Elizabeth J. “Bette” Pickel

Elizabeth J. “Bette” Pickel, age 84, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on April 16, 2026, at Stonehill Care Center while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Bette’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3685 County HHH in Kieler, WI, with Rev. Thomas Kelley officiating.  A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  Family and friends are invited to join in food and fellowship at Bette’s Celebration of Life following the mass at 1:00 p.m. at Burkey’s Bar and Grill, 10638 Key West Drive in Dubuque.  Entombment will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bette’s family.

Bette was born on May 16, 1941, in Kieler, WI, a daughter to Walter and Marian (Horn) Burbach.  She possessed a kind and gentle spirit along with a love for family and friends which was continually on display.  Bette eventually met and married the love of her life, Kenneth L. “Ken” Pickel and the two were blessed with 63 wonderful years together and 4 children of their own to love and nurture along the way.  Ken was sadly called home ahead of her on September 29, 2023.  She spent her working years primarily as an industrial seamstress with Frommelt Safety Products which eventually became Rite Hite, but she also invested her time and talents in the cafeteria at the Immaculate Conception School, as a bus driver, a cashier at the Iowa Greyhound Park, Advance Design and even as a real estate agent before moving into retirement.  Bette made countless friends throughout her career and always gave her best in every position she held.

In her free-time, Bette seemed to lean into social events most of all.  In her younger years, golf and dart leagues were consistently near the top of her list, and later in life an evening at the Moose Lodge was a welcomed event, but a warm sunny day at the beach would also suffice when the opportunities presented themselves.  Bette and Ken also spent many summers together at the River of Lakes in Bagley, WI.  A little quality time camping and fishing with family and friends was the perfect way to recharge while creating memories and friendships which would last a lifetime.  As life progressed and her family grew, time with them by her side became her favorite places to be.  Family gatherings were clearly her happy place, but even if a single grandchild alongside her was the most the day could offer, she was beyond content and satisfied.  Bette was undeniably the “Best Cook in the World” for those who knew her well and many memories were made by simply gathering around her table.  It’s difficult to imagine a world moving forward without Bette’s love and light shining so brightly and effortlessly upon all whom she loved and adored.  Thank you, Bette, for being the best wife, mother and grandmother any of us could ever hope for and may the Lord grant you peace now and keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again. 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bette include,

her three children,

Jeffrey (Katie) Pickel, Martelle, IA,

Mark (Kathy) Pickel, Hazel Green, WI,

and Rhonda (Roger) Schultz, Cary, IL;

her daughter-in-law,

Lori Pickel, Dubuque, IA;

her adored grandchildren,

Brianna Pickel, Iowa City, IA,

Emily (Troy) Hutchinson, Waverly, IA,

Alli Pickel, Hazel Green, WI,

Amber Pickel, Hazel Green, WI,

Ashley (Sam) Baker, Fitchburg, WI,

Alicia (Zachary) Plancich, Naperville, IL,

Brittany (Luke) Holmgren, LeGrange, IL,

Nathan (Alison) Pickel, Dubuque, IA,

and Nicholas Pickel, Dubuque, IA;

her great-grandchildren,

Raelyn Baker, Aubrey Baker, Carson Plancich, Jenna Plancich, Riley Plancich, Tyler Plancich, Mia Holmgren, Olivia Holmgren, Miles Holmgren, Winston Pickel, Reagan Pickel, Avery Geisler, Rowan Pickel, Peyton Pickel, and Aislyn Pickel;

her siblings,

Mary Lou Trowbridge, Kieler, WI,

Bill (Judy) Burbach, Kieler, WI,

and Larry Burbach, Platteville, WI;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ken Pickel; her son, Perry Pickel; her sister, Ruth (Merlin) Udelhoven; her brother, Robert “Bob” (Blanche) Burbach; her brothers-in-law, Harold Eggers and Gordy Trowbridge; and her sister-in-law, Beverly Burbach.

In lieu of flowers, a Bette J. Pickel memorial fund has been established.

Bette’s family would like to thank everyone who has helped to care for Mom and comfort our family throughout this difficult time, especially the nurses and staff at Finley and Stonehill.  Your love and compassion is greatly appreciated and we are eternally grateful for each and every one of you.

Online condolences may be shared with Bette’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com