Submitted by: Dan Rich
April 20, 1909 - Dec. 10, 1996
South Bend Tribune 12/13/1996
Louis A. Bickel, 87, of Ruskin, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 10, in Sun City, Fla.
Mr. Bickel was born on April 20, 1909, in Mishawaka, Ind., and was a resident of Mishawaka until 1958, at which time he moved to Elkhart, Ind. He resided there until 1993, when he then moved to Florida.
In June of 1934, in Mishawaka, he married Ruth L. Gerlach. She preceded him in death in October of 1993.
Mr. Bickel is survived by a daughter, Karin Wilson of Highland, Ind.; a son, Jules, and daughter-in-law, Lynne Bickel of Elkhart; seven grandchildren, Julie Leer, Susan Wilson, Joy Wilson, Angie Bickel Smith, Jeff Wilson, Scott Wilson and Nicholes Bickel; nine great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alice Dygulski of Mishawaka.
Mr. Bickel was a former employee of Sollitt Construction in South Bend for 18 years as a construction supervisor on many landmark buildings in this area, including the Notre Dame Stadium. Mr. Bickel retired from Miles Laboratory in 1965, after 20 years of service, at which time he entered into private business. He was active in the Osolo Lions Club and was a former member of Knights of Columbus in Mishawaka and presently a member of Knights of Columbus in Elkhart.
Cremation has taken place in Florida.
A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mishawaka with Rev. Robert Yast officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka.