TAMPICO - James W. Stickel, 73, of 106 N. Benton St., Tampico, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at his home. He was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., Sterling, as a field fence machine operator for 27 years before retiring. He also was a volunteer firefighter for Tampico Fire Department for more than 30 years and a Tampico Public Health and Safety commissioner.



Mr. Stickel was born April 25, 1935, in Tampico, the son of George and Alma (Hart) Stickel. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He married Anita Vogel on July 22, 1961, in Chicago.



Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Terri Kremer of Annawan; four sons, Wesley Stickel of Arlington, Va., William (Cherish) Stickel of Bettendorf, Iowa, Timothy Stickel, stationed in Seoul, South Korea, and David Stickel of Rock Falls; a sister, Ruth Bock of Arcadia, Fla.; six grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.



He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and four brothers.



The funeral is at 11 a.m. Monday at Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, with the Rev. Monty Fox, pastor of Tampico United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial, with military honors conducted by Eshelman Tally Doyl American Legion Post 1191, is at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.



A memorial has been established.



Condolences may be sent at www.garlandfuneralhome.com on the Internet.