Submitted by: Dan Rich

Eugene H. Bickel

Dec. 15, 1924 - July 29, 2001

South Bend Tribune 7/31/2001

NILES — Eugene H. "Pete" Bickel, 76, who resided on Chapel Street, Niles, Mich., passed away after a brief illness at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 29, in his home. Pete was born Dec. 15, 1924, in South Bend, Ind., to the late Henry J. and Lucy (Arata) Bickel.

On Feb. 6, 1956, in South Bend, Pete married Virginia (McWilliams) Cornwall, and they spent the last 45 years lovingly caring for each other. He was a veteran of World War II, having served his country with the Army Tank Corps. He worked for the C & E Trucking of South Bend as a driver, and later as garage manager, and retired in 1985. Pete was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Berrien Springs, Mich., Post 297 of the American Legion in New Carlisle, Ind., and Post 1855 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Dowagiac, Mich.

Leaving to cherish his memory are his wife, Virginia; six daughters, Nancy (Dennis) Mitchell of Niles, Connie (Marvin) Novak of Michigan City, Ind., Kathy (Wayne) Novak of Michigan City, Christine (Darryl) Thompson of Morley, Mich., Sue Ann (Douglas) Stringfellow of Edwardsburg, Mich., and Sally Cornwall of Edwardsburg; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Pete has a brother, Charles (Kathryn) Bickel of Riverside, Calif.; and two sisters, Barbara (Dick) Bauer of AuGres, Mich., and Martha (Harold) Giles of San Bernardino, Calif. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Julia Erdelyi and Patricia Keller; and by two brothers, Henry Jr. and Richard. Pete was a very devoted husband, father and grandpa, adored by all who knew him. He loved the outdoors and working in his woodshop.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. (Mich. time) on Thursday, Aug. 2, in the Trinity Lutheran Church of Berrien Springs, with Rev. Gary Williams, pastor, officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. (Mich. time) on Wednesday, Aug. 1, in the Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Morris Chapel Cemetery, Niles. The family requested that memorial contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 9123 George Street, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. The Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg, is handling arrangements.