Irene Eva Margaret Bickel, 97, of Saginaw, our hardworking and devoted mother and grandmother went Home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 12, 2020.

Irene was born in Saginaw on April 1, 1923, the daughter of the late George and Christina (Leitow) Schoenknecht. Irene was united in marriage to Fred Bickel on June 22, 1946 and he preceded her in death on August 24, 2003. She was a faithful and lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Frankentrost.

Throughout life, Irene was known for her wonderful cooking skills and love for her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, David (Julie) Bickel, Monica (Rev. Mark) Hetzner, and Julie (Paul) Stuart; grandchildren, Matthew (Rachel) Hetzner, Joel Hetzner, and Shawn Stuart; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Hetzner; sisters-in-law, Loretta Bierlein, Lillian Bickel, and Thelma Schoenknecht, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and Fred, her loving husband of 56 years, Irene was preceded in death by her daughters, Maxine and Maureen Bickel; brothers, Arnold, Norbert, and Ruben Schoenknecht, and her sister, Ellie Stokes.

Irene's funeral will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Frankentrost, 8220 E. Holland Rd. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors after 10:00 AM on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.cederbergfh.com