GARDNER — Jolene Marie Hickel, 69, passed away May 26, 2017, at Olathe Medical Center. She was born July 21, 1947, in Russell, the daughter of Elsie (Waymaster) and Walter Schmidt. She graduated Hoisington High School in 1965. When Jolene was 8 years old, she worked at her parent’s restaurant in Hoisington, the Cheyenne Café. This began her passion of working in the restaurant industry. Throughout Jolene’s life, she spent time working numerous jobs in the restaurant industry. Jolene managed her own Café for 3 years. Jolene married Gerald Hickel May 31, 1969, in Hoisington. Jolene and Gerald (Jerry) lived in Great Bend. She worked at the Petroleum Club for a number of years and later the Fuller Brush, Co. In February 1976 a son, Matthew Lee was born, then in December 1977 a daughter, Angela Marie was born. While Matthew and Angela attended school, Jolene was a Crossing Guard for their Elementary School, a Block Mother, Tiger Cub Coordinator, her daughters Brownie Troop Leader, Room Mother and Sunday School Teacher.
Jolene was a member of Saint Mark Lutheran Church, the Ladies Alter Society and Church Women United.
Jolene leaves behind her loving husband of 48 years, Jerry Hickel. Other survivors include her son, Matthew Hickel of Leavenworth; her daughter, Angela Hickel Durland and husband David of Spring Hill; and sister Donna Kelley of Hutchinson. Jolene had one granddaughter, Emma Durland of Spring Hill. Jolene was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jerry Dean Schmidt ;and a sister, Catherine Ann Schmidt.
A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, at Bruce Funeral Home, 712 S. Webster, Spring Hill. Reflections on her life will be shared at 2 p.m. Memorials have been established with Golden Belt Humane Society, Mid-America Chapter of the National MS Society and American Diabetes Association, in care of Bruce Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bruce Funeral Home, Inc.**
106 South Center
Gardner, KS 66030
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 1, 2017