Jack Douglas Sickler

With a spirit devoted to service and a good and generous heart, Jack Douglas Sickler spent a lifetime sharing his boundless energy and diverse talents with his beloved Corning, of which he was immensely proud. He passed peacefully into eternal rest as the sun rose on February 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Comfort House in Pella.

Born in Red Oak, Iowa, on March 26, 1937, Doug was the son of Harry Bennett and Lois Helen (Herring) Sickler of Corning. He thrived in the halls of Corning Community Schools, embracing Red Raider sports and many other extracurricular activities, culminating in the distinct honor of receiving the first Corning High School Citizenship Award upon graduating in 1955.

After a year at the University of Iowa, Doug continued his studies at Commercial Extension College of Commerce in Omaha, earning a diploma in Business Administration. Returning to Corning, he married his childhood sweetheart and the true love of his life, Beverly Joan Gaskill, daughter of Harley and Mabel (Edwards) Gaskill, on June 8, 1958 at the First Presbyterian Church. Their love story, ignited in youth, blossomed into a 67-year marriage, a testament to their unwavering devotion.

Doug proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and later serving in the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. He attained the rank of Specialist First Class with the 168th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division (Red Bull). 

In 1960, Doug's entrepreneurial spirit led him to build, own, and operate Harmony Lanes, a vibrant recreational center offering Corning residents and visitors bowling, dining, archery, and billiards. Also during the 1960s he was sports editor for the Adams County Free Press where his weekly column, “The Sidewalk Quarterback,” enjoyed great popularity.

In 1970 he joined the team at Sickler-Miller Chevrolet where he honed his skills in sales, parts management, and customer service. After a stint in Human Resources with Easy-Heat Wirekraft at Blue Grass Industrial Park, he found his calling as Branch Manager of First Federal Savings Bank in Corning, a position he held until his retirement in 1999. In 2007, Doug and Bev relocated to Pella, embracing their new community and the joy of being close to their children and grandchildren.

Doug's legendary dedication to Corning is readily apparent in the long list of local, regional and state boards, commissions  and committees on which he served, and the many projects and accomplishments in which he had a hand. His leadership in the life of his hometown was inspired by one of his favorite quotes from George Bernard Shaw: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to [my] community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have to hold for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." 

Baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in Corning, Doug participated very actively in its programs and leadership. In their retirement, Doug and Bev found a spiritual home at Second Reformed Church in Pella. Doug was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Bettye Lou (Sickler) Millhollin; and his infant brother, Billy Bennett Sickler. He leaves behind his beloved wife Beverly Joan, his son Eric Douglas, his daughter Kristin Ann DeVries, and his son-in-law Jeffrey Jay DeVries, all of Pella; his grandson, Jacob Douglas DeVries of Chicago; his granddaughters, Dr. Annie Katherine (Dr. Cael) Halfman of Dallas, and Lillie Jay DeVries of New York City; and his honorary grandson, Todd Casey of Colorado Springs. He cherished his family beyond measure.

Doug’s family is planning a Celebration of Memories, Laughter and Love to be held in the spring. His cremains will be interred in the family plot at t’Lam Cemetery overlooking the serene beauty of Lake Red Rock near Pella. Memorial contributions may be made to Corning’s  House of History, a legacy established by Doug’s parents in 1969. Mail donations to Treasurer, 900 Grove Avenue, Corning IA 50841.