Gerald Dennis Sikel
Gerald Dennis Sikel, 77, passed away Monday, August 5, 2024, doing what he loved. Born on January 12, 1947, in Linton, North Dakota, he is survived by his wife Carol Huffine Sikel of 52 years; daughters Sarah (Shawn) Hando, and Johanna (Justin) Heupel; and four grandchildren, Colt (Tess) Hando, Case, Andee, and Jax Heupel; brothers Allen (Thea) Sikel and Charlie (Jerri) Sikel; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Birtha Sikel and two brothers Frank and Jay Sikel and sister Esther Ibach.
Gerald was known for his incredible work ethic, his deep love for his family and the determined need to help others with a quiet energy. He enjoyed visiting with friends and acquaintances, never knowing a stranger.
Gerald was raised modestly with strict rules, resulting in the strong man we all loved. After graduating from Shepherd High School, he was drafted into the US Army. He served in Vietnam driving ammunition trucks. After active duty he remained in the Army Reserves for the remainder of his 20+ year career in military service. Gerald worked at Midland Packing and Public Auction Yards until his retirement in 2017. While at PAYS he enjoyed the people he met and took pride in helping them. One of his selfless acts was donating blood for others, giving over 10+ gallons through the years. Gerald also worked tirelessly at his rental properties. (He was the best painter ever.) His retirement meant more time with family which he loved.
He spent his time at basketball and volleyball games watching the grandchildren playing. He was so proud of Colt for his years of commitment to basketball and success in his electrician apprentice work. He identified with Jax while sitting under the shade of the ash tree he planted years ago. Gerald loved to work with Case building things and watching his basketball triumphs as well as watching him excel in team roping with Jax. Grandpa and Case had an unusual connection. On another level, we often called it “Case’s Geraldness.” Gerald was so proud of Andee’s involvement in sports, and was quite pleased with her recent success in breakaway and team roping. He loved them all, quietly, so proud. We are blessed with the life he shared with us.
He was an outdoor person who cherished time spent with family cutting trees in the mountains and gathering firewood which included camping and four-wheeling. Traveling with a well-maintained chainsaw and every tool needed, or not. He also enjoyed four-wheeling in the sand dunes of Idaho with the kids. His ATVs served as immense entertainment and transportation to visit the neighbors, hauling needed items, and just driving about. After retirement he spent many hours on his acreage nurturing his small herd of cattle. He took pride doing his “chores” and kept his herd in top condition.
Our only comfort is that he is at peace, resting with passed loved ones.
There will be a celebration of life for Gerald at the Heupel home located at 6050 Dawson Dr., Billings, MT on Sept 8 at 1 p.m. and a full military honors ceremony at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, MT on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. Billings Cremation and Burial Services located at 733 West Wicks Lane, Billings, MT 59105 is assisting the family with arrangements. Gerald’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the memories cherished by his loved ones.
