Rev. Elton Robert Bickel

Rev. Elton R. Bickel, 87, of Pigeon, formerly of Elkton, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025 at McLaren Bay Region Hospital in Bay City.

Pastor Bickel was born February 4, 1938 in Columbus, Wisconsin to the late Reuben and Rose (Miller) Bickel.  He was baptized March 20, 1938 in Reeseville, Wisconsin and confirmed April 6, 1952 at Zion Lutheran Church, Columbus, WI.  He graduated from Dr. Martin Luther High School in New Ulm, Minnesota.  He then graduated from Northwestern College in Watertown, Wisconsin and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin.  During college he worked summers for the US Forest Service in Idaho, fighting forest fires and trying to save the White Pine.  He served his Vicar year at Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson, Arizona.  Upon graduation from the seminary he began his pastoral ministry at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, MI.  He subsequently served at St. James Lutheran Church in Portage, MI, Apostles Lutheran Church in Temperance, MI, St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH and Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkton, MI, where he retired in 2008.  Throughout his ministry he was a strong proponent of Christian education.

Pastor Bickel married Donna Steinke on July 12, 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Omro Twp, Minnesota; she preceded him in death on November 14, 2006. After retiring he moved to Country Bay Village in Pigeon.  His close friends Chad and Julie Seley were a great comfort and help to him in his later years.

Pastor Bickel is survived by his sister Marilyn (Ronald) Belau of Florida.  He was preceded in death by his sister Caroline Bickel.

A memorial service will be at 3:00pm Monday, February 10th at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church-Berne with Rev. Steven Neuman officiating.  Interment will be at a later date in St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Cemetery in Omro Twp, Minnesota.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church-Berne or New Salem Ev. Lutheran Church-Sebewaing.