Bryan Shicks

"So no matter what, if you have given your life to Jesus, rest assured, the best is yet to come." — Bryan’s spoken testimony, September 14, 2025

Bryan Ellis Shicks was born November 18, 1963, to Vel and Pat Shicks. They brought him home to Dundee, IL, where his two-year-old sister, Ruth Ellen, waited eagerly to meet her blonde-haired, blue-eyed brother.

In the summer of 1970, on a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, six-year-old Bryan asked Ruth about loving Jesus. They talked and that day, he prayed and asked Jesus into his heart. A few years later, Bryan gave his personal testimony and was baptized, continuing his walk of faith, shaping his character and choices.

But life was not easy and after some very difficult years and “spiritual wandering” Bryan returned to the Lord and told anyone who would listen that Jesus was his hope and Savior. He wanted everyone to know and love God. Just a few weeks ago Bryan again shared his story of renewed trust in God’s plan and of growing in his love for Jesus.

As a boy, Bryan was everything a little guy should be—full of energy, curiosity, and grit. He loved playing with trucks in the dirt, riding his bicycle (a glimpse of what would become a lifelong love of motorcycles), mowing the lawn and being outside until his mom called him in for supper.

His mom knew something was wrong if on his own, he came home thirsty after a game of baseball or an afternoon building snow forts—that meant her Bryan was sick or had a fever. She was always right.

All his life Bryan was tough and had an unusually high tolerance for discomfort. This became all the more evident as he suffered multiple injuries in combat or at work as a logger in WI. His surgical scars and many tattoos were reminders of his incredible pain and disability - pain he endured because his hope was in Jesus.

Bryan graduated from Des Moines Tech in 1981, having even built a house during his senior year. He went on to study for two years at McPherson College in Kansas before joining the United States Army. He was first stationed in Wurtzburg, Germany. It was at an Agapé Church missionary’s home Bible study where he met fellow soldier and his lifelong friend, Rusty Paukner.

In 1988, Bryan was married and blessed with the birth of two children: John-Bryan Ellis (“JB”) and Bryanna Lee.

Bryan was a proud father and delighted in spending time with his son and daughter. Bryan had tremendous pride attending their musical and sporting events. It made his heart glad to see their love for God and eagerness to volunteer at Camp Wilderness and in their church.

During his distinguished 23-year military career, Bryan was stationed in Germany and Panama, Fort Drum in upstate NY and served as a recruiter in Green Bay, WI. He completed a 14-month combat tour in several very dangerous areas of Iraq yet turned down early leave so that younger soldiers could return home sooner to their families. His heart was always tender to sacrifice for others.

Bryan was honorably discharged in May 2004, having earned many medals, commendations, and awards. He was highly decorated in marksmanship, pistol and rifle, parachuting, driving supplies into concentrated war zones, mechanics, and as a military policeman.

With his young children and as a grandfather, Bryan loved God’s creation and enjoyed countless hours of fishing, hunting, boating, camping, biking, and exploring. He looked forward to local and overseas excursions with friends and veterans. One very special trip was with Heroes to Heroes to Israel.

While Bryan was single, he longed for a companion and in 2021 he crossed paths with his soulmate and love of his life, Barbara Hinsz. With friends and family attending, Bryan and Barb were married on Lake Michigan on a beach in Algoma, WI in August of 2021. Bryan loved singing, “I Dug Up a Diamond” realizing Barb was a beautiful and strong discovery, his precious gem. In spite of Bryan’s war with incurable cancer, they coped remarkably well using their goofy senses of humor and unwavering dependence on God.

As a result of his many battlefield encounters and dangerous duties in war zones, Bryan needed a “battle buddy”. So, he and his beloved pup, Skye, trained as a service dog with Soldiers 6. Skye was a pro and by Bryan’s side and a vital component in helping him deal with ongoing PTSD. Skye is famous in northern MN, for sure!

The Shicks made their home in Aurora, MN, where they took in the beauty of the north while fishing, cycling, going to concerts, attending veterans benefits, boating, and hanging out with their dogs. Bryan and Barb loved traveling with Rusty and Sherry Paukner. The Shicks attended and volunteered at a great church, North Hope, and were embraced by the dear congregation and servant leadership. For over three years, these people stood alongside the Shicks as they warriored through esophageal cancer! Bryan loved this community and they loved him.

Bryan passed away while in Hospice Care in Virginia, MN on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. He was brave and hopeful until his final breath. Bryan is survived by his faithful and amazing wife, Barb; handsome, Army veteran son, JB, his wife, Emily and their children, Ari and Brantley; beautiful daughter, Bryanna, husband, Johnathon Pallesen and their children, Liliana and Andrew; sister, Ruth and husband, Dale Landegent, their family and many nieces and nephews who were just crazy about their “funcle” and hundreds of friends. Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, Vel and Pat.

Our beloved will be remembered as a devoted soldier, a faithful servant of Christ, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a loyal brother, and a man who lived unashamedly for the glory of God. His life was marked by strength, courage, and compassion, and his legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched.

We are grateful and thank Dr. Friday and Dr. Dornfeld, their teams and Essentia Health East Range Hospice and staff for the tremendous care provided to Bryan and the family.

In 1979, Bryan’s parents founded Hidden Acres, 640 acres of land in IA and a coalition of Evangelical Free Churches purchased and established a Christian camp ministry that is still thriving.

A scholarship for needy children to attend this summer camp has been set up in Bryan’s name. Memorial gifts may be sent to Hidden Acres Christian Center, 3837 Union Ave., Dayton, IA 50530 Memo: Bryan

A Celebration of Life service with military honors will be held at North Hope Church in Aurora, on October 11 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation one half hour prior.

“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” — Romans 14:8