Judith E. Bickel

Judith "Judy" E. Bickel, age 85 of Mason, WI, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025, at Essentia Health-Saint Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN. Judy was born October 28, 1939, in Ashland, WI, the daughter of Leonard J. and Anne C. (Lutkie) Pero. She attended De Padua High School and graduated in 1957.
Judy received her infant nursing education at The Cradle in Evanston, IL, and worked at St. Joseph's Hospital and then the Memorial Medical Center in Ashland for over 35 years in the OB department where she loved caring for the newborns in the Nursery. On June 27, 1959, Judy married Louis M. Bickel in Ashland, WI. She was a lifetime member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, and was a member and officer of the B.P.O. DOES for decades where she was well known for her Grand Lodge convention antics and always willing to help others as a community volunteer. She was an avid bowler winning numerous awards (even a state championship!), served on the Ashland School Board for many years, and was a dedicated Girl Scout leader. In recent years, she enjoyed the company of many wonderful friends entertaining all with her witty retorts; the I.R.S. (Iron River Seniors) and the ROLEOs (Real Old Ladies Eating Out) to name a few. Judy had a loving, generous, and humorous personality that left an impression on all that knew her – she made everyone feel welcomed. She enjoyed family gatherings and traditions. Judy kept her family in line; you could not win an argument with her! As the matriarch (and proud Lithuanian), she was a model of independence and strength. She often said, with a smirk, "You don't have to like 'em, but you gotta love 'em." But most of all, to her family, she was just the "Queen of frickin' everything!"
Survivors include her children: Susanne (Bill) Eder of Ashland, WI; Michael Bickel of Madison, WI; Patrick (Denise) Bickel of Northglenn, CO; and Christy (Mark) Kroon of Madison, WI; granddaughters: Erica Bickel of Las Vegas, NV; and Sarah Bickel of Westminster, CO; brothers: James Pero of Ashland, WI; and John (Sharon) Pero of Saint Louis Park, MN; sisters: Kathy Culligan of Westby, WI; and Tugger Henri of Oneida, WI, as well as several nieces, nephews and close friends.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Shari Pero; her half-brother Dan (Pat) Pero; her brother-in-law, Mike Culligan; and her sister-in-law, Jean (Tom) Frank.
A Memorial Mass of Christian burial for Judy will be celebrated on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 12:00 noon, with Father Jerome D'Souza, as Celebrant.
A gathering of family and friends will begin on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Ashland and continue until the hour of service.
Private inurnment will take place at a later time in Saint Agnes Cemetery in Ashland.
Memorial donations can be made to support Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.