"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends!! I have known FDEAN since the early 70"s thru the ambulance service!! He will be missed!!"
In loving memory of
Harlan Deane Bickel
July 29, 1942 - March 27, 2017
Harlan (Deane) Bickel, born July 29, 1942, in Milton, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 27, 2017, in Macomb, Illinois, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
He was the son of Rosemary and Ormal Bickel, both preceded him in death. Dean married Judith Brewer in Pine Castle, Florida, on September 20, 1963. She survives.
Dean started Dean's Custom Auto Trim in March of 1965. He loved his work and serving all the people in the surrounding area. The business is now run by Rick Hamelton, a long-time employee. He was a Navy veteran and a skydiver, and had made about five thousand parachute jumps. He was a private pilot for many years. Dean loved farming, raising cattle, and being outdoors. He loved to dance and enjoyed going to the Southside Boat Club to hear the music and dance.
Dean is survived by his brother Leroy (Sandra) Bickel of Burlington, Iowa; his brother Keith Bickel of Marshalltown, Iowa; his sister Rachel (Don) Krouse of Altamont, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with military rites will be held at 10 AM on Friday, March 31, 2017, at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 30, from 3 to 7 PM, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 PM at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers at 917 Blondeau Street.
Memorials may be directed to Harbor Light Hospice at 1865 North Henderson, Ste 10, Galesburg, Illinois 61401, or either of the Keokuk Animal Shelters.
Tributes
"Our family has many great memories of this man. My Dad, Jim Morgan, Bobby Reid, and many others were skydivers together for many years. Jumping into the river for the Street Fair, landing at the Lee County Home for the residents there, and so much more. My childhood had a presence of Dean and Judy from some of my earliest memories. And a tremendous business asset to Keokuk. My condolences to those left behind. "
"If you have to ask you didn't know Dean"
"I became acquainted with Dean when he first moved to Keokuk. Worked together on the Lee Country Ambulance for several years and became very close friends. Dean was always there for you when you needed a friend or when you needed help with something. There is not enough room on this form to say everything I would like to say about Dean. I considered him a brother and I will miss him a lot So Judy, I truly feel your loss and will have you in my thoughts and prayers."
"My wife Drea and I can't begin to express what Dean added to our lives. He was our witness when we got married at Couch Freaks in 1994. The many friends we made over the years and the good times we shared because of Dean have made our lives worth living. More importantly we learned to live by his motto,if you can't be good be colorful. Rainbow skies and polyester forever."
"My wife Drea and I can't begin to express what Dean added to our lives. He was our witness when we got married at Couch Freaks in 1994. The many friends we made over the years and the good times we shared because of Dean have made our lives worth living. More importantly we learned to live by his motto,if you can't be good be colorful. Rainbow skies and polyester forever."
"One of a kind,always a nice smile and a helping hand.Glad to have known him.To the family and friends of Dean so very sorry for loss."
"I met Dean back in '74 or '75, and always looked forward to seeing him around the skydiving scene. But he was truly in his element at the Convention. Always the gentleman, and always looking to make people comfortable as he welcomed them into his camp. A true icon, the world simply won't be as colorful without Dean in it. I'll miss him."
"I have known Dean since I started skydiving, and enjoyed every skydive and every moment I was with him. There will never be another person like him. RIP brother! "
"Dean taught me a lot about skydiving but he taught me a lot more about life... Cindy and I are going to miss you my friend. Judy, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. May the good Lord give you peace and comfort."
"Dean was proof that God has a sense of humor. Jumped with him for many years in the midwest and in Florida. Everyone that knew him has a Dean story. What a character. He was fortunate to have many, many wonderful friends. And his wife Judy is truely a saint. It is often said that life is a journey, and Dean had one hell of a ride. We'll miss good buddy."
"What a great guy, lots of memorys he will be missed by Me, Ben and Eileen! Will never forget all the great times we had together. GOD Speed to you brother. We love you man! Dwight"
"Dean was fortunate to have by his side his wife Judy.she took very good care of him. I know she will miss him greatly. He definitely lived in polyester. Zoot suits as he called them. Matching hats and shoes. Very adventurous..scared to climb a ladder but loved jumping out of a plane. "
"His sense of polyester fashion was above all comers. :~"
"Dear Judy, Family & The Many Friends of Dean Bickel, May every consolation and blessing be granted to each of you in your deep sorrow. Bickel was 'One Of A Kind' .. 'cept for those special times when he and 'ONLY' He, Dean, 'The Prince of Polyester' could have enough total attire to suit up everyone on the drop zone for the evening's festivities. From the first time I met Dean we were buds and over the years of uncountable good times I have amassed numerous 'Laugh-til-ya-pee-yourself' stories from The World Free Fall Convention each year and skydiving events and competitions between. A great friend of fun skydives, good fun and indelible memories. My condolences and sincere sympathy, David 'Herb' Estes"