We send out our deepest sympathy to the family of longtime Valley Home resident Marcell Dickens, who passed away earlier this month.
Born on September 20th, 1930, Marcell’s parents were Albert and Maude Dickens and he had a younger brother Kenny Dickens. He attended grammar school at Lone Tree School and went on to Oakdale High School, graduating in 1949. After school he worked for his father at his dairy milking cows, and would later go on to own his father’s dairy. He was a 4-H leader in Valley Home and that is where he met his sweetheart Kathy Griesner. Marcell and Kathy loved to square dance and belonged to “The Falling Arches.” They got married in 1962, and in April, 1963 they had their first son Mark Dickens. They had their second son Brian Dickens in August, 1964, Keith Dickens was born in July, 1966, and Kevin Dickens was born in April, 1968.
Marcell served on the Valley Home School Board of Trustees for many years. He went on to own K&M Liquors in Oakdale and after selling the business continued to work at Circle D Liquors for many years until he retired. In his later years he enjoyed working in his garden and yard. Marcell grew the most beautiful chrysanthemums. Of course he loved spending time with all of his grandchildren which included three grandsons, four granddaughters, two great granddaughters, and one great grandson.
Marcell passed away on January 7th, 2019 surrounded by his family. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, January 16th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Graveside services will be Thursday January 17th at 10:00am at Burwood Cemetery on River Road, Escalon. That service will be followed by a gathering of friends and family at the Oakdale Rodeo Grounds.
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As always, if you have items of interest for this column, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com.