Vicki Ann Inkel

Vicki Inkel, 62, of Bemidji, MN died Wednesday, May 24, 2017 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Vicki Ann Myers was born April 18, 1955 in Berea, Ohio, to William and Janice Myers. She graduated from North Olmstead High School in 1973. Vicki went on to attend IBM Computer School while working at Cleveland National Bank. In the fall of 1975, she moved to Bemidji, Minn. with Steve Inkel. In Bemidji she attended Bemidji State College (currently Bemidji State University) for business management. During this time she also worked at Northern National Bank as head bookkeeper. Steve and Vicki were married October 14, 1977, at St. Phillips Church.

In the late fall of 1979, Vicki began working as the first permanent employee at the Bemidji Potlatch/Ainsworth OSB plant. She held many positions over the years, ultimately holding the position of purchaser for Potlatch. Vicki and Steve welcomed their son, Ehren Steven Inkel, on June 16, 1986. She received her business management degree from BSU in 1992 and attended Certified Purchaser Management School. She worked at the mill until its closure in 2008 by Ainsworth Corporation.

Vicki returned to school for her LPN and RN receiving her degrees in 2009 and 2011 respectively. During this time she worked for Northland Fishing Tackle, Kelly Services and JC custom welding. She was hired by Sanford of Fargo in 2011 as a Well U Coordinator for Potlatch lumber mill and Norboard OSB mill, both in Bemidji. She went on to earn her BSN/Public Health nursing degree in 2014. She was later hired by Potlatch lumber mill of Bemidji as a purchaser in 2015. She held the position until her death.

Throughout the years Vicki was involved in cross country skiing, Bemidji Sailing Association and Headwaters School of Music Handbell Choir. She was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America starting in 1992. Vicki and Steve were active in Pack 82, Troop 82, Troop 25 and the Paul Bunyan Northern Lakes District. Over the years she earned multiple awards and honors within the BSA. Her legacy within scouting was working with and inspiring hundreds of young people and adults alike.

Vicki loved the outdoors and was always very active. She was an avid bicyclist, loved canoeing in Quetico Provincial Park, camping whenever possible, and motorcycling with her husband and son. She was also a voracious reader. The family traveled extensively to more than 40 states and 5 different countries.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Inkel of Bemidji; son, Ehren (Brittany) Inkel of Bemidji; brother, William Myers of Crystal River, FL and sisters, Patti Myers of Port Orange, FL and Jill Myers of West Union, WV.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Janice Myers.

A celebration of life potluck will be held on Sunday, June 4, at the main pavilion in Diamond Point Park from 1-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boy Scouts of America and/or Habitat for Humanity.

Online tributes at www.olsonschwartzfuneralhome.com

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