Marlene Hickel

Marlene LaVay Hickel, 71, of Detroit Lakes died Wednesday, October 13, 2009 at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes. A private family service will be held.

Marlene LaVay Barnhart was born October 12, 1938 in Wadena, MN to Owen and Dora (Reinecke) Barnhart. She attended school in Verndale and later in Moorhead, MN. Marlene worked as a waitress for a few years at the Hasty-Tasty Café near NDSU in Fargo ND, where she met Harold Hickel. They were united in marriage on January 16, 1960 in Moorhead. They farmed together near McGregor, ND until 1964 and then moved to Detroit Lakes.

Marlene loved spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren. She taught them how to play cards. Marlene always had a treat and board games to play with her family. She loved family gatherings. Marlene was a great cook and was known for her “Minnesota Hot Dish”. She enjoyed tending to her flower garden in the summer, she worked crossword puzzles during the winter months, she liked the trips to the Casinos, going camping, going fishing and watching the Minnesota Twins. Marlene was a great listener, always lending an ear and she was generous with her time and warm hugs. She spent time with her family traveling in the motor home and visiting. Marlene was a woman of endurance, overcoming her diagnosis of stage four breast cancer. She strived to make the most of each day.

Marlene is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Harold; daughter, Katharine (Brad) Barondeau of Woodbury, MN; two sons: Duane (Dee) Hickel of Fargo, ND and Jonathan (Theresa) Hickel of Borup, MN; six grandchildren: Emma (Kyle) Robinson, Madeleine Barondeau, Dylan Hickel, Ian Hickel, Adam Hickel and Laura Hickel; one great-grandchild, Kinsey Robinson; sister, Jeanne (Richard) Johnson of Brooklyn Center, MN; two brothers: Dale (Kathy) Barnhart of San Antonio, TX and Dean (Evelyn) Barnhart of Fairview, NM. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The Hickel family thanks and is forever grateful to the staff at Oak Crossing for their exceptional care during Marlene’s stay.