Gerald F. “Gerry” Pickel

Gerald F. Pickel, age 89, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on December 19, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Gerald’s life, a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Holy Ghost Church, Holy Spirit Parish, 2921 Central Avenue in Dubuque.  Family and friends my gather together for a visitation from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., on Saturday at the church.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gerald’s family.

 

Gerry was born on May 16, 1931, Dubuque, Iowa, son to Raymond and Louisa (Dalsing) Pickel.  He grew up in Dubuque learning the values of faith, family, friends, and fellowship from a very early age.  He graduated from Loras Academy in 1949 as an ROTC Lieutenant Colonel.   He and Rose Mary Malone were united in marriage on September 29, 1951.  They were blessed with 6 children, and 69 wonderful years together.  Gerry provided for his family by working as a lineman with Interstate Power before moving into the sales division.  He later perfected his skills in sales with Crescent Electric before eventually becoming an Independent Manufacturing Representative in 1978, which he thoroughly enjoyed until his retirement in 1992.  Gerry understood the importance of a strong work ethic and he also knew that life required balance for true joy to be found.  He generously donated countless hours to numerous organizations around town.  The Dubuque Electric League, The Dubuque Jaycee’s, the Dubuque Homebuilder’s, the Mississippi River Museum, the Dubuque County Fair, the Dubuque Arboretum, Junior Achievement and Pheasants Forever were some of them.  Gerry also enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf whenever time allowed.  It’s difficult to imagine a world without the wisdom and unconditional love which Gerry always shared.  We must face this Christmas holiday with heavy hearts, but we know that our greatest gift this year will be found in the abundance of wonderful memories which Gerry leaves behind.  Thank you, Gerry, for always bringing your very best to the table and may the Lord grant you peace and comfort until we meet again. 

 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Gerald include,

 

his loving soul-mate,

Rose Mary “Rosie” Pickel, Dubuque, Iowa;

 

his adored children,

Kathleen (Mike) Koppen, Apex, North Carolina,

Diane (Mike) Wertz, Dubuque, Iowa,

Gary (Melody) Pickel, Tallahassee, Florida,

Phyllis (Bill) Bryan, Lakeville, Minnesota,

Carol (John) Drilling, Jacksonville, Florida,

and Jackie (John) Evitts, Park View, Iowa;

 

his 18 grandchildren;

 

his 22 great-grandchildren;

 

his sister,

Jeannette (Al) Cordes, Dubuque, Iowa;

 

his sister-in-law,

Doris Malone, Dubuque, Iowa;

 

his brother-in-law,

Patrick Malone, Galena, Illinois;

 

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

 

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Rita (Joe) Fondell; his brothers-in-law, Bill Malone, Bob (Roseanne) Malone, and Don Malone; and his sister-in-law, Jean Malone.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Gerald’s name to Hospice of Dubuque, Holy Ghost Church, and Stonehill Care Center.

 

Gerald’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Gerald and his family.

 

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

 

 

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial

Holy Ghost Church, Holy Spirit Parish
2921 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001
October 9th, 2021 at 11:00 AM

Visitation

Holy Ghost Church, Holy Spirit Parish
2921 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001
October 9th, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

4 comments on “Gerald F. “Gerry” Pickel
  1. Jamie Blum says:

    I was the Dubuque County Fair manager for 10 years. I remember Gerry along with other retired electricians showing up with their equipment and getting everything hooked up. He always had a smile on his face and willing to help with all of the electrical needs. He lit up our life!!!

  2. Larry and Gigi Kayser says:

    We enjoyed meeting and spending time with Gerry and Rosie at Adobe Wells in McAllen, TX. Rosie, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to you, and all your family. We know he will be forever loved and missed by all.

  3. Mike and Betsy Klimeck says:

    Mike and Kathy and families.
    You have our deepest sympathy. We will keep Gerry in our thoughts and prayers.

  4. Hank Bowers says:

    My condolence to Rosie and the entire Pickle family. Gerry and Rosie were our next door neighbor in Adobe Wells park in McAllen, TX. They were the best neighbor and friends that a person could ask for. Many good times together, and Gerry really knew how to make the Tom and Jerry’s at Christmas time. Rest in peace my friend.

Leave a Condolence:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*