Melva Anne Pickel, 87, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Hamilton Park Place in Portage, Wisconsin where she lived for the last year and a half.

Melva dedicated much of her life to caring for others, working for over 30 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant in home healthcare. Her compassion, kindness, and commitment to helping those in need left lasting impressions on the countless families she got to know through her work as a nursing assistant.  When not at work, Melva found joy in quilting, sewing, baking, reading, camping and playing the accordion.  Melva, who took great pride in her large family, enthusiastically shared many smiles and laughs with friends reminiscing about memories and accomplishments achieved by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Melva will be remembered for her many hats, caring heart, strong work ethic, devotion to her family and the kindness she shared with everyone she met.  Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her. 

 
Melva was born June 19, 1939, in Washington Township, Richland County, Wisconsin, to the late Leonard Thompson and Bonita (Richert) Thompson.  On October 4, 1958, Melva married the love of her life, Melvin V. Pickel, at St. John Lutheran Church in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. They shared many wonderful years together and raised four children together until Melvin’s passing on July 27, 2000.

Melva is survived by her children, Mike (Linda) Pickel of Richland Center, Merlin (Nancy) Ring of Reedsburg, and Marlin (Ellen) Pickel of Reedsburg; her sister, Karen Nodolf, 15 grandchildren; Nik (Tiffany) Pickel, Kristina (Rick) Bartels, Tom Peterson, Tracy (Curtis) Davidson, Jessica Pickel, Andrea (Corey) Carlson, Cody (Brianna) Carlson, Cassandra Ring, Heath Pickel, Brandon (Jessi) Silvers, Chantel (Jesse Mitchell) Brantley, Justin (Bethany) Pickel, Athena (Justin) Christopherson, Sade (Max) Murdock, Jeremy Hammond and fiancé- Pah YYangs, Jamin Hammond, Jennee Hammond, and Amanda Hammond. She was also blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Melva was preceded in death by her daughter, Melinda Hammond, who passed away on January 17, 2004; two great grandchildren; Ashlyn and Hayden Pickel; sisters Blanche Sturdevant, Elaine Sturdevant, Susan Williams; and brothers Lester Thompson and Glen Thompson. 

Family would like to thank the staff at Hamilton Park Place for the loving care they provided for Melva.

There will be a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Loganville, WI.  Pastor Kris Totke will be the officiant. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30-11:15 a.m. at the church.  A luncheon will follow the service.  For those that are interested, you are welcome to gather with the family at Greenwood Cemetery at 2:00 pm.