Francis Fikel, Jr. (1946-2018)

Francis B. “JR” Fikel, Jr, 71, of Montpelier passed away early Monday morning at his home.  He was born on July 28, 1946 in Edon to Francis B. “Bud” and Zelda Ilene (Wolff) Fikel, Sr.  JR graduated from Edon High School.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam.  On May 11, 1996 he married Sandra J. Boden in Hocking Hills and she survives.

JR retired from Detroit Edison after 31 years.  He was also the owner / operator of Kesas Cove Resort in Coldwater, Michigan for 20 years.  JR also did welding at the Sears Tower, Toledo Zoo and Cedar Point.  He was an avid hunter and fisher.  JR never knew a stranger, he was a people person and was always lending a helping hand.  He worked hard and played hard and was a great story teller.  JR was also a carpenter.  He was a member of the Iron Workers Local #55, Montpelier Eagles and the Coldwater Eagles.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sandy; three children Roderick (Rebel Friend) Fikel of Coldwater, Michigan, Jarrett (Amy) Fikel of Temperance, Michigan, and Nicole McDonnell of Lambertville, Michigan; three step children, Toni (Steve) Bump of Hillsdale, Michigan, Tina (Lambert) VanderMade of Sherwood, Ohio, Tracy (Aaron Snyder) Robertson of Montpelier; eleven grandchildren, Troy, Alexandra, Misheala, Harrison, Clayton, Harlie, Aubrey, Colin, Boden, Landric and Jackson; siblings, Darlene (Paul) Green of Edon, Violet Chance of Edon, Rose Miller of Edon, Fred (Kathy) Fikel of Montpelier, Tom Fikel of Montpelier, Kenny (Tarry Eicher) Fikel of Montpelier, Kay (Larry) Wendorf of Edon, Chris Baughman of Bryan; and special friends Zack Horter and S.J. Olijhoek.

JR was preceded in death by his parents, brother George Fikel and sister Martha Teats.

Visitation for JR will be on Thursday, May 24^th from 11a-2pm at the Veterans Building at the Williams County Fairgrounds.  Services will follow at 2pm at the Veterans Building with John Winright to officiate. Military honors will be presented by the Montpelier Veterans. A celebratory dinner will be provided immediately following services at the lodge at Lake Seneca. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice.  Condolences can be left online at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com.