Marsha L. Bickel, 70, of McGregor, Iowa died Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin following a courageous battle with endometrial cancer. She was born on August 26, 1948 to Burton Irving Sr. and Lorraine Violet (Schott) Walters in McGregor. Marsha was baptized and confirmed at First Congregational Church, McGregor. She graduated from Mar-Mac High School in 1967. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Winona State in 1971. Marsha then taught Physical Education and served as the girls’ basketball, volleyball and cheerleading coach at Neillsville High School in Neillsville, Wisconsin for four years.
Marsha was united in marriage to Daniel Bickel on June 28, 1975 at McGregor First Congregational Church. Many family and friends in attendance still reminisce and joke about how this was the hottest day of all time and the reason why the church put in air-conditioning shortly thereafter. Following her return to Iowa, Marsha served as the Principal’s Secretary at Mar-Mac Community School and worked in the administration office at B.A. Kennedy School in Prairie du Chien. Marsha continued to substitute teach for many years and also worked at the family insurance agency.
Marsha was active in her community. She served on the McGregor Public Library Board for over 40 years. She was also a member of McGregor’s Historical Preservation Committee. In her free time, Marsha enjoyed gardening, reading and making bars of soap to sell at craft fairs. She also loved traveling with her husband, spending time with her Springer Spaniel, Pepper, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Bears.
Marsha is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Bickel; two children, Jeffrey (Tamra) Bickel of Oregon, Wisconsin and Jenna Bickel of Vernon Hills, Illinois; three nephews, Burton (Ember) Walters III of McGregor, Steven Bickel of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Michael Bickel of Minneapolis, Minnesota; niece, Terri (Robert) Wall of McGregor; great-niece, Kayla (Dillon) Thompson of McGregor; and great nephew, Curtis Wall of McGregor.
Marsha was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Burton I. Walters Jr. and Richard B. Walters.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 5-8 pm at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Friday.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, July 26, 2019 at First Congregational Church, McGregor, Iowa with Rev. William Gentry as the Officiant.
Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marsha’s honor, may be made to the McGregor Public Library, McGregor, Iowa.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.