Earl W. Barnickel, Sr., 98, of West Brooklyn, passed away peacefully, August 24, 2023 in his home.

Funeral services will be Monday, August 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Michael Slutz officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be Sunday, from 2-4 p.m. in the funeral home.

Earl was born October 25, 1924 in Brooklyn Township to William and Minnie (Zinke) Barnickel. He married Marion Meisel August 30, 1947 at Ohio Lutheran Church and celebrated 75 years of marriage in 2022.

Earl was a lifelong farmer in the Lee County area. He was a member of the Flying Farmers Club and still had his pilots license. He enjoyed playing baseball and loved music and could play all kinds of musical instruments.

Earl is survived by his wife Marion of West Brooklyn; his 5 children Linda (Tim) Hahn of Seatonville, Earl (Brenda) Barnickel of Mendota, Gale (Christina) Barnickel of Compton, Mary (Michael) Labriola of West Brooklyn and Bette (Bruce) Peterson of Carmel, Indiana; 7 grandchildren William (Cassie) Barnickel, Brian Barnickel, Walter Barnickel, Marie Barnickel, Michelle (Matt Rupright) Peterson, Danielle Peterson and David (Katie) Peterson and one great grandddaughter Brielle Barnickel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Donald in 1957 at the age of 6 1/2 and his sister Irene.

Memorials may be directed to Compton Fire Department or Mendota Moose Lodge.