March 23, 1952 - Jan. 26, 2013

EDWARDSBURG, Mich. - Donald "Skip" Bickel, 60, passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, while with his family, following a year-long battle with cancer.

He was born March 23, 1952, to Max and Margaret (Girten) Bickel.

Skip is survived by his wife, Jane (Weldy), and daughter, Jessica Dallas of St. Augustine, Fla. Also surviving are a sister, Rebecca Bonham of South Bend; brother John (Connie) Bickel of Syracuse; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Michael, at the tender age of 13.

Skip graduated from Goshen High in 1970 and attended Vincennes University. He was a 30-year marketing veteran of the van/truck conversion industry, was instrumental in the successful startup of Advantage Corp., Goshen, and re-structuring of Kustom Kreations, Alabama. He also owned Biarritz Motor Coach, Goshen and Cruiser's Auto/Truck Outfitters, Naples, Fla.

Skip was an avid golfer and member of Four Lakes Country Club. He was known by all as a man of integrity and honesty and enjoyed many very close friends. He was a big brute of a fellow who loved Notre Dame football and those who knew him best knew about his passion for men's fashion and penchant for hilarious story-telling and a good laugh.

We all love him and miss him desperately.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County Inc. or Cass County Cancer Services.

Keith and Carol Weldy, Marathon, FL Jane and Jessica: I am so very sorry I was unable to travel up there for Skip's celebration of life. I hope you both know that I loved him very much, both as a son-in-law and a friend. We had some very good times here, in Michigan, Alabama, Indiana, and wherever we all were gathered. Remember the time he showed up at Key Colony Point? What a surprize! We had a lot of laughs and that is what we have to remember. We love both of you and will be here for you whenever you need us. Dad and Carol.

Nikki Brubaker, Saint Augustine, FL I live in St. Augustine and know Jessica. My family is also from Goshen. It was nice to find one of our neighbors from our hometown of Goshen. Jessica expressed how close she was to Skip. I loved seeing the Notre Dame game photos of her and Skip...just wanted her to know that I'm thinking of her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Wendy Fletcher DNS, Elkhart, IN Jane, Thank you for allowing us to care for your husband it was an honor.His personality showed in his big smile.May your family find peace in this difficult time.God Bless

Les Eads, Elkhart, IN Jane, I am so sorry to hear of skips passing, I have known him sense high school! I had not seen him in a while and bumped into him two years ago at four lakes golf course. He was the same old skip, he lit up when I ask him about you! He has always been a class act. He will be missed!

Barb Loucks, Elkhart, IN Jane and Jessica...I am heartbroken but find peace that Skip (Skip-A-Liscous) has been the life of the party in heaven since his arrival - He is and always will be one of the kindest and most interesting people I've had the privledge of knowing...B

Diane Yoder Enos, Elkhart, IN Jane, my heartfelt sympathy to you in the loss of your wonderful husband, Skip. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

Gary Kellogg, Elkhart, IN I worked for Skip back in the Van Conversion days. He was a great Boss and knew the business plus a great sense of humor.

Myron Miller, Lebanon, PA Jane, I was so sad to hear of your loss. I didn't know Skip, but it sounds like he was a pretty amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Myron Miller.

Deb (Rensberger) Hanson, Elkhart, IN So sorry to read about Skip....he was a great guy. And a former classmate and northsider! He always had a great attitude and he will be missed.