Bernard W. Fickes

Bernard W. Fickes, 82, of Bandit Drive, Bedford, died Monday, November 19, 2012 at Altoona Regional Hospital. He was born on February 7, 1930, the son of the late Russell L. and Katherine Omelia (Corle) Fickes. On December 23, 1953, in Osterburg, he married Laura Belle Kurtz who survives along with a daughter, Kathryn B. Rose of Bedford, two sons, Robert W. Fickes married to the former Gwen Dunkum of Lancaster, Gregory A. Fickes and Fiancée Dotti Day of East Freedom, five grandchildren:  Kimberly J. Diehl, Rebecca R. Binus, Steven W., Cody A., and  Dustin C. Fickes, eight great grandchildren; Dalton, Joseph, Samantha, Chelsea, Sydney, Haley, Gage, and Randsom, two sisters; Doris Cripe of Bedford, and Shirley Nicodemous of Imler, and a brother, Robert Z. Fickes Sr. of FL.  He was preceded in death by one sister Connie Gauthier.

Mr. Fickes was an Army Veteran and retired after 36 years working for General Refractories in Claysburg.  He was a former commander and life member of the Pleasantville VFW Post # 9219.  He enjoyed word puzzles and in his younger days hunting.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with  Thalia Fleetwood officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park, with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.   Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.