David Bickford

David Russell Bickford, age 68 of Ralston, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2024, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, surrounded by loved ones. 

 Dave was born September 12, 1955, in Corning, Iowa, to Donald and Colleen (Moore) Bickford. He was raised on the family farm north of Corning with two brothers, Randall Dale and Larry Dean. He graduated from Corning High School in 1973, then attended Northwest Missouri State University, studying marine biology. On August 16, 1975, he married Diane Timmerman and they welcomed two children, Michael and Amy; though they later divorced. 

 He enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying airplanes, trail rides, visiting different parts of the country, and woodworking in his shop. Through his career, Dave had several professional avenues. To name a few, he worked for the veterinary clinic, farmed the family farm, worked as a guard at the prison, and two of his favorite positions were working for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and operating his own business, Bickford Taxidermy. 

 After being diagnosed with lupus in 1995, Dave battled many years of health conditions, including two kidney transplants. Throughout these years, Dave always remained positive with his “better half” Debbie by his side. 

 Dave is survived by his mother Colleen, brother Randy (Maggie) Bickford of Bettendorf, Iowa, aunt Linda Hughes and uncle Terry (Roxanne) Moore of Corning, partner of many years, Debbie England, two children: Michael of LaVista, Nebraska, and Amy (Michael) Wierzbicki of Lakeville, Minnesota, four grandchildren: Gabriella, Caleb, Benjamin, and Andrew, nephew Andrew (Melissa) Bickford and niece Jessica Dietz, Debbie’s son Tristan (Kristy) England and children Emerson and Clara, and Larry’s long time partner, Penny. He is preceded in death by his father Donald and brother Larry. 

 Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Pearson Family Funeral Home in Corning. Family will be receiving visitors one hour prior, followed by burial at Oakland Cemetery in rural Adams County, and lunch at Floating Vine in Corning. 

 Memorial funds will be designated for a Dave Bickford Memorial at a later date.