Erland “Earl” Bickers

Earl was born on October 28, 1944 in San Fernando, CA to Ingrid Keto as an only child. He spent his childhood in Philadelphia, PA and National Mine and graduated from National Mine High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a Power Generator Equipment Specialist and as a Power Plant Operator. Earl received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter Rifle Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

Earl also worked for and served as a police officer in Waukegan, IL, a prison guard in Huntsville, TX and also as a prison guard at the Marquette Branch Prison. He was a member of the American Legion in Ishpeming, MI.

Earl and his late wife, Mary, loved to play smear and he enjoyed playing cribbage. He was an avid hunter and loved the Upper Peninsula.

Earl is survived by his children, Cherry (Dean) Norfleet, Bill (Jaclyn) Epker and Ken (Sandye) Epker; four grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary Bickers.

A service of remembrance will be held at the American Legion Post 3050, County Road 496 in Ishpeming at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Earl’s memory to your local animal shelter.

Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.