Jerry K. Bickel

Jerry K. Bickel, 83, of Akron, Indiana passed surrounded by family at 4:54 am, Friday, May 29, 2020 at his residence. Jerry was born on May 8, 1937 in Miami County, Indiana to the late Palmer O. and Maxine Ruth (Needham) Bickel. He married on Nov. 24, 1956 in Akron, Indiana to Bonnie Wentzel, she survives. He was an operating engineer for Local 150 for 53 years running heavy equipment. His favorite machine was the road grader. He also drove semi truck for various companies throughout the years. After retiring he worked with Clean Burn servicing used oil furnaces. He attended Gilead School. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He attended the Akron Church of God. Jerry had been a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1973 and had been a past Master in the Akron Masonic Lodge. He then was a member of the Gilead and lastly Lincoln Lodge 523 of Macy. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion both of Rochester. Jerry enjoyed mowing yard and caring for his property. He was an avid race fan traveling the area to see sprint car races. He was known for being a regular drinking coffee with friends uptown. He loved sharing time with his princess, a yorkie, Suzie. Survivors and place of residence: Wife - Bonnie Bickel – Akron, Ind. Daughters – Sherry and husband Carl Dewey - Peru, Ind. Shelly and husband Don Robertson - Greenwood, Ind. Son – Jerry E. and wife Jamie Bickel - Pierceton, Ind. Grandchildren - Kelly, Gordon, Bonnie Kaye, Jason, Jenelle, and Josey 10 Great Grandchildren Sister – Ruth Ann Funk - Akron, Ind. Brother – Jim and wife Shirley Bickel – Akron, Ind. Preceded in Death By: Parents – Palmer and Maxine Ruth Bickel Brother – Gene Bickel Following all county, state, and federal guidelines for social distancing, the funeral service for Mr. Bickel will take place at 10:30 am, Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with Pastor Kathy Nelson and Pastor Mandy Nellans officiating. For the health of all in attendance we encourage the public to wear masks. Burial will be in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana with graveside military rites being performed by the Fulton County Honor Guard. Visitation hours will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm, Monday, June 1, 2020 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana with a Masonic Service at 7:00 pm. Donation can be made in Jerry’s memory to the Akron Church of God.

Jerry K. Bickel

May 8, 1937 - May 29, 2020