Louise Bernice Ickes

Louise Bernice Wildman Ickes, age 96, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 14, 2026. She was born on September 16, 1929, at home in Vici, Oklahoma; the third child of Norman and Eura Wildman. Louise grew up on a farm in a close- knit family with two brothers and many cousins who lived nearby. As a child she loved the horses on her family farm, even declaring she would grow up to be a racehorse jockey. Louise attended Richmond schools, where she excelled at basketball and graduated valedictorian of her senior class.

After high school, Louise attended Phillips University in Enid for two years before transferring to Oklahoma University to attend nursing school. She had many adventures there, once delivering a baby on her own when the doctor did not arrive in time. She graduated with her Registered Nursing degree in 1952.

Louise always had an adventurous spirit, so after graduation she and her best friend decided to move to Texas. While working in a hospital there, a co-worker introduced Louise to her brother, Jack Ickes. He quickly became the love of her life, and they married the next year in 1955. They were the best of friends and enjoyed 40 years of marriage until his passing in 1995.

Jack and Louise moved several times, living in Texas, California, and finally settling in Oklahoma where they raised their three daughters. Louise was a loving, devoted mother and was always involved in her daughters’ activities. She taught Sunday School, organized Vacation Bible School, led Brownies, and participated in PTA. Her family was always her top priority and her daughters looked up to her all of her life.

Later, her twelve grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she rarely missed a recital, school play, or sporting event. She spent many hours with all of them, leaving each one a legacy of love and faith.

Louise had many talents and interests. She was a wonderful cook, enjoyed sewing, and was an accomplished artist. She loved traveling; a trip to Israel topped the list of the many places she visited. Louise also had a lovely voice and sang in the church choir. In addition, she helped her husband around their farm and could often be seen nailing a roof on the barn, vaccinating cattle, and even chasing pigs when needed.

However, the most important part of Louise’s life was her faith. She gave her life to Jesus at the age of 10, attending the First Christian Church in Vici during her youth. She loved the Lord and reflected His love to others throughout her life. Her kindness, generosity, wise counsel, and prayer support made a big difference in many lives. She was very involved in the Women’s AGLOW ministry in her later years, as well as Lifechanger Church in Claremore, OK.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Ickes; her parents, Norman and Eura Wildman; her brothers Lynn and Donald Wildman; and an infant son, Barry Ickes.

Louise is survived by her three daughters, Pamela Schreur and husband Mark; Karen Koszykowski and husband Daniel; and Barbara Wesel and husband Kevin. She is also survived by her twelve beloved grandchildren, Adam Schreur, Levi Schreur and wife Hope, Hannah Schreur, Kristen Owens and husband Dylan, Scott Koszykowski and wife Hali, Jack Koszykowski, Noelle Koszykowski, Mark Wesel and wife Shelby, Sarah Roundtree and husband Travis, Rebekah Wesel, Rachel Wesel, and Kathryn Wesel. Also, her eleven great- grandchildren; Ellis and Colette Schreur, Sadie and Harrison Owens, Luke, Tristan, and Alice Wesel, and William, Charlotte, Bennett, and Killian Roundtree. In addition, she leaves behind several nieces and nephews who she cherished, and many special friends.

One verse that sums up Louise’s life is II Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In honoring Louise's memory, friends may choose to send flowers and/or make a memorial contribution to Mend Medical Services.

https://mendmedical.org/give/#donate In "Special Designation" donation field you may include Louise's name and note to the family.

Checks and notes may be mailed to Mend at 6216 South Lewis Avenue, Ste. 100, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136.