Bickel, Martha C. (Steele) 1841 - 1922

BICKEL, STEELE, NEILL, HEMPEL, KRUETTER, RICHARDS, ANGLER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 6/15/2020 at 00:14:38

Elkader Register, Thur., 13 Apr. 1922.

Mrs. Daniel F. Bickel was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, and died in Giard township, Clayton county, Iowa, Wednesday, April 5th, aged 80 years, 6 months and 17 days.

At the age of 16 years Martha C. Steele, with her parents, came from Pennsylvania and settled in Giard township, where she resided until her death. On July 3d, 1859, she was united in marriage to Daniel F. Bickel and established and maintained a home in the village of Giard, which under her direction and care became famous to transients as well as home folks for its hospitality and homelike influences.

There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bickel: Mary, now Mrs. C. J. Neill of Giard; Emma, Mrs. J. G. Hempel of Elkader; Catherine, Mrs. Chas. B. Kruetter of McGregor; and Ella, Mrs. F. S. Richards of McGregor. All four daughters were in attendance at the bedside of Mrs. Bickel during her last illness. There are also 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Besides her own family, Mrs. Bickel leaves one brother, Mr. John Steele, of Estherville, Iowa, and one sister, Mrs. J. H. Angler, of Storm Lake, Iowa.

For years Mrs. Bickel was an active member and worker in the United Brethern church at Giard, and later when this church disbanded she became a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Bickel's life was devoted to her family and until recent years, when through age and infirmities she was compelled to give up her arduous duties and leave her home. For the past seven months she has been a constant sufferer, and at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. J. Neill, she has received every care and attention that a daughters love and devotion could provide.

The funeral services were held at the home of C. J. Neill, Friday afternoon, April 7th, the Rev. H. E. Hillmer of the Methodist church of Giard officiating, the burial being in the Giard cemetery.