Edward Bickler • 1909 - 2005

Edward Bickler, 79, 407 2nd St E, Velva, died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 in his home.

Edward was born October 22, 1925, the son of Nick and Phyllis (Axtman) Bickler in Orrin, ND. He was reared in the Orrin area until 12 years of age when the family moved to Rugby. In January of 1942 Eddie enlisted in the army and served as a Paratrooper with the 157th Airborne Division and honorably discharged in April 1946.

Eddie was united in marriage to Ruth Berdahl on September 8, 1945 in Grand Forks, ND. They made their home in Rugby for a short time and then moved to Velva in 1950. Ed worked as a butcher at Falk's Super Value, which he later purchased with his father. He then purchased the Standard Bulk Service for a short time until going to work in 1971 for the Velva Lumber Yard until it closed in the late 80's. Eddie and Ruth created the "Bargain Barrel" consignment store. For many years he drove school bus and ended his working career as a bus driver for Souris Basin Transportation, retiring at age 78. He was twice honored as "Bus Driver of the Year".

Eddie was the Mayor of Velva for 16 years. He was an active member of the Velva Fire and Rescue Squad for 55 years, serving as chief for 5 years and served as the North Dakota Firemen's Association President for one year. He also was a charter member of the Velva Jaycees, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Association of Commerce, Velva Golf Club Association, Strawberry Lake Association, Housing Board and Senior Citizens, all of Velva. He loved his community. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, ice fishing and spending time with his family. Many happy years were spent at their lake cabin on Strawberry Lake.

Those who shared in his life: Wife of 59 years: Ruth Bickler, Velva; Son: Greg (Barbara) Bickler, Colorado Springs, CO; Daughters: Carol Bickler, Velva and Holly Bickler, Garrison; 4 grandchildren: Shawn (Dawn) Bickler, Golden, CO: Jennifer (Chad) Maurer, Castle Rock, CO: Jared (Bea) Bickler, Coos Bay, OR: Krista Bickler, Williston; 1 great-grandson: Justin Bickler, Coos Bay, OR; Brothers: Emil (Irene) Bickler, Escondido, CA: Ray (Irene) Bickler, Poway, CA: Sisters: Elsie Rettinghouse, San Diego, CA: Isabelle (Ken) Pommier, Salana Beach, CA.Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Ed was preceded in death by: his parents and brother-in-law; Jack Rettinghouse.

Funeral Service: Monday, March 28, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva

Visitation: Saturday, March 26, 2005 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva. Sunday from 3:00 until 4:00 with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

Burial: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva.

Memorials: American Cancer (Mesotheleoma) Association or The Second Story, Minot

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