Reid William Van Sickle, 59, of Onalaska died with family at his side and surrounded by a circle of love and prayers, from near and from a distance, on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Mayo Health Systems, La Crosse.   Though challenged by the health effects of morbid obesity and smoking, Reid loved life, worked hard to live, and had previously survived many health crises.  Because he cared deeply for others, Reid was an organ and tissue donor.

Born to Mary L. (Ball) and Clair D. Van Sickle, Jr. in La Crosse, WI, Reid moved with his family often for his father’s work.  In Wausau, WI, Elmhurst, IL, Pittsford, NY and Framingham, MA , Reid was quick to make each place home and to reach out in friendship.  He graduated form Framingham North High School and attended a culinary arts program.  He excelled in his work preparing food for others for 25 years before returning to Wisconsin in 1990.  Reid found the love of his life, Sierra Arceneau, and lived with her for 16 years, until her death last October.

Reid was a kind soul.  He adored nature, fishing, history, computer games, science fiction movies and anything to do with food, including a lefse-making gathering with his family before Christmas.  He loved travel and enjoyed a trip to Alaska, traveling for 2 years with Sierra in an RV, and a recent return trip to Chincoteague Island, VA.  He rescued and cared for many animals.   He was delighted to get back home to Wisconsin last October, and expressed endless gratitude to his family and to Dolores Graham and her family for their help in making a home for him in Onalaska.  He felt very supported by and grateful to the whole team at Mayo Health Systems who worked diligently to hear him and to help him.

Proceeded in death by his parents and his partner, Reid will be greatly missed by his sisters, Darla (Mike) Mc Guire, Marsha (John) Nakowicz, Andrea Van Sickle (Susan Schmidt), his Aunt Alice Manke, his nieces, Jennifer Mitchell, Kaleena (Ray) Harrington, Michelle McGuire and nephew, Michael (Alison) Nakowicz, in addition to family of the heart, Nancy Bumgarner, Kathleen Graham, Dolores Graham, the Wiseman and Oines families, and other friends.

A private celebration of his life will take place in May when his family can gather.