Francis L. Kikel

Francis L. Kikel, 82, of Latrobe, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital.  He was born January 3, 1941, in Lycippus, to the late Joseph Paul (JP) and Cora L. (Shaffer) Kikel.  He was a retired steel worker and machinist, having worked for Latrobe Steel.  Francis was a member of the Fayette Gun Club; Ruffsdale Gun Club; Hecla Sportsmen's Club and the Latrobe Sportsmen's Club.  A Life member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), he shot his first registered ATA targets at nine years old, and was one of the first shooters in the country to break 100 straight from the 26 yard line.  He was on the winning PA State Trapshooting Team at the Grand American National Trapshooting Championships.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Patricia D. (Hullenbaugh) Kikel in 2020.  Francis is survived by two sons, Ronald L. Kikel and his girlfriend Becky of Hempfield Twp., and Paul Joseph Kikel and his wife Heather of Petersburg, PA, a daughter, Patricia D. Hoopengardner of Greensburg, a son-in-law, Thomas Hoopengardner of Pleasant Unity; a granddaughter and best friend, Madison Lynn Kikel; two grandsons, Cody Lane Hoopengardner and Hunter Lewis Grant Hoopengardner; two sister-in-laws, Alice Henry of Homer City and Dorothy Rush of Indiana, PA; as well as several nieces and nephews.  Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650, where a funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023, with Pastor Tom Shrum officiating.  Interment will follow at Unity Cemetery, Latrobe.  To send condolences, please visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.