Merlin “Mike” Bickel, 72, died Jan. 27, 2021, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Oct. 22, 1948, in Salina, to Merlin Adam and Lavonne Avenell “Bonnie” (Briggs) Bickel.
Mike graduated from Nickerson High School in 1967 and Hutchinson Community Junior College in 1969. He served in the United States Army. Following the Army, Mike attended classes to be a journeyman, lineman, and foreman, graduating in 1972. He worked as a lineman and foreman for Westar Energy for over 40 years. Mike was a proud American, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, Loyal Order of Moose #982, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Mike was the Mayor of Abbyville for 28 years, and a member of Abbyville Community Church.
On July 13, 1992, he married Sharoll Faye Schwein in Las Vegas, NV.
Mike is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 29 years, Sharoll Bickel (who was also his best friend and fishing buddy) of Abbyville; children, Austin Bickel, Sr. (Desiree) of McPherson, Ashley Bickel Pettay of Hutchinson, Brian King (Jennica) of Derby, and Zac Castle of Abbyville; grandchildren, Austin “AJ” Bickel, Jr., Brenden “BJ” Bickel, Silas and Sylvia Castle, Hannah and Griffin King, Lance Pettay, Lauren Bickel, and Logan Pettay; two great-grandsons; and a sister, Pam Butler.
Aside from his close family, Mike will be missed by his beloved friend and card-playing companion, Marvin Schwein and his childhood partner in crime and closest cousin, Linn Bickel.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at Abbyville Community Church, 201 W. Avenue G, Abbyville, with Pastor Dale Levering officiating. Masks and social distancing will be required. Burial will follow in Gypsum Valley Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Abbyville Community Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.