Rebekah “Bekah” Mae Wicks, 33

Rebekah “Bekah” Mae Wicks, age 33, of Waterloo, Iowa (formerly of Parkersburg), passed away on August 17, 2025, after a courageous five-year battle with colon cancer.

Rebekah was born in Anchorage, Alaska on June 22, 1992, and was baptized at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, Iowa.  She spent her early childhood and elementary school years in bush Alaska before moving to Parkersburg in 2004.  She graduated from Aplington-Parkersburg High School in 2010.  Rebekah went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in art from Northwestern College in 2014, and later completed her master’s degree in elementary education.

Teaching was more than a career for Rebekah – it was her calling.  She dedicated herself to her students as a second-grade teacher at Orange Elementary in Waterloo, where she was known for her creativity, use of technology, and the way she made every child feel seen and valued.  Her impact as a teacher will live on in the young lives she helped shape.

Rebekah loved reading and art, treasured time with her pets, and found great joy in traveling and attending musicals.  Even during her illness, she carried herself with grace and courage, inspiring others with her hope and strength.

Rebekah is survived by her parents, Steve and Mavis (Johnson) Wicks; her brother, Matthew Wicks and his wife Jaclyn; her beloved niece, Maeva; her boyfriend, Zach Duckworth; and many other friends and family members.  She was preceded in death by her infant niece, Margaux; her maternal grandparents, Clarence and Matilda Johnson; her paternal grandparents, Gene and Doris Wicks; her uncle, Gerald Johnson; and her uncle, Darrell Wicks.

Though her years on this earth were far too few, Rebekah’s impact was immeasurable.  She will be remembered as a daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend whose love and light will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor B.J. Humphrey officiating.  Amy Truax was the pianist, and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, “In The Garden” and “Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace”.  Nate Boehm sang “On Eagles Wings” and “I Can Only Imagine”.  The burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg with Edward Johnson, Griffin Johnson, Joshua Wicks, Nathan Wicks, Zach Duckworth and Doug Snell serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearers were Randal Johnson. Richard Wicks and Kyle Wilcox.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Parkersburg Funeral Home.  Memorials may be directed to the family and at a later date will be donated to causes which were near to Rebekah’s heart.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com