Leroy Eugene Bickel, 85, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born on March 4, 1941, in Milton, Leroy was the son of Oramel and Rosemary Albertson Bickel.
Leroy married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Van Ringelestein, on his birthday in 1961 in Cedar, ensuring he’d never forget their anniversary. Their 65-year marriage was blessed with five children: Julie, Amie, Eric, Nathan, and Tyler.
Leroy graduated from Fremont High School in Fremont, IA in 1959 and served in the U.S. Army Reserve during the Cuban Missile Crisis, stationed in Mound, Minn., and Alexandria, Vir.
In 1962, Leroy came to Burlington and worked for Midwest Biscuit Co. while studying diesel and auto mechanics. In 1965, Leroy purchased his neighbor’s (George Muenzenmeyer) lawnmower repair shop while balancing multiple jobs, including work at Sylvania (Federal-Mogul), Jerry Hunt’s DX station on South Hill, running the Texaco service station on Roosevelt Ave., and driving a school bus.
In 1972, Leroy relocated his lawnmower business to Kirkwood St., opted out of the service station business, and opened Bickel’s Bicycle and Lawnmower Shop with an initial inventory of thirty cruiser bicycles. Within three years, he became a Schwinn dealer and expanded into chainsaws. As business demands increased, so did the need for space. In 1986, Leroy moved Bickel's to its current location on Agency Rd. In the late 1990s, Leroy sold the chainsaw and lawnmower business to focus on bicycles and commercial and residential fitness equipment.
Raised on his Van Buren County family farm, Leroy carried a strong Midwest work ethic and a knack for making things work right. Resourceful and scrappy, he believed in function over looks. Zip ties, duct tape, bungy cords, hose clamps, drywall screws, safety flags, and magic markers were always close at hand. He was of a generation with a focus on perseverance and adaptability. From humble beginnings, he lived by doing what needed to be done and found his best work in what he loved.
Bicycles made Leroy happy.
After riding RAGBRAI III, Leroy co-founded Bike Burlington, now one of Iowa’s oldest cycling clubs, and went on to ride twenty-seven more times. He also led the Wednesday Night Dinner rides, where time on the bike was best followed by fried chicken, cold beer, and good company. Known for his hearty appetite, Leroy was never far from one of his signature Ziplock bag creations.
Leroy earned numerous dealership awards, including being named Top 10 Midwest Schwinn Dealer in 1999. While he appreciated the recognition, he took the most pride in giving job opportunities to young people and helping those in need. Deeply involved in the community, Leroy hosted bike safety fairs and BMX races in town and at 7-Ponds. He gave his time generously to countless organizations, including Boy Scouts of America, Jaycees Burlington Chamber, Optimist International, Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Art Guild, Burlington Historical Society, and Hoover Nature Trail Committee while also staying active at First United Methodist Church, from teaching Sunday school to serving meals and washing dishes.
In retirement, Leroy cherished time with his grandchildren and any chance to ride, whether on the Natchez Trace or alongside friends on his e-bike. In 2004, he and Sandie rode in the Ride for the Roses in Austin, TX alongside Lance Armstong. For Leroy, it was never about speed, but the joy of the ride. He also loved quiet moments - stargazing from his back deck, feeding geese in his backyard pond, taking in the ocean at the Florida Keys, and exploring history on road trips, always stopping to read markers and to visit Indian mounds.
Leroy lived a full life, knew no stranger, and will be remembered for his fairness, work ethic, signature dimpled smile, and unmistakable radio voice echoing, “Bicycles, Bicycles, Bicycles!”
Leroy will be greatly missed and remembered by his wife Sandie of Burlington, sister Rachel (Don) Krouse of Effingham, IL, brother Keith Bickel of Marshalltown, IA, his five children: Julie (Craig) Smith of Burlington, Amie (Ron) Dunkin of Burlington, Eric (Anna) Bickel of St. Louis, MO; Nathan (Valerie) Bickel of Milwaukee, WI; and Tyler (Melinda) Bickel of Burlington; ten grandchildren: Adam Smith, Hannah (Brett) Miller, Samantha (Cameron) Hertzler, Josh Smith, Natalie (David) Smith, Matt (Donna) Dunkin, Lauren Bickel, Zoe Bickel, Edward Bickel, and Kimberly Bickel, and several nieces and nephews.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dean (Judy) Bickel, and grandson Riley Bickel.
Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, March 30, 2026 at Prugh Funeral Service.
The funeral service for Mr. Bickel will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Anthony M. DeVaughn. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held at The Loft on Jefferson following the service. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials have been established for First United Methodist Church and Bike Burlington.
Cheers to a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Happy Rides and Tailwinds.