Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 2/17/2005

Frank J. Bickel

March 20, 1933 -- Feb. 15, 2005

Mr. Frank J. Bickel, 71, of Sheffield Avenue, Niles, Michigan, died unexpectedly but of natural causes at 2:48 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2005, in Lakeland Hospital, Niles.

He was born on March 20, 1933, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Otto Bickel and Clara (Gregory) Bickel, and had lived in the Niles area most of his life.

Mr. Bickel retired in May 1991 after 32 years as detective lieutenant for the Niles City Police Department. After his retirement he worked as a deputy for the Berrien County Sheriff's Department for six more years.

Mr. Bickel was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a past president of the Niles F.O.P. Little League in Niles and a member of the Niles Elks Lodge. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He was revered as a protector and friend to all in the Niles community.

On October 4, 1974, he married the former Nancy L. (Hess) Bickel in Niles, Michigan, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Tim J. (Paula) Bickel of Niles; and two grandchildren, Kelly and Bailey Bickel.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Bud Bickel, and a sister, Leona Willard.

Funeral services for Mr. Frank J. Bickel will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 18, in St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Carl Peltz of the church officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Bickel may be made to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation.

Editor: His God given name was Franklin