Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 3/30/2005

Mary Jo Bickel

Nov. 4, 1917 -- March 28, 2005

Mary Jo Bickel, 87, of Mishawaka, passed away Monday morning, March 28, 2005, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

Mary Jo was born on November 4, 1917, in Kokomo, a daughter of Albert and Margaret (Wright) Sheets. She grew up in LaPorte where she graduated from LaPorte High School. Mary Jo married Earle J. Bickel on September 27, 1941, and the couple settled in Mishawaka. She was employed as a seamstress at Max Adler's and Newman's Apparel Store, and also did work from her home.

Mary Jo was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka. She belonged to the church's Rosary Society and started the book rental system at St. Monica School. Mary Jo's church work was a very important part of her life. She was also a Cub Scout den mother and a Camp Fire leader. Mary Jo served as a crossing guard at the old Northside School for many years. She was a dedicated Democrat, and for many years she was a precinct poll worker and inspector.

Most of all, Mary Jo is remembered as being a good mother and grandmother. Her surviving family includes her three children, Kenneth (Jo Ann) Bickel of Elkhart, David (Brenda) Bickel of South Bend and Kathleen Marie of Mishawaka; eight grandchildren, Kevin Bickel, Mark Bickel, Richard Bickel, Jennifer Schafer, Shannon Warner, Celia Bickel-Beals, Lindsey Huesman and Maureen Trimnell; 14 great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Taylor, Gracie, Kaley, Sam, Emily and Caroline Bickel, Kyle and Sara Schafer, Jenna and Justin Warner, Jared Beals, and Kali and Wyatt Huesman; two brothers, Donald (Carolyn) Sheets and William (Joan) Sheets; and a sister, Marjorie (Fred) Baldini.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband.

Friends may spend time with Mary Jo's family on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka, where a prayer service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., with Rev. William Schooler officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Mishawaka.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Monica School. Envelopes are available in the funeral home.