Jerry K. Bickel, 83, of Akron, died surrounded by family at 4:54 a.m., Friday, May 29, 2020, at his residence.

Jerry K. Bickel

Jerry was born on May 8, 1937, in Miami County to the late Palmer O. and Maxine Ruth (Needham) Bickel. He was married on Nov. 24, 1956, in Akron, 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-trucks 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 US 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 the 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 include his wife, Bonnie Bickel, Akron; Daughters, Sherry and husband, Carl Dewey, Peru, and Shelly and husband, Don Robertson, Greenwood; a son, Jerry E. and wife, Jamie Bickel, Pierceton; Grandchildren, Kelly, Gordon, Bonnie Kaye, Jason, Jenelle, and Josey; ten Great Grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Ann Funk, Akron; and a brother, Jim and wife, Shirley, Bickel, Akron. He was Preceded in Death By his Parents, Palmer and Maxine Ruth Bickel, and a 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 a.m., 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, with graveside military rites being performed by the Fulton County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 3 pm to 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2020, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m.

Donations can be made in Jerry’s memory to the Akron Church of God. Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.