Obituary of Norbert E. Bicheler

Norbert E. "Bert" Bicheler 79, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 14th at his home in Randall. He was born April 2, 1929 in Alden, New York and was the son of the late Peter and Bertha Bicheler. He graduated from Alden High school, Alden, N.Y. and attended Alfred State University. Bert was a dairy farmer until his retirement on April 2, 2005, the name of his farm was the Ver-nor Farm in Randall. He was on the board of directors of the Fulmont Mutual Insurance Company of Johnstown, N.Y. for the last 30 years. Bert served as a Code Enforcer for several townships in both Montgomery and Fulton Counties. He was a member of the Glen Fire Department and was on the Town of Root Planning Board. Bert was a parishioner, past lector and Eucharistic minister of St. Cecelia's Roman Catholic Church in Fonda, N.Y. On October 2, 1948 he married the former Verna M. Lederhouse. In addition to his wife of 60 years he is survived by two daughters, Sheila John Cranker and Lisa Tracy Hinkle of Fultonville, four sons, Michael Ellen Bicheler of Petaluma, California, Brian Bicheler of Fultonville, Eric Gail Mancini Bicheler of Fort Plain and Greg Bicheler of Sherman Oaks, California, ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Albert Bicheler of Lancaster, New York and Joseph Bicheler of Colesvile, New York. He was predeceased by 4 brothers and 5 sisters and one granddaughter Kelly Hinkle. He loved auctions, bowling, reading and his dog, Skippy. Prayer services will be held Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 9:00am at the Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville, New York followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00am at St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church, 26 Broadway, Fonda, New York, with the Fr. Patrick Gallagher OFM Conv. as celebrant. Burial will take place in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 7pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bert's memory to the Glen Fire Department, 134 Auriesville Road, Fultonville, New York 12072 or the Rural Grove Fire Department, 1192 State Highway 162, Sprakers, New York 12166.