Hometown: Lost Nation, Iowa September 29, 1930 - January 28, 2014

Ethel M. Bicknese, 83, of Lost Nation passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 evening at her home surrounded by her family.

Her family will receive friends on Friday, January 31, 2014 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lahey Funeral Home in Lost Nation. Her Funeral Service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation on Saturday at 11:00 AM, burial will be in Lost Nation Cemetery.

Ethel was born September 29, 1930 to Carl F. and Alvina (Lietz) Schroeder in rural Lost Nation. She was educated in country schools, Toronto Elementary School and graduated from Lost Nation High School in 1949. She was united in marriage on August 15, 1953 to William Bicknese at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation. He preceded her in death in 1994. Together they farmed for many years and she worked several jobs, including the Co-op Grocery Store for 19 years.

Ethel was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation and also a member of the Lost Nation Auxiliary. She enjoyed sitting on the front porch of her home, in which she resided for 40 years. She loved to visit with family and friends. Ethel was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

The last nine years she has lived with her granddaughter and her husband Teryn and Tony Crist and they have taken care of her.

Ethel is survived by her three children; Randy (Sara) Bicknese of Tucson, AZ, Gala Alden of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lori (Bruce) Petersen, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a brother-in-law Arnold Sobotka.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, one sister, and a granddaughter Judy Putnam in 2010.

Memorials are preferred.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Jackson County for their compassionate care, and Pastor Keith Larson and AIM Barb Tobiason for their visits and communion throughout the years.