Irene Hedwig Schluckebier

Frankenmuth, MI

Passed away peacefully Tuesday August 2, 2022, at her home with the Lord by her side; age 88 years. Irene Bickel was born on May 3, 1934 at the homestead in Frankenmuth, MI to the late Ernest and Hedwig (Schiefer) Bickel. Irene was a long-time member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church being baptized, schooled, and confirmed there.  After attending 9th and 10th grade at Frankenmuth High School, she graduated from Arthur Hill High School with honors in 1952.  Irene started as a co-op at Frankenmuth Fire Insurance and retired from Frankenmuth Insurance after 45 dedicated years of service.

Irene was married to Otto Zuellig Jr. on July 20, 1957. They had an infant son that passed away in 1960.  Sonny preceded her in death in 1984.  Not having children of her own, she was close to her beloved nieces and nephews and their children that survive her. Vickie (Jeff) Schmitzer, Julie (Mark) Palmreuter, Dawn (Rich) McClain, Janelle (Glen) Steele, Gary (fiancé Debbie) Bickel, and Dean Bickel.  She is survived by many other special nieces and nephews, including Dave and Patti Bierlein.

Irene married Jack Schluckebier on November 11, 1988.  Jack predeceased her in 2006.  Irene loved her extended family and is survived by one stepdaughter and two stepsons, Jack Michael (Denise Young) Schluckebier of Melbourne, FL, Rhoda (Don) Dietrich of Frankenmuth and Paul (Cindy) Schluckebier of Owosso; seven grandchildren, Bryan and Michael Schluckebier, Bruce (Christa) and Renee Dietrich and Stacey (Robert), Kelly and Peter Schluckebier; and one great grandchild, Greta Dietrich

Irene is survived by sisters-in-law Joyce Bickel, Barbara Bierlein and Gladys Kreil.

Having grown up on a farm and later owning a farm, she was a farmer at heart.  Living where you could see the sunrise, the sunset, animals, and birds was her happy place.  She enjoyed gardening, seeing wildlife, and the planting and harvesting of the crops.  She was able to enjoy the recent wheat harvest from her home in Birch Run before moving to Frankenmuth.

Besides her spouses and infant son, Irene was predeceased by her two brothers, Howard Bickel and Victor E. Bickel; sisters-in-law Eleanor Bickel and Verna (Zuellig) Hennagir; and brother-in-law Patrick Zuellig.

Funeral service will take place on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola St. Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate with burial to follow in St. Lorenz Lutheran Cemetery.  Irene's family will receive visitors at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St Lorenz Lutheran Foundation.