Darrel Eugene "Pete" Bickel

Darrell Eugene “Pete” Bickel, 82, a proud father and grandfather, departed from this Earth on November 5, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Pete was born August, 16, 1931 in Watertown, South Dakota to Neola and Everett Bickel.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, during the Korean Conflict as a crew chief with the Marine Air Corp.

He worked 27 years at O’Callaghan’s starting as a service repairman and retiring in 1988 as manager of the service department. In addition to his career at O’Callaghan’s he co-owned and operated K and P Appliance for many years. Upon retirement he and his wife, Marilyn of 37 years, moved to Horseshoe Bend AR, to live in their dream home on Crown Lake.

He enjoyed an abundance of activities; boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing and traveling. Pete also served as an ambulance driver and was a member of Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church and the Eagles Lodge.

Pete is survived by his children, Jackie (Dave) O’Neal, Darrell “Speedy” (Annie) Bickel, Rick (Terry) Brose, Sandy Blackford and Randy Brose; daughter-in-law, Kari Bickel-Kammerer; 20 grandkids, 44 great-grandkids; siblings, Jack (Veronica), LaVonne, Darlene, Gail (Ralph), Jay (Linda), Jerry (Joyce), Karen (Keith), Marvin (Jan), Marilyn (Warren) and Vicki (Gari). He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn; son, Scott; and sister, Wanda.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held at Noon, Sunday, November 10, 2013 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Following the service Pete will be laid to rest at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Orilla, Iowa. Visitation will occur Saturday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church or Hospice of North Arkansas.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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