Gerald Robert Pickel, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital.

To honor Jerry’s life, friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held immediately following visitation at 12:00 p.m. with Deacon Roger Scholbrock officiating. A burial will follow at Dubuque Memorial Gardens with military honors accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard and the American Legion Post #6. A continued celebration will follow the burial at the American Legion Hall, 1306 Delhi Street, Dubuque, Iowa.

Jerry was born on September 18, 1943, in Potosi, Wisconsin, to the late Lawrence and Louisa (Wackershauser) Pickel.

Jerry was drafted into the United States Army and served his country for two years, during the Vietnam War.  He was an active member at the American Legion Post #6.

Jerry married Karen Staver. She passed away in 1969 while Jerry was in Vietnam. Together they had two sons: Gerald, who passed at birth, and Robert of Potosi, Wisconsin. Jerry married his beloved wife, Cheryl “Cherie” Fishnick on August 13, 1977, at St. Mathew’s Church. Together, they were blessed with two sons and five grandchildren. His hard work and dedication fulfilled his career at UnityPoint Finley in Dubuque, where he retired in 2012. Throughout the years, Jerry made many friends and enjoyed working together.

Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting in his younger years and camping. He was an avid card player, always searching for a good game of euchre or cribbage. Bowling was another hobby, even if it was just an opportunity to hang out with family. He was a sports fan, actively cheering on the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes. Jerry was a fantastic storyteller and shared many life stories, including his service experience. Most of all, Jerry loved and adored his grandchildren. They were his world.

Those left to cherish and celebrate his memory include his wife, Cheryl “Cherie” Pickel, two sons Nicholas (Angela) Pickel and Adam (Nicole) Pickel, five grandchildren Lena, Kolby, Natalie, Lydia and Charolette Pickel, brother Larry (Dina) Pickel, brothers-in-law Mike Fishnick, Rick (Deb) Fishnick, Jerry (Laurie) Fishnick, sister-in-law Carol Fishnick, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Lawrence and Louisa Pickel, mother and father-in-law Bernard and Edna (Davis) Fishnick, brothers Delbert (Marie) Pickel, Bernell (Marcela) Pickel, Ernest (Elnora) Pickel, and Harold (Joanie) Pickel, sisters Selma (Clifford) Marelle, Goldie (Edmond) Eggers, Evelyn (Ollie) King, Elvira (John) Merritt, Kathleen “Kay” (Howard) Wedig, Linda (Dan) Reifsteck and Lila (Ray) Trickle, sisters-in-laws Kim Fishnick, Betty Fishnick and Karen Fishnick, and brothers-in-law Pat Fishnick and Bernie Fishnick.

The family would like to thank UnityPoint Finley Hospital for the exceptional care provided to Jerry, especially to his Dr. Kirkendall, Dr. Khan, and Dr. Wahlen. They would also like to thank Jerry and Laurie Fishnick for including us on trips, our neighbors, Rob and Lisa Moldenhauer and Harry and Karen Hayes, for everything you have done over the years for us. Also, our family for their ongoing love and support.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Jerry’s memory which may be mailed to Leonard Funeral Home, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003, Attn: Gerald Pickel Family.