dubuque, and Eileen Merfeld of Dubuque, and brother-in-law, Gerald Kennicker of Millville, and many nieces and nephews, including those special Tharp girls.

She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Steven on November 14, 2010; seven siblings, Dorothy (Ernie) Ellerbach, Lucille (Irvin) Stoffel, Irma (Melvin) Schrobilgen, Merlin Leick, Marina (Jack) Hess, Leonard Leick, and Rosemary (Richard) Tharp; six brothers-in-law, Ed, Ray (Irma), Lawrence (Eunice), Leon, Frank (Kathryn), and Leroy; four sisters-in-law, Stella (Joseph) Bertjens, Marita (Sam) Etter, Teresa (Robert) Hefel, and Karen Kennicker.

A memorial has been established in her name.

The family would like to give many thanks to the staff of St. Croix Hospice, Holy Cross and North Buena Vista Fire Department and all her other care providers, especially Pam. We are grateful for all the outstanding kindness and compassion you all have given, and it is very much appreciated.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Florence’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.