Arthur “Artie” Bickens, age 88, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, in Sheridan, Wyoming. Born on June 24, 1936, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Artie grew up in a lively, bustling city but always carried a love for adventure and wide-open spaces.

A survivor of the tragic "Black Sunday" fire in Jersey City, Artie was trapped in a basement but miraculously survived the blaze. Though the experience left him with a lifetime speech impediment, Artie’s strength and resilience shone through in everything he did. He was a man of few words, but his actions, sense of humor, and warmth left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Artie had a special bond with his family, particularly his great niece Kelly, whom he would take with him to the Weber Pipe Factory after school. He would hand out the pipes he made, proudly sharing his craft. He also had his own workshop next to the factory, where he spent countless hours working on his craft and creating lasting pieces of art.

In his free time, Artie loved playing cards, bowling, watching movies, and spending time outdoors. He was passionate about shooting guns and took great pride in teaching his nieces and nephews how to shoot. Known for his playful humor, Artie would jokingly tell the kids to “stand out to be targets” when practicing, always bringing laughter and fun to the activity. Known for his strength, Artie often lifted his nieces, Donna and Linda, one in each arm, joking about taking them to Texas to become cowboys.

Artie, along with his nephew Kenneth and his brother Joey, were never-ending tourists, always exploring new places and enjoying sightseeing together. Their adventures took them to many memorable locations, where they shared their love for travel and discovery.

Artie was a history buff, especially passionate about World War II. He spent many hours studying and reading about the war, fascinated by the history, strategy, and the stories of those who fought to defeat Hitler.

Artie also had a love for the shore, where he often spent time with family and friends. Pool parties, BBQs, and games were a favorite way to spend the summer days, and Artie’s infectious energy and laughter filled every gathering.

Artie worked at the tobacco pipe factory before transitioning to a career in a nursing home, where he showed great care and dedication. After retiring, he moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, where he enjoyed his golden years. He loved riding his bike around Kendrick Park and making memories, including one memorable incident when he accidentally ran over a child with his bike — a story he always told with a laugh.

A skilled craftsman, Artie enjoyed working with his hands, building wooden storage boxes, and creating intricate music boxes for his family. His workshop was his sanctuary, where he could focus on his craft and create lasting gifts for his loved ones.

Artie was born to Cornelius and Gertrude (Gelato) Bickens and was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: brothers George, Robert, and Joey Bickens, and sisters Margaret Stubaus and Mildred Ryan.

He is survived by his sisters Ann Greeley of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Rose (John) Hanley of Nescopeck, Pennsylvania, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Kane Funeral Reception Hall.

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Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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