Kenneth D. “Ken” Fickel of Hermiston died on Oct. 23, 2021 in Hermiston at the age of 75.
He was born on Sept. 19, 1946 in Alliance, Neb. to Vaughn and Emma Keane Fickel.
He was raised and attended school in Hemingford, Neb., graduating in 1964. Ken was united in marriage to Vicki Russell on Jan. 23, 1967 in Pilot Rock. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served in Vietnam, where he was awarded two Purple Hearts. Ken worked as an engineer for the Oregon Department of Transportation for nearly 30 years before he retired.
He loved working around his farm and tinkering in his shop, trips to the coast and playing on the computer.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Vicki Fickel, Hermiston; son, Kenneth Fickel Jr., Hermiston; daughter, Angela (Rex) Harman, Hermiston; brothers, Terry Fickel, Austin, Texas and Gaylin Fickel, Portland; grandchildren, Ryan, Tad, Tyler, JT, TJ, Tiffany, Jamie, Jacob and Derrick; great grandchildren, Madison, Jackie, Bella, Jordynn, Jenna, Aiden, Joseph, Michael, Taylor, Peyton, Zoey, Isabelle, Landon, Caleb, Caden, Abbigale, Jaden and Jayce; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Connie Fickel; and a sister, Donna Jane Kampbell.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Irrigon.
Please share memories of Ken with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
