Sandra Kay Bickel

Sandra Kay Bickel passed away on February 1, 2026 after a fierce battle with cancer. Sandra was born on September 11, 1955, the first born to Merle and Shirley (Stuckey) Goeke. Sandra graduated from Illinois State University in 1977. Her first job, where she would spend the next 44 years of her life, was dedicated to teaching at Mooseheart. She was a consistent, dedicated math teacher who  impacted students from across the nation and the world.

In 1980, Sandra married Thomas Bickel and in 1988 they moved to their forever home in Leland, IL. There they would raise their two boys, Tony and Christopher. Sandra and Tom also opened their hearts to caring for their bonus son, Matthew Mohr. Sandra was a devoted member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Leland. She was a helper and would do anything asked of her. She was a gifted baker, specializing in pies. She had a green thumb and was able to grow the most fruitful garden for her home and for the Bethany Lutheran Church community. She was the most talented seamstress. To her, the best use of her time was making onesie pajamas for her children and outfits for her grandchildren. 

In retirement, she was called back to the classroom, serving as a substitute teacher at Leland for the past three years. There are no words to express how deeply she was loved by her family. Her generosity, selflessness and unwavering faith are unmatched. 

Sandra is survived by her husband of 45 years, Tom; her two sons, Tony (Adrienne) Bickel and Christopher (Alyx) Bickel; grandsons, Anthony and Logan Bickel; granddaughters, Parker and Callen Bickel; her father, Merle Goeke; siblings, Sally (Fritz) Kuhlmeier, Dale (Billy) Goeke, Diane (Randy) Lawson, Karen (Jim) Kleckner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  

She is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Goeke and her niece, Kirsten Kleckner. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Leland, Illinois with Pastor Hope Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Leland Cemetery in Leland. Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church. For more information or to sign the online guestbook please go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com 

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home 

13160 W. Rt. 34 ~ P.O. Box 404 

Somonauk, IL 60552 

815-498-2363