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Connie Lou Bickel, age 82, of Constantine, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital. She was born in Three Rivers on August 16, 1942, a daughter of Earl and Claire (Bennett) Hartman. Connie was part of the Constantine High School class of 1960, and also completed her degree in Beauty College. She owned and operated Connie’s Beauty Corner in Middlebury, along with operating the family farm for 56 years. On September 9, 1958, Connie married Doyle Lunger, they were later divorced, and he preceded her in death on April 7, 2012. On July 3, 1981, Connie married Gordon L. Bickel, Sr. at the Constantine United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death May 21, 2013.
Connie was a member of the Cass County Conservation Club, where she and Gordon established the Bickel Scholarship, a lifetime member of Constantine United Methodist Church, and a former member of the Red Hat Society and Goshen Moose Lodge.
Surviving Connie are her sons, Gordon (Brenda) Bickel, Jr., Jones, Steven (Laurie) Lunger, Quincy, Gregg Bickel, Union; daughters Dian (Daniel) Warren, White Pigeon, Gayl (Scott Hunt ) Price, Union; 9 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; sister Carol (Bill) Rumsey Jones; an several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; grandson Brian Bickel; and great grandson Gabriel Warren.
Relatives and friends will be received on Saturday January 25, 2025 from 11AM to 1PM at Constantine United Methodist Church. Memorial Services will immediately follow at 1:00 with pastor Karen Wheat officiating. You are encouraged to wear bright colors, especially purple. A reception will follow at the Cass County Conservation Club. A private interment of ashes will take place at a later date at Shavehead Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the church or the Cass County Conservation Club Bickel Scholarship Fund. Visit Connie’s memorial page to leave a message for her family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
