OBITUARY Eugene Bickel January 22, 1922 – October 3, 2018 Eugene Frederick “Gene” Bickel was born in Louisville, KY January 22, 1922 and peacefully passed away October 3, 2018. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Bernice May (Schmidt) Bickel and brother, Herman Bickel. Gene Bickel lived with and was raised in Louisville by his father, grandmother and aunts after his mother passed away when he was under a year old.
He was able to attend Elmhurst College because he expressed a desire to serve in the ministry to his pastor, at downtown St. Paul’s in Louisville, who saw potential in him. He and Bernice met while attending there. After graduation, they both went on to Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO, where Gene earned his Masters of Divinity.
Reverend Bickel then went on to his first church in Crothersville, IN. He served there until he was called to preside at Sunnydale Evangelical and Reformed Church in Louisville from 1947-1957. Gene next pastored at First Evangelical and Reformed Church (UCC) in Nashville, TN.
He eventually came to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in German Township where he stayed from 1964 until he retired from full-time ministry. Gene became chaplain at the Good Samaritan Home for a brief time and occasionally worked as a visiting minister. In addition to his ministry, Gene was active in the Evansville Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and the Hadi Shrine Temple in Evansville.
He was proud to attain a 33 degree. Gene is survived by elder sister, Ethel Bickel Voll; son, Daniel Eugene Bickel and wife Lori; son, J. Barry Bickel and wife Carrla; grandson, Russell Frederick Bickel and wife Charla; and great-grandson, James. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, as well as family in Germany.
Reverend Bickel was a much-beloved son, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was known for his deep faith, kindness, self-deprecating humor and the ability to fix anything – in his own unique way. Together, he and Bernice lived a life of service in both their church community and the greater communities in which they lived; the world was a better place with them in it.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Monday, October 8, 2018 at St. Paul’s UCC – German Township officiated by Pastor Terry Farmer. Friends may visit 4-8 PM Sunday, October 7 at Alexander West Chapel and Monday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. Both Gene and Bernice requested that any memorial contributions given in their memory be made in lieu of flowers to Emmaus Homes, 2200 Randolph Street, St. Charles, MO, 63301.
Condolences may be offered at www. AlexanderWestChapel.com.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
