Brian "Rocky" Matthew Hickel

Brian “Rocky” Matthew Hickel, 66, of Minot, ND entered eternal life on November 27th, 2021.  Brian was born March 11th, 1955 in Williston, ND a son of Vernon and Rhoda (Butterfield) Hickel. He spent his early childhood years in McGregor, ND. The family moved to Ray, where he graduated from Ray High School in 1973. On August 9, 1973, Brian enlisted into the United States Navy. He proudly served on the USS Independence and enjoyed travelling the Mediterranean Sea visiting many places including Spain, Italy, and England. He was honored to be a part of his family’s rich military history. On July 20, 1977, he was honorably discharge.  After his time in the Navy, Brian attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND,  where he earned a degree in Diesel Mechanics. He spent most of his career working in various roles at the North Dakota Department of Transportation. He retired in 2012 and enjoyed every ounce of retirement.  In 1980, he married Rochelle Clementich. They were blessed with three children: DeAnn, Nicholas, and Christopher. The couple later divorced. He was a constant supporter and advice-giver for his children and grandchildren. On February 18, 2000, Brian was united in marriage to Tamie Bettenhausen. Through that union, he gained an incredibly special second family.      Above all, Brian loved spending time with his family and prioritized daily phone calls to his Mom. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, hunting, fishing and tinkering with engines of all types. He spent thousands of hours on his beloved Harley Davidson and enjoyed being a part of the Minot Harley Owner’s Group. Many special memories were created on motorcycle trips with Tamie and their friends. He spent many years serving on the Board of Directors at GEM Federal Credit Union and ND Public Employee’s Association. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan and will undoubtedly be remembered for his arsenal of corny ‘dad jokes’. Brian was humble, patient, and kind and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to cross paths with him.  Brian is survived by his mother Rhoda Hickel; wife Tamie Hickel; children DeAnn (Eli) Fylling and Christopher (Sabrina) Hickel; stepchildren Jon (Kristen) Holte, Sara Holte (fiancé Jonathan), Liz Holte (special friend Doug); grandchildren Olivia, Emily, and Eliza Fylling, Hailey, Rylee, and Brinley Holte, Skylar Holte, Harmony Kimball, and Colton Weiss; brothers Dan (Deanna) Hickel and Dave Hickel; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Brian is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Mathew and Barbara Hickel, maternal grandparents Howard and Inga Butterfield, father Vernon Hickel, mother-in-law Ione Bettenhausen; infant brother Michael Hickel, and son Nicholas Hickel.    Visitation:  There will be no reviewal as cremation has taken place, however, friends may sign a guest register on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 5 until 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.  Celebration of LIfe: Thursday, December 2, 2021, 10:30 am at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going: https://vimeo.com/event/1609867  Graveside Service:  a private family burial will take place at a later date at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND