Mikel “Hickel” W. Picard, age 69 of York, NE, died Thursday, July 2, 2026 at his home in York, NE. He was born on September 24, 1956 to Charles and Barbra (Harrington) Picard in Holbrook, AZ. Mikel graduated from Geneva High School in 1974. He was married after graduating high school and had a son, Jeremiah John and daughter, Joslyn Jean. He was later divorced.
He began his service and retail career at the family owned Eat and Tote in Geneva where he met the love of his life, Janice Harre. On May 3, 1986 he was united in marriage to Janice “Buttercup” Harre in Denton, TX where they made their home until relocation to York, NE in 1994 when they established their embroidery and screen printing business, JM Monograms, which operated in York for over 25 years. They were married 40 years in May and had a celebration to commemorate along with many friends and family.
After the store closure Mikel enjoyed his retirement by tending to his garden, trading valuable coins, and target practicing. Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a numismatist which is the formal study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money and medals. He would produce a daily show on the Whatnot website in which he would buy and sell coins. He loved his dogs, especially Barkley, and spending time with friends and family.
Hickel had the unique ability to craft conversation with clever wit, a trove of knowledge to illustrate his stories and the ability to convince friends, family or strangers of the wondrous tale. Eventually we had to ask…”Truth or Crap” and the real truth would be revealed.
He was a past Exalted Ruler in York’s Elks Club and a member of York Eagles, also a long time member of the York Noon Sertoma Club. He won numerous accolades for trap shooting in Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska and also participated in many trapshooting leagues and bowling leagues until his health would not allow him to do so.
He is survived by his wife Janice “Buttercup” of York, son Jeremiah (Kate) Picard of Lincoln, NE, daughter Joslyn Handley of York, grandchildren Morgan (Hunter) Bell of Louisville, NE, Alex (Lex) Sprague of York, Summit Sydow of York, Finnley Handley of York, Clara Picard of Lincoln, Lottie Picard of Lincoln, two great-grandchildren, Emberlyn and Laramie. Brother Christopher (Lora) Picard of MN, and Danny (Chris) Picard of Crete, NE.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
There will be an informal social gathering to be held at 3:00 pm Friday, July 10, 2026 at the York Elks Lodge to be followed by a celebration of life memorial service at 6 pm. Mikel has been cremated so there will be no viewing or visitation. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation