FICKEL, JR., George

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ November 7, 2008 George Fickel Jr. died Nov. 1, 2008, in Lakeside. He was born Dec. 28, 1924, to George Sr. and Olivea Fickel in Leuders, Texas. He married Florence Alleen Stetner on May 23, 1946. They built a family together and were married for 62-1/2 years, having eight children together. George was known for his enthusiasm for life. He was a man of many talents, including masonry, carpentry, wood craftsman, mechanic, car restoration and gardening. He was a hard worker and never afraid to try new things. He loved his family and worked hard to instill good values and love for others. George was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in New York in 1950. He served for years as a congregation elder and helped in the construction of many Kingdom Halls in Washington State, Kentucky and Arizona. George will be remembered for his love and zeal for Jehovah God and his desire to help others. He is survived by his wife, Florence Fickel; son Joel Fickel; six daughters, Nancy (Curtis) Terrill, Georgina (Scott) Sutherland, Janae Fickel (Keith David), JoAnna (Alonzo) Orona, Julie Fickel and Jody (Raymond) Patton. He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary Steven Fickel, and his mother and father, George and Olivea Fickel; sisters Marylee Rutledge and Grace Harrington; and brothers James and Eugene Fickel. A memorial services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Kingdom Hall, 201 E. Whipple, in Show Low. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce Dr., Lakeside, AZ 85929 in the name of George Fickel.