John B. Bickel

John B. Bickel, 75, of Syracuse, IN passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Goshen Hospital. He was born on November 29, 1946 in Goshen, IN to Max & Margaret (Girten) Bickel.

He graduated in 1965 from Goshen High School and 1973 from Indiana University. He was United States Vietnam Army veteran where he served as an intelligence officer from 1968 – 1971 and received a bronze star. He was a lifetime Goshen / Syracuse area resident and was married on December 22, 1973 in North Webster, IN to Constance A. “Connie” (McNichol) Graber who survives. He formerly worked at Goshen Cushion, was co-owner / operator of Jean Lee Originals in Goshen, worked at Oaklawn in Goshen, 5 & 20 Restaurant in Shipshewana, Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, and was on the lake patrol in Syracuse.

He was a founding member of the St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Goshen where he served as sub-deacon, and was a member of the American Legion Post 223 in Syracuse. He was active in youth ministry and was a Goshen Hospice volunteer where he was the veteran’s specialist.

He is survived by:

Wife – Connie Bickel of Syracuse

2 Daughters – Debbie (Will) Griggs & Nicole (Ryan) Schwalm both of Syracuse

Son – Joseph Curie of Syracuse

6 Grandchildren

Sister – Rebecca Bonham of South Bend

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers – Michael & Donald “Skip” Bickel.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022 at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 65159 County Road 33, Goshen, IN. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 in the church with Fr. Matthew Wade officiating. Burial will follow in the Syracuse Cemetery with military graveside rites.

Preferred memorials may be given to the St. Mary’s Orthodox Church Building Fund, 65159 County Road 33, Goshen, IN 46528 or Goshen Home Care & Hospice, 1147 Professional Dr., Goshen, IN 46526.