Born: Sunday May-11-1952
Died: Saturday Nov-12-2016
Funeral: Saturday Nov-19-2016

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Brenda Carol Wickel, 64 year old Rupert resident, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Minidoka Memorial Hospital. She was born in McMinnville, Oregon on May 11, 1952 to Richard and Wanda (McMurray) Lewis. She attended schools in McMinnville, Oregon, Hazelton and Rupert Idaho. On April 11, 1969 she married the love of her life, Verlo Wickel. They were soulmates for life. To the union, two daughters were born, Shanda and Kim. They were the light of her life-that is until the grand babies came along. Brenda was active in her daughters and grand children’s lives. Never missing school parties, functions and ball games. She worked at Ore-Ida/McCain’s foods for 23 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Brenda enjoyed planning parties and was responsible for getting the ladies together at least once a month. Fall was her favorite season, but Christmas was her favorite holiday. We have fond memories of her Christmas cookies, candy and of course fruit cake. She would begin decorating her Christmas tree Thanksgiving night and start decorating the inside and outside of the house the next day. Brenda is survived by her daughters Shanda (Pat) Hughes, Kim (Travis) Cantrell, sister Bonnie West (Herman Schmidt), Sister and brother in laws, Terri (Gordon) Knopp, Arlene (Chuck) Kowitz, Lynn (Emily Jane) Wickel and Dennis Pharris. She is also survived by her four grandsons, Riley Hughes, T.J. Hughes, Michael Cantrell and Kade Cantrell. She has many nieces and nephews she was very close to and was like a second mother to many of them. She also had a very special place in her heart for Melanie Winson, Cherydan Onishi and Ashley Pierce. They were like daughters to her. She was preceded in death by her husband Verlo by only 18 days. Her heart just couldn’t go on without him. She was also preceded in death by Sisters JoAnn Lewis, Elaine Pharris and Sherry Rollins, her mother and father and all grandparents. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert. The family will greet friends from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Cremation and services are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be left at morrisonpayne.com

Condolences for Brenda Wickel

From: Trudy, Mark, Ryan, Brandon and Devin Gratzer and Dennis Pharris
Shanda and Kim, you girls are in my heart and prayers. Aunt Brenda was a special lady and we will miss her. I'm thankful for all the wonderful memories that I have of Brenda, Verlo and you girls. She is reunited with the love of her life. Rest easy Aunt Brenda. Thank you for the memories and laughs. We love you.

From: Jessica
Kim and Shanda
I my heart goes out to the both of you.  I have a lot of memories of aunt Brenda and uncle Verlo and the whole family.  She is in a much better place with family and her true love. I love you guys a lot. If you need anything let me know.

From: Regina Koyle
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Brenda at McCains, she was a very special lady, and friend.

From: Shanyn Thiebaud
Kim and Shanda, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your parents so close together. May the memories bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time and throughout your lives.

From: Robert & Marie Mile
We wanted to share our condolences with Brenda’s family. It is never easy to have to say goodbye to a loved one. The pain of loss can be unbearable. Our Creator promises us that one day this pain will be just a memory. That beautiful promise can be found at Revelation 21:3,4. Our pain and suffering will be a thing of the past, and we can cry tears of joy as we welcome back the ones that we love so much. We hope you find comfort in those promises.