Shirley Bickel

SHIRLEY LORRAINE BICKEL

Vinton

Shirley Lorraine Bickel, 92, died Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at her home following a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 3, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with the Rev. Jessica Crane-Munoz officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton at a later date.

Shirley was born May 16, 1924, in Traverse County, Minn., the daughter of Archibald Maxwell and Louise Runkel Dalziel. She attended country school and graduated from Wheaton Public School. Following graduation, Shirley worked as a secretary for the school's superintendent. She also worked as a bookkeeper for the Ford Agency and as a law secretary.

On Aug. 29, 1953, Shirley was united in marriage with Jerome M. Bickel in Wheaton, Minn. The couple farmed together in Wisconsin and Shirley also worked for Kelly Girls Employment Service in Milwaukee. They moved to Vinton in May 1969, and, in 1970, Shirley began working as a secretary for the guidance counselors at Vinton public schools. She held that position for 16 years, retiring in June 1986.

Shirley was a member of the Vinton Presbyterian Church. She took great pride in keeping her home and she enjoyed knitting, sewing and quilting.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jerry Bickel of Vinton; children, Jeffrey Bickel of Mazeppa, Minn., and Jennifer (Ben) Lane of Kittrell, N.C.; sister, Maxine (Olen) Lupkes of Wheaton; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Beth Gebhart.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Vinton Presbyterian Church, 608 First Ave., Vinton, IA 52349.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Shirley and her family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.