Emil Bicigo Jr.

He was born on May 5, 1926, in Crystal Falls, son of the late Emil and Noemi (Meneguzzo) Bicigo Sr.

He attended the Crystal Falls Schools, leaving school early to enlist in the United States Navy.

While in the Navy, he served overseas, traveling to Okinawa and China on the hospital ship, the U.S.S. Repose. Upon being honorably discharged from the Navy, Emil returned to Crystal Falls, going to work in the mines. After the mine closed he moved downstate for work. This is where he met and married Dorothy Yates in Toledo, Ohio on Jan. 5, 1952. They recently celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

Emil moved his family from Royal Oak back to Crystal Falls in 1968. He was the owner of Bicigo’s Shoe Shop, where at one time he either made or repaired shoes for just about all of the residents of the local area. He truly loved making shoes.

He also worked as an electrician for the city of Crystal Falls. Emil was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Tufts-Rondon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2891, the Louis-Bowman American Legion Post 87, and the Crystal Falls Lions Club.

He was voted Crystal Falls Citizen of the year in 2010.

Emil was a “Jack of all trades.” He loved going to his cabin and hunting, especially rabbits, where he was head of the local rabbit hunt. He also so loved his Model A pickup. After more than 50-plus years, Emil would finish his high school education, graduating in 2002.

Emil is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Bicigo of Crystal Falls; sons, Jack (Cheryl) Bicigo and Larry (Tammy) Bicigo all of Crystal Falls; grandchildren, Melanie (Adam) Dempsey, Allyson (Tim) Oysti, Laura (Leonard) Krajewski, Lisa (William) Hanson, and Lindsey (Rob) Stoor; great-grandchildren, Bryce, Casey, Alex, Devin, Gage, Chase, Lud, and Carter; brother, Robert (Marjorie) Bicigo; sisters, Irma (Francis) Quinney and Marlene Bicigo, all of Crystal Falls; a sister-in-law, Jeannette Bicigo; and he is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua Bicigo; brothers, Bruno and Leo Bicigo; and a sister, Iris Bicigo.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 2, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Cheryle Spicer will officiate.

Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Emil J. Bicigo online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.