Jon H. Bichel

Jon H. Bichel, 83 of Onalaska, passed away Friday, November 13, 2020 at Gundersen Health System following eight years of dialysis and complications of COVID-19.

He was born May 15, 1937 in La Crosse to John and Nina (Venners) Bichel. He graduated from Central High School in La Crosse and joined the Naval Reserves, serving for eight years from 1955 until 1963. He was a member of Struck-Klandrud American Legion Post 336 in Onalaska and the Masons and Scottish Rite, achieving the 32 ^nd Degree.

Jon married Betty Osweiler May 21, 1960. They had two sons, Richard (Jean) Bichel of Cannon Falls, MN and Ronald (Kathy) Bichel of Algoma, IA. Betty preceded him in death in January 1997.

On November 14, 1998 he married Karon Nelson in Red Wing, MN and they moved back to their home area.

Jon began working at Pepsi-Cola in La Crosse, but had an opportunity to work for Northern States Power. He worked in La Crosse and later transferred up to Red Wing, MN to work at their Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant, becoming a lead electrician. The plant is now Xcel Energy. Jon retired after 33 years there.

Surviving him are his wife, Karon; two sons, Ronald (Kathy) and Richard (Jean); step-daughter, Michele (Doug) Nordeen of Dundas, MN; step-son, Brian (Michelle) Hemp of La Crosse; several step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Private family services will be held with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse.