Bickel, Thomas

Thomas R. Bickel, 59, of Oconto, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 26, 2016 at Bay Area Medical Center, Marinette. Tom was born February 2, 1957 in Oconto to Gerald and Delores (Thompson) Bickel. Tom was born on a farm in Oconto and worked hard all his life, never missing a day of work. He worked at the Oconto Catholic Cemetery cutting grass and digging graves. He hauled milk for Brookside Cheese, then for Outagamie Cheese and Rick Gerdes. Tom then acquired his own milk and dump truck. For many years Tom had his own milk route. He currently was hauling for Graef Trucking. Tom loved to cut wood, hunt (mostly rabbits). He played baseball for Crickets Saloon, enjoyed his John Deere tractors and machinery, riding in parades and started the Dumke Tractor Ride

Tom was a dedicated man who loved Jesus, his family and friends. He is survived by a daughter, Betty (Jordan Weigelt) Bickel; a son, TJ Bickel; girlfriend, Julie Pasternak; a grandson, Jaxon Weigelt; six brothers and sisters, John, Barb, Virginia, Julie, Tim, Mike; his parents, Jerry and Delores Bickel and many nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, from 3 to 7 PM Thursday, March 3, 2016. A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 PM by Rev. Kevin Kuhn and Rev. Tim Bickel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given.