Gilbert Norman Bickel

Gilbert Norman Bickel, 83, passed away of natural causes October 31, 2020, at the Beehive Homes Assisted Living facility in Great Falls, Montana. Gil was born August 14, 1938, in Blue Grass, North Dakota on the family farm. His parents were William Jacob Bickel and Elsie Schutz. Gill was raised on the farm and attended farm school through the 8th grade. He then asked a family in New Salem, North Dakota if he could live with them and attend high school. The first family he lived with was Edgar Schwegler for 2 years. He then moved over to Robert Schwegler's home and finished high school and graduated in 1955. Robert and Gil were best friends their entire lives. After graduation in 1955, Gill went to work for Lurkey Brothers Construction Company and drove a gravel truck. In 1957, he joined the Air Force and remained in the service for twelve years. Then he returned home and went to work for the United States Post Office as a mail carrier until his retirement. He met and married the love of his life, Olive Anita Back on June 1, 1974. They made their home in Great Falls. He was a member of the Eagles and Moose Lodge. He and Anita went out dancing every weekend as they both loved to dance. Gil was preceded in death by both parents; his brother, Gerald; one sister-in-law, Judy Bickel; and two brothers-in-law, Emil Steiger and Ron Weeks. He is survived by his wife Anita of 46 years; their dog, Molly; brothers, Donald (Niki) Bickel, Robert Bickel, Dennis Bickel, Jack (Nita) Bickel, Larry (Mary) Bickel and Randy Bickel; sisters, Elaine Steiger, Linda (Mike) McMann, Bonnie Davis, Judy Bickel, and Brenda Weeks; sisters-in-law, Dayle (Karl) Lacey, Davine (Roger) Wright, and Barbara (Eric) Hofland; and many cousins; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. Gil has been cremated and interred at the Mausoleum in Great Falls. Services to honor Gill will be held at a later date due to the COVID-19 virus.