Helen F. Bickel, 92, of West Burlington, Iowa, died Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born on January 11, 1934, she was the daughter of Jesse and Essie Bendge James. On May 27, 1955, she married Claude G. Bickel. He preceded her in death on August 9, 2002.
Helen was a graduate of Bloomfield High School. She worked for Northwestern Bell as a telephone operator for many years. In her free time, she loved to sew quilts, play Mahjong and follow family members on Facebook. For many years Helen studied her family genealogy and would take family members to libraries and cemeteries and tell them all about their ancestors. Most of all Helen loved spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her two sons: James (Karen) Bickel and Gene Bickel all of Burlington; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Claude, daughter Essie Reida, granddaughter Jaquline Garrett and grandson Carl Garrett and three sisters.
Per her wishes cremation has been entrusted and accorded to the care of Lunning Chapel.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Burial will be held in South Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Milton, Iowa.