Gene Martin “Hayseed” Bickel, 68, of Vassar, died unexpectedly, Sunday morning, June 7, 2015 at his residence. He was born April 19, 1947 in Vassar, son of the late Eric Martin and Laura (Huber) Bickel. On December 11, 1971, he married the former Lois M. Reinhardt of Reese. She survives him. Mr. Bickel was a life member of the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville, The Richville Conservation Club, Lancer Car Club and the Frankenmuth Snowmobile Club. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve in May of 1972. Gene was employed at Delphi Automotive upon his graduation from Vassar High School before leaving to do what he loved most, farming! He enjoyed being with his family, especially his little grandchildren and many friends. Polka parties and listening to the music was one of his favorite enjoyments. Known as the “Soup- Nazi” and the neighborhood snow-plow man, he loved plowing with his Steiger. Surviving besides his wife Lois are three sons and their spouses, Jason and Jenny Bickel of Vassar; Jeremy and Reagan Bickel of Frankenmuth; Justin Bickel and his fiancée Mary of West Branch; five grandchildren; Brooke, Paityn, Brittany, Bo, and Brylee Bickel. Also surviving are his three brothers and their spouses, Robert and Lois Bickel of Frankenmuth; Paul and Kathy Bickel of Reese and Loren Bickel of Caro; his mother-in-law, Martha A. Reinhardt, his sister-in-law, Nancy Findlay of Frankenmuth and many loved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by his brother, Kurt Bickel, brother-in-law, Harvey M. Reinhardt, father-in-law, Harvey G. Reinhardt and two nephews, Dion Reinhardt and Kurt J. Bickel. Funeral Services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2015 from the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville. Rev. Rob Gadeken and Rev. Wesley Gillaspie will both officiate with committal services to follow in the Blumfield Township Cemetery. Gene’s family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 9940 Saginaw St. in Reese on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, St. Michael’s Day Care or the donor’s favorite charity.
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