Gary Bickel Obituary

Gary Kevin Bickel, 87, a lifelong resident of Gypsum, Kansas, passed away Sept. 30, 2025.

Gary was born Oct. 7, 1937, to Stanley Allen and Opal Ruth (Medley) Bickel in Abilene, Kansas. The family lived near Elmo in Dickinson County until he was one year old, then moved to his great grandfather Levi Henne’s ancestral farm southwest of Gypsum, which has remained in the family for almost 150 years.

He grew up farming and ranching alongside his parents. Gary attended Pliny, a rural country school, for his elementary years. He graduated from Gypsum High School in 1955, where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball.

Gary carried on the legacy of his family’s stone masonry tradition, the last in a long line of craftsmen who built many area structures. After high school, he worked for Frisbie Construction and later moved into the carpentry trade, building homes in Manhattan and Salina with Yockers Building. In 1978, he began a career at Beech Aircraft in Salina, where he worked as a carpenter until his retirement. He also continued to operate the family farm in Saline and Dickinson County.

On Oct. 8, 1961, Gary married Karen Cooley of Kipp in Salina, Kansas. Together, they raised three children: Scott, Lori and Amy at their home in Gypsum.

Gary enjoyed watching Kansas State University sports and was a devoted supporter of his grandchildren’s many activities. He also loved to travel.

Gary was active in the Gypsum community. He served on the Gypsum City Council where he volunteered as a weekend vigilante. He also was the city's mayor for eight years, retiring in 2017. Gary attended the First Baptist Church in Gypsum.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Karen.

Survivors include his children: Scott Bickel of Gypsum; Lori Hahn (Randy) of Gypsum; and Amy Bickel (John Young) of Halstead, Kansas. Grandchildren: Ryan (Hannah) Hahn; Jason (Rachel) Hahn; and Stephen (McKenna) Hahn, all of Gypsum; Brett, Kaci and Jordie Young of Halstead. Great-grandchildren: Conley, Easton and Blaine Hahn of Gypsum.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home in Salina.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the First Baptist Church in Gypsum, with Pastor Randy Moravec officiating.

Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church, Gypsum, in memory of Gary.